As America gears up to celebrate its 250th birthday, there's a new way for folks who appreciate a good pour of whiskey to join in the festivities. The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration, or KBCA for short, just rolled out details on one of its standout auction items—a special Old Forester experience that's all about honoring the bold moves that built this country. Set for Presidents' Day Weekend from February 13 to 15, 2026, this event is shaping up to be a must-attend for anyone who loves bourbon's deep roots in American history.
The KBCA is kicking things off with a series called "12 Lots of Bourbon," where they're unveiling rare bottles, barrels, and one-of-a-kind experiences bit by bit, like a countdown to the big auction. The latest reveal is called "Revolution," and it's a nod to the American Revolution—the fight for independence that started it all. But it's also a tip of the hat to Old Forester, a brand that's been pushing boundaries in the bourbon world since way back. This lot ties right into the nation's upcoming milestone, reminding everyone how innovation and grit have kept things moving forward, both in history and in a glass of fine whiskey.
Andrew Varga, the guy who started the KBCA, put it this way in a recent news release: "As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, ‘Revolution’ reflects the courage to challenge convention and set new standards, which are values that define both our country and Old Forester’s legacy. This lot captures the spirit of progress and perseverance that has shaped America for 250 years, while offering the most immersive bourbon experience in the world." Varga's background in the spirits business makes him the perfect person to pull this together, blending patriotism with the kind of hands-on bourbon adventure that gets guys talking around the fire pit.
So, what's in this "Revolution" lot? It's an Old Forester Single Barrel, Barrel Strength Selection Experience, and it sounds like the ultimate day out for bourbon fans. The winning bidder gets to bring along up to five buddies for a private tour at the Old Forester Distillery right there in Louisville, Kentucky. A distillery expert will guide the group through the whole process, letting them pick out a single barrel themselves. Once selected, that barrel gets bottled straight at barrel strength—no watering down—and slapped with a custom label just for the winner. On average, you're looking at about 160 bottles in the standard 750ml size, though the exact number can shift depending on the barrel. It's the kind of personal touch that turns a simple drink into a story you tell for years.
Campbell Brown, who's the great-great-grandson of Old Forester's founder George Garvin Brown, summed it up nicely: "Selecting a single barrel is one of the most personal and exclusive experiences we can offer. It connects people directly to our unique process and innovative history. Including this experience in the inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction during America’s 250th anniversary year is a meaningful way to celebrate our shared revolutionary spirit." Hearing from someone with that family tie really drives home how Old Forester isn't just another label—it's part of the fabric of American whiskey-making.
Digging into Old Forester's backstory, it's clear why "Revolution" fits so well. The brand hit the scene in 1870 as the first bourbon sold exclusively in bottles, which was a game-changer back then. Before that, folks were scooping whiskey straight from barrels, and quality could be hit or miss. Old Forester set the bar for consistency and trust, giving people something reliable to count on. And get this—they kept distilling legally through Prohibition, the only bourbon brand to pull that off without a break. That kind of staying power echoes the same determination that fueled the revolutionaries who founded the U.S. It's like bourbon's own tale of resilience, mirroring the country's journey through tough times.
This Old Forester lot isn't flying solo in the auction. It's joining a couple of other heavy hitters that were announced earlier: an Elijah Craig Single Barrel experience over at Heaven Hill Distillery, and a Four Roses private selection barrel pick. Each one offers that insider access to top distilleries, making the whole "12 Lots of Bourbon" series a collector's dream. The KBCA plans to drop the final lot soon, but they're keeping the buzz going with more surprises right up to the event. It's all building toward a celebration that highlights bourbon as America's homegrown spirit, weaving in stories of independence and forward-thinking that guys who enjoy history with their highball can really get behind.
What makes this auction even more worthwhile is where the money goes. Proceeds from the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration are headed straight to the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which helps veterans, active service members, and their families. It's a solid way to give back to the people who've stepped up to protect the freedoms that kicked off with that original revolution. In a time when everyone's looking for ways to honor the past while supporting those who serve today, this ties it all together neatly.
The KBCA itself is a fresh take on celebrating Kentucky's bourbon heritage. Founded in Louisville by Andrew Varga, who's got years under his belt in the spirits industry, it's billed as a first-of-its-kind event. The team behind it includes some real pros: Tim Laird, known as America's CEO – Chief Entertaining Officer; his wife Lori Laird; Larry Profancik, who used to be VP and Executive Creative Director at PriceWeber; and brand strategist Henrietta Pepper. These folks know how to make an event memorable, blending education, fun, and a good cause. For anyone wanting to stay in the loop on more lot announcements, tickets, or just general updates, the website is www.KYBCA.com - easy to bookmark and check back on.
Events like this remind us why bourbon holds a special place for so many. It's not just about the taste; it's about the stories, the craftsmanship, and the connections to bigger American ideals. As the country hits that 250-year mark, "Revolution" and the rest of the KBCA lineup offer a chance to raise a glass to where we've been and where we're headed. Whether you're a longtime collector or just someone who enjoys cracking open a bottle with friends, this auction could be the highlight of the year.
