Kentucky distillery J. Mattingly 1845 has launched a limited-edition bourbon to support families affected by April’s devastating floods in Franklin County. The special release will donate $30 from each bottle sale to local flood recovery efforts.
The lower Ohio Valley experienced severe flooding in early April following multiple rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms. The Kentucky River crested at near-record levels in Frankfort, the state capital, causing widespread damage throughout the community. While J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery escaped flood damage, the company responded by creating a charitable bourbon release to help affected residents.
J. Mattingly 1845 Partners with Community Fund
The distillery has partnered with the Franklin County Community Fund to distribute proceeds from Frankfort Rising bourbon sales. Each bottle sold will contribute $30 directly to families recovering from flood losses. The initiative aims to raise a minimum of $10,000 for local relief efforts.
“Seeing the devastation of the floodwaters here in our new hometown was just heartbreaking, and we wanted to do something to help,” said Susanna Westerfield, director of consumer experience at J. Mattingly 1845. “Through our partnership with the Franklin County Community Fund, we hope to raise at least $10,000 to help our local friends and neighbors recover from their horrific losses.”
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The limited-edition release represents the distillery’s commitment to supporting its local community during the recovery process.
Frankfort Rising Bourbon
Frankfort Rising Bourbon is a 5-year-old bourbon bottled at 112 proof. The maturation process involved adding additional charred oak staves to each barrel, amping up the flavors of graham cracker, oak, rye, vanilla, and nuts.
The bourbon will become available at the J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery from 4 PM on August 4th with a suggested RRP of $120 per bottle. $30 from each sale will fund community support for those affected by the recent floods in Franklin County.
Frankfort Rising Supports Long-Term Recovery
The April floods impacted nearly everyone in the Franklin County community when the Kentucky River reached dangerous levels. Flash flooding caused by the severe weather system damaged homes, businesses, and infrastructure throughout central Kentucky. The recovery process continues months after the initial disaster.
J. Mattingly 1845’s charitable bourbon joins other local efforts to rebuild the community.
Kentucky’s bourbon industry has a history of supporting local communities during natural disasters. This latest charitable release demonstrates how craft distilleries can leverage their products to generate meaningful support for disaster relief. The initiative combines the state’s signature spirit with community solidarity in response to the historic flooding.
