World Whiskey Society has announced something unprecedented in its history: the organization's first-ever barrel pick made available directly to the public. But this release represents far more than just another bourbon hitting the market.
The announcement centers on a collaboration with Hearts & Barrels, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness and funds for families dealing with congenital heart disease. Every dollar from bottle sales will directly support children battling CHD and their families during their most challenging moments.
A Personal Mission Drives the Release
At the center of this effort stands Dillon Larrimore, whose son Daxton faces a future heart transplant. Larrimore's connection to the cause transforms this from a simple product launch into something deeply personal.
"This isn't just about picking great whiskey - it's about turning something I love into something that helps kids like my son. Every bottle from this pick represents hope, community, and giving back," Larrimore explained.
The barrel selection took place at World Whiskey Society headquarters, where Larrimore joined a group of whiskey enthusiasts to evaluate and choose barrels that met exacting standards. The process focused not only on finding exceptional bourbon but on creating something meaningful that could make a tangible difference.
Two Barrels, Limited Availability
The release consists of just 350 bottles split between two distinct offerings. Buyers can choose from a Doc Holliday 6-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon priced at $89 or a Doc Holliday 10-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon at $169.
Image credit: World Whiskey Society
Both expressions were selected with careful attention to character, depth, and craftsmanship—qualities that define World Whiskey Society's approach to barrel selection. The organization emphasizes that these bottles were chosen to deliver the same level of quality expected from any of their releases while serving a cause greater than the whiskey itself.
Image credit: World Whiskey Society
The bottles are currently available through pre-sale, with orders expected to ship within two to three weeks. World Whiskey Society has made clear that once the 350 bottles sell out, no additional inventory will be produced. The limited nature of the release adds urgency for those interested in supporting the initiative.
Understanding Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart disease affects approximately one in every 100 babies born in the United States, making it the most common type of birth defect. Families navigating CHD face extraordinary medical expenses, emotional stress, and logistical challenges that can span years or even a lifetime.
Children with severe forms of CHD often require multiple surgeries, ongoing cardiac care, and in some cases, heart transplants. The financial burden on families can be devastating, even with insurance coverage. Beyond the medical bills, parents frequently miss work, travel for specialized treatment, and manage the psychological toll of watching their child endure repeated procedures.
Hearts & Barrels steps into this gap, providing both financial assistance and raising awareness about a condition that many people don't fully understand until it affects their own family.
Bourbon Culture Meets Charitable Giving
The whiskey community has increasingly embraced charitable initiatives in recent years, with distilleries and independent bottlers using limited releases to support various causes. This approach leverages the collectible nature of single-barrel picks and the passionate following within bourbon enthusiast circles.
Single-barrel selections have become a cornerstone of bourbon culture, allowing retailers, bars, private groups, and now charitable organizations to create unique offerings that can't be replicated. Each barrel produces slightly different flavor profiles, even when drawn from the same distillery and aged for the same duration, making every pick a one-time opportunity.
World Whiskey Society's decision to make their first public barrel pick a charitable endeavor sets a noteworthy precedent. Rather than using this milestone release purely for commercial purposes, the organization has chosen to amplify a cause that resonates personally with one of their collaborators.
The Selection Process
Barrel picking has become an art form within the whiskey industry. Participants typically sample multiple barrels, evaluating each for aroma, flavor complexity, mouthfeel, and finish. The goal is identifying a barrel that stands out from standard bottlings while representing the best characteristics of the distillery's house style.
For the Hearts & Barrels selection, participants gathered at World Whiskey Society headquarters to conduct this evaluation. The group had to choose from barrels of both 6-year and 10-year Doc Holliday Kentucky Straight Bourbon, ultimately selecting one of each age statement.
The 6-year expression typically offers brighter, more vibrant notes with pronounced grain character and developing oak influence. The 10-year bourbon generally presents deeper complexity, more integrated wood spices, and a richer, more mature profile. Having both options allows buyers to choose based on personal preference while supporting the same cause.
Beyond This Release
World Whiskey Society has indicated that private barrel picks remain available for retailers, bars, brands, and whiskey groups interested in creating their own special releases. Interested parties can reach out through Instagram by contacting @biggmikesbourbon or via email at info@worldwhiskey.com.
The organization offers free shipping on all orders exceeding $150, making the 10-year expression eligible for complimentary delivery on its own, while two bottles of the 6-year bourbon would qualify for the same benefit.
A Different Kind of Limited Release
The bourbon market has seen no shortage of limited releases in recent years. Distilleries and independent bottlers regularly create scarcity through small-batch productions, special finishes, and allocated distributions. Consumers have grown accustomed to hunting for rare bottles and entering lotteries for the chance to purchase sought-after expressions.
What distinguishes the Hearts & Barrels release isn't rarity for rarity's sake. The limited nature serves the cause rather than simply creating market demand. Every bottle sold represents direct financial support for families in crisis, transforming what could be another shelf trophy into something with measurable real-world impact.
For buyers, the purchase becomes more than acquiring another bourbon. It's an investment in helping families like the Larrimores navigate the extraordinary challenges of congenital heart disease while obtaining a carefully selected, quality bourbon in the process.
Looking Forward
The collaboration between World Whiskey Society and Hearts & Barrels demonstrates how the bourbon community can leverage its passion and purchasing power for meaningful charitable work. As awareness of congenital heart disease grows and more families share their stories, initiatives like this provide both immediate financial relief and long-term support for ongoing medical needs.
Dillon Larrimore's willingness to connect his personal struggle with his love of whiskey has created an opportunity for hundreds of bourbon enthusiasts to contribute to a cause they might never have encountered otherwise. His son Daxton's future heart transplant remains years away, but the funds raised through this barrel pick will help support families facing similar journeys right now.
The pre-sale status means bottles haven't yet shipped, but interest in the release signals that the whiskey community responds when given the opportunity to support worthy causes through their hobby. Whether buyers choose the 6-year or 10-year expression, they're participating in something that extends well beyond the contents of the bottle.
With only 350 bottles available and no plans for additional production, those interested in supporting Hearts & Barrels through this release will need to act while inventory remains. Once these bottles are gone, the opportunity disappears—but the impact on families fighting congenital heart disease will continue.
