Past Events
The Beginning: Whiskey Pig 2015
Bourbon Bonanza began as a humble gathering with a big heart. The inaugural event, Whiskey Pig, took place on September 17, 2015, with no one realizing it would ignite a charitable movement within the bourbon community.
That night, Chefs Newman Miller and Sean Brock treated guests to an incredible spread of Southern fare, while Bill Thomas and his team from Jack Rose Dining Saloon poured rare and vintage whiskeys. Drew Kulsveen of Willett Distillery selected an 11-year bourbon for the occasion—Barrel #1379, simply named Whiskey Pig 2015. At 127.2 proof, with a yield of just 67 bottles, this bourbon would go on to be recognized as one of the most iconic bottles of the last 20 years.
The event was an overwhelming success, raising $16,000 for Feeding America and laying the foundation for what is now the Bourbon Bonanza Benefit. Today, Bourbon Bonanza continues this legacy, bringing together whiskey lovers, industry legends, and world-class chefs to support important causes while celebrating the finest spirits.
Bourbon Bonanza 2016: A Legendary Night
After a successful inaugural event, Bourbon Bonanza Benefit soared to new heights in 2016. Determined to outdo themselves, the team expanded its ranks, welcoming Mike Miller, owner of Delilah's Bar (Chicago, IL), as a principal partner. With an eye for excellence, Drew Kulsveen opened the Willett rickhouse, allowing the team to select three extraordinary barrels of whiskey for the event.
A Whiskey Selection for the Ages
- B79 – A 23-Year Wheated Bourbon | An unbelievably special and rare whiskey.
- Barrel #1411 – A 12-Year Bourbon | Hailing from a legendary run of bottles, this instantly became a fan favorite.
- Rye #66 – A 10-Year Rye | The most surprising bottle of the night, with many calling it their favorite young Willett rye ever bottled.
A Culinary Experience Like No Other
Bourbon Bonanza isn't just about whiskey—it's also about world-class cuisine. In 2016, guests were treated to an elevated Southern dining experience crafted by a trio of renowned chefs:
- Host Chef Newman Miller
- Chef Sean Brock
- Chef Tyler Brown
Together, they curated an unforgettable smorgasbord of Southern-inspired delights.
A Surprise for the Ages
Just when the night couldn't get any better, Hollywood legend Bill Murray made a surprise appearance as a guest of Chef Brock. Murray fully embraced the moment—joining the band for a few songs, taking photos, and signing autographs for delighted attendees.
A Night That Made a Difference
Beyond the unforgettable whiskey, food, and special guests, Bourbon Bonanza 2016 made a lasting impact by raising $60,000 for charity. This milestone reinforced the event's mission—to celebrate exceptional bourbon while giving back to the community.
The 2016 Bourbon Bonanza Benefit was truly one for the history books, setting the stage for even greater events to come.
Bourbon Bonanza 2017: Raising the Bar
Following the overwhelming success of the 2016 Bourbon Bonanza Benefit, excitement for 2017 reached an all-time high. Expectations were sky-high, and organizers Rachel Miller & Jared Hyman, alongside the team, were ready to deliver an even bigger and better experience for attendees.
An Unforgettable Culinary Experience
The Southern culinary world was once again well represented, with an exceptional lineup of chefs and artisans:
- Chef Newman Miller partnered with Louisville restaurateur Ryan Rogers and Chef Andrew McCabe of Bar Vetti to craft an unforgettable menu.
- Legendary ham producer Dwight Muse of Dakota Hams donated and hand-sliced an aged ham on-site, adding a unique touch to the evening's offerings.
Whiskey Selections That Defined the Night
To match the heightened anticipation, Willett Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen pulled out all the stops, offering three exceptional aged bourbons along with a special young Willett rye available for purchase upon departure:
- Barrel #1483 – 13-Year Bourbon (126 Proof)
- Barrel #1594 – 15-Year Bourbon (116.6 Proof)
- Barrel #3603 – 26-Year Bourbon (112.6 Proof)
- Barrel #235 – 5-Year Rye (116.8 Proof)
A Collector's Dream
Beyond Willett's outstanding selections, Bill Thomas of Jack Rose Dining Saloon and Mike Miller of Delilah's Bar brought an incredible collection of vintage whiskey and one-off bottlings, ensuring a truly one-of-a-kind tasting experience.
Making a Lasting Impact
The 2017 Bourbon Bonanza Benefit was a resounding success, raising $66,500 for the Guthrie Opportunity Center in Bardstown, KY, furthering the event's commitment to giving back to the community.
With another historic night of whiskey, food, and philanthropy, Bourbon Bonanza continued its tradition of excellence, setting the stage for even greater events to come.
Bourbon Bonanza 2018: Hitting Its Stride
By 2018, Bourbon Bonanza had firmly established itself as the premier annual bourbon charity event in the country. Organizers Jared Hyman and Rachel Miller, along with the team of partners, continued to push boundaries, ensuring that each year brought new, exciting experiences while highlighting the best people and businesses in the whiskey community.
A Culinary Showcase Like No Other
Once again, the culinary world was well represented, featuring an exceptional lineup of chefs who crafted an unforgettable menu:
- Chef Newman Miller | Harrison Smith House (Bardstown, KY)
- Chef Andrew McCabe | Bar Vetti (Louisville, KY)
- Chef Todd Stein | Formento's (Chicago, IL)
Legendary ham producer Dwight Muse of Dakota Hams returned, donating and hand-slicing an aged ham on-site for guests, adding a signature Southern touch to the evening.
A Whiskey Selection for the Ages
In keeping with the event's reputation, Willett Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen delivered another incredible lineup of whiskeys, featuring four exceptional aged bourbons and a special young Willett rye available for purchase:
- Barrel #1566 – 16-Year Bourbon (123.8 Proof)
- Barrel #1578 – 16-Year Bourbon (119 Proof)
- Barrel #3676 – 16-Year Bourbon (121 Proof)
- Barrel #9499 – 7-Year Bourbon (123.2 Proof)
- Barrel #97 – 6-Year Rye (117 Proof)
A Collector's Dream
Beyond Willett's extraordinary offerings, Bill Thomas of Jack Rose Dining Saloon and Mike Miller of Delilah's Bar curated an impressive collection of vintage whiskey and rare bottlings, making for an unparalleled tasting experience.
A Night That Gave Back
More than just a celebration of whiskey and food, the 2018 Bourbon Bonanza Benefit made a lasting impact, raising an impressive $70,000 for the Guthrie Opportunity Center in Bardstown, KY.
With another historic evening of world-class bourbon, gourmet cuisine, and philanthropy, Bourbon Bonanza continued to cement its legacy, setting the stage for even greater events in the years to come.
Bourbon Bonanza 2022: A Rebirth
After a brief hiatus, Bourbon Bonanza made its triumphant return in 2022. In late 2021, Jeeps for Joy founder Mike Jasinski teamed up with Quintin Wise to resurrect the event, with Quintin stepping into the role of organizer. To expand Bourbon Bonanza's reach, they partnered with Tommy Patrick of The Ballard Cut to host the first-ever West Coast rendition of Kentucky's premier bourbon charity event.
A Culinary Showcase Like No Other
The culinary lineup was as impressive as ever, featuring a diverse group of chefs who brought their unique styles to the table:
- Chef Newman Miller | Harrison Smith House (Bardstown, KY)
- Chef Rachael Peebles | The Ballard Cut (Seattle, WA)
- Chef Scott Drewo | ChiKo (Washington, D.C.)
- Chef Kevin Smith | Beast & Cleaver (Seattle, WA)
A Whiskey Selection for the Ages
Willett Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen once again delivered an extraordinary lineup of whiskeys, featuring four aged bourbons and three different rye barrels, making for an unforgettable tasting experience:
- Barrel #2142 – 9-Year Bourbon (123.8 Proof)
- Barrel #4380 – 9-Year Bourbon (140.6 Proof)
- Barrel #4786 – 9-Year Bourbon (138.4 Proof)
- Barrel #4778 – 9-Year Bourbon (137.6 Proof)
- Barrel #2453 – 9-Year Rye (118.2 Proof)
- Barrel #2407 – 9-Year Rye (118.0 Proof)
- Barrel #2394 – 9-Year Rye (117.6 Proof)
A Collector's Dream
In addition to Willett’s exceptional offerings, Bill Thomas of Jack Rose Dining Saloon and Mike Miller of Delilah’s Bar joined forces with host Tommy Patrick and The Ballard Cut to curate an extraordinary collection of vintage whiskeys and rare bottlings. Whiskey enthusiast Emerson Shotwell generously volunteered to oversee the silent auction, which featured an impressive array of hard-to-find collectible bottles. Together, their efforts helped make this one of the most highly anticipated whiskey events of the year.
A Night That Gave Back
More than just a celebration of whiskey and food, the 2022 Bourbon Bonanza Benefit set a new fundraising record, raising an incredible $246,000. The proceeds supported The Ballard FC Foundation, Bethany Haven, Guthrie Opportunity Center, and Garage Community Center, making a meaningful impact on multiple communities.
With another historic evening of world-class bourbon, gourmet cuisine, and philanthropy, Bourbon Bonanza renewed its legacy, setting the stage for even greater events in the years to come.
Bourbon Bonanza 2023: Finding New Heights
Bourbon Bonanza made its triumphant return in 2022 and it was a smashing success as there were 225 people in attendance and a record $246,000 was raised for charity that day. In 2023, there was a focus to outdo ourselves yet again and make the event even better. Blocking off a street in downtown Ballard for the second consecutive year, we limited the space to 275 guests and threw the best party of the year. Seattle's own, rapper Travis Thompson, played a set that had people walking down the street stopping to listen.
A Culinary Showcase Like No Other
The culinary lineup was as impressive as ever, featuring a diverse group of chefs who brought their unique styles to the table:
- Chef Newman Miller | Harrison Smith House (Bardstown, KY)
- Chef Rachael Peebles | The Ballard Cut (Seattle, WA)
- Chef Ethan Stowell | How to Cook A Wolf (Seattle, WA)
- Chef Kevin Smith | Beast & Cleaver (Seattle, WA)
- Chef Zach Lake l Sailfish (Seattle, WA)
A Whiskey Selection for the Ages
Willett Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen once again delivered an extraordinary lineup of whiskeys, featuring four aged bourbons and three different rye barrels, making for an unforgettable tasting experience:
- Barrel #6737 – 9-Year Bourbon (135.4 Proof)
- Barrel #6464 – 9-Year Bourbon (131.2 Proof)
- Barrel #5260 – 9-Year Bourbon (132 Proof)
- Barrel #2883 – 10-Year Bourbon (136.4 Proof)
- Barrel #9487 – 5-Year Bourbon (126.6 Proof)
- Barrel #5290 – 9-Year Bourbon (142.8 Proof)
- Barrel #2313 – 10-Year Rye (118 Proof)
- Barrel #2444 – 10-Year Rye (121.2 Proof)
- Barrel #6207 – 9-Year Rye (132.2 Proof)
A Collector's Dream
Beyond Willett’s remarkable lineup, the event showcased an exceptional vintage and rare whiskey selection, thoughtfully curated by Bill Thomas of Jack Rose Dining Saloon and Mike Miller of Delilah’s Bar, alongside host Tommy Patrick and The Ballard Cut. Adding to the experience, whiskey aficionado Emerson Shotwell took charge of the silent auction, which featured a coveted assortment of collectible bottles. Thanks to the collaboration of these passionate experts, the event quickly earned a reputation as one of the year’s must-attend gatherings for whiskey lovers.
A Night That Gave Back
More than just an evening of exceptional whiskey and cuisine, the 2023 Bourbon Bonanza Benefit achieved a new milestone, raising an impressive $300,000 for charity. The event's proceeds directly supported The Ballard FC Foundation, Bethany Haven, Guthrie Opportunity Center, and Garage Community Center, helping to make a lasting difference in multiple communities.
With an unforgettable night of fine bourbon, outstanding food, and generosity, Bourbon Bonanza once again lived up to its reputation, solidifying its place as the most exciting and impactful event of the year.
Bourbon Bonanza 2024: Hitting the Road
After two incredible years in Seattle, Bourbon Bonanza took its signature event to a new city. Partnering with Mike Miller of Delilah's Bar, the team brought the celebration to Chicago, placing it at the heart of the country's whiskey scene. The West Loop's Bottom Lounge, a music club owned by Miller, provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night. Elevating the experience even further, Unicorn Auctions sponsored the VIP area, ensuring an exclusive and elevated tasting experience.
A Culinary Experience to Remember
This year's chef lineup brought together an impressive mix of culinary talent, each contributing their unique touch to the evening's menu:
- Chef Newman Miller | Harrison Smith House (Bardstown, KY)
- Chef Paul Kahan | One Off Hospitality (Chicago, IL)
- Chef Rob Levitt | Publican Quality Meats (Chicago, IL)
- Chef Greg Wade | Publican Quality Bread (Chicago, IL)
- Chef Joe Spain | The Publican (Chicago, IL)
- Roderick Markus | Rare Tea Cellars (Chicago, IL)
A Whiskey Selection That Stole the Show
As always, Willett Master Distiller Drew Kulsveen curated a stellar selection of whiskeys, including rare bourbons and rye barrels that made for an extraordinary tasting experience:
- Barrel #4297 – 11-Year Bourbon (140.8 Proof)
- Barrel #2153 – 11-Year Bourbon (122.6 Proof)
- Barrel #1036 – 12-Year Bourbon (105.8 Proof) "The Consensus"
- Barrel #2370 – 11-Year Rye (126.4 Proof) "Always Room For One More"
- Barrel #2606 – 7-Year Rye (107.8 Proof) "The Freshman"
A Collector's Paradise
In addition to Willett’s exclusive barrels, Bill Thomas of Jack Rose Dining Saloon, Tommy Patrick and The Ballard Cut, and host Mike Miller of Delilah’s Bar came together to assemble a truly unmatched collection of vintage whiskeys and rare releases. Whiskey enthusiast Emerson Shotwell graciously stepped in to manage the silent auction, which showcased a remarkable selection of hard-to-find collectible bottles. Their combined efforts elevated the event into one of the most eagerly awaited whiskey gatherings of the year.
Raising a Glass for a Cause
More than just a night of indulgence, Bourbon Bonanza 2024 made a lasting impact, raising an incredible $150,000 for charity. Proceeds from the event directly benefited Pilot Light, Bethany Haven, Guthrie Opportunity Center, and Garage Community Center, continuing the tradition of giving back to meaningful causes.
With world-class bourbon, an outstanding culinary experience, and a commitment to philanthropy, Bourbon Bonanza once again exceeded expectations, proving that no matter the city, this event continues to be one of the most exciting whiskey gatherings of the year.
