In the small town of Hickman, Kentucky, something special is happening. Jackson Purchase Distillery (JPD), a hidden gem in the bourbon world, has put up a single barrel of its expertly crafted whiskey for auction. This isn’t just any barrel—it’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity for bourbon fans to get their hands on a product that’s usually reserved for big-name brands. Even better, every dollar from the winning bid goes straight to Ken-Tenn EMS, a local nonprofit that provides life-saving emergency medical services to Fulton County, Kentucky, and South Fulton, Tennessee.
A Bourbon Lover’s Dream
Jackson Purchase Distillery isn’t a name you’ll find on store shelves. That’s because their bourbon, made with care by some of the best in the business, is sold exclusively to select whiskey labels looking to blend top-quality spirits into their own products. Located in the western corner of Kentucky, JPD has quickly earned a reputation as one of the state’s fastest-growing distilleries. Their secret? A combination of custom mash bills, pure calcium-rich groundwater, and traditional copper stills made right in Kentucky.
The barrel up for grabs is a fresh, unaged 53-gallon beauty filled with a premium mix of 70% corn, 20% rye, and 10% malted barley. It went into the barrel at 120 proof and is now resting in a charred white oak barrel—number 4 char, to be exact. All the corn comes from local farmers in the Jackson Purchase area, giving this bourbon a true taste of the region. Once the four-year aging process is done, the winner can expect around 175 bottles of smooth, rich whiskey to enjoy or share.
What makes this auction even cooler is that the winner doesn’t just get the bourbon. They also get to age it in one of JPD’s brand-new rickhouses, where the whiskey will develop its flavor over time. When it’s ready, JPD will handle the bottling and labeling, and the winner will walk away with a custom barrel top signed by two legends: Master Distiller Craig Beam and Assistant Master Distiller Terry Ballard. These guys know their stuff, and their signatures are a stamp of quality any bourbon fan would be proud to own.
Supporting a Worthy Cause
The money from this auction isn’t going into JPD’s pockets—it’s all for Ken-Tenn EMS. This community-supported service keeps two Advanced Life Support ambulances ready to roll, one stationed in Fulton and the other in Hickman. Every day, their team is out there handling serious car accidents, providing care at local sports games, and stepping up whenever someone’s life is on the line. They’re the kind of folks who make a real difference, and they rely on donations to keep their equipment up to date and their services running strong.
The barrel was donated during a special event when Kentucky’s Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman visited JPD to dedicate their first traditional rickhouse. It was a big moment for the distillery, and they chose to mark it by giving back to the community that supports them. Now, bidders have a chance to join in that spirit of generosity while scoring some seriously good bourbon.
How to Get In on the Action
The auction is live right now, and time’s ticking—there are just a few days left to place a bid as of writing this article. The current high bid sits at $4,000, but that number could climb fast as more people hear about this rare opportunity. Anyone interested can head over to http://bit.ly/barrelauction to check it out and throw their hat in the ring.
This isn’t just a purchase—it’s an experience. The winner gets to follow their barrel’s journey from fresh fill to finished product, knowing they’ve helped out a vital local service along the way. Plus, with only one barrel up for grabs, it’s a chance to own something truly unique in the bourbon world.
Why This Matters
For bourbon lovers, JPD’s whiskey is a treat that’s usually out of reach. Craig Beam and Terry Ballard pour their expertise into every batch, creating spirits that stand out even among Kentucky’s crowded field of distilleries. The fact that this barrel is available to the public is a big deal, and the four-year wait only adds to the anticipation. By the time it’s ready, the winner will have a stash of about 175 bottles to sip, share, or save for special occasions.
Meanwhile, Ken-Tenn EMS gets a boost to keep doing what they do best: saving lives. Whether it’s rushing to a wreck on the highway or stabilizing someone at a football game, their team is always prepared to step in with skill and compassion. The funds from this auction will help them buy new gear and keep their ambulances ready for whatever comes next.
A Win-Win for Everyone
This auction is one of those rare moments where everyone comes out ahead. JPD gets to show off their incredible bourbon and give back to their community. Ken-Tenn EMS gets the support they need to keep serving Fulton County and South Fulton. And the lucky winner gets to claim a piece of Kentucky bourbon history, complete with bragging rights and a whole lot of bottles to enjoy down the road.
So, if someone’s looking for a way to mix their love of bourbon with a good cause, this is it. Head to the auction site, place a bid, and get ready to be part of something special. With just a few days left, there’s still time to make it happen—but don’t wait too long, because a barrel this good won’t stick around forever.
