J. Mattingly 1845’s “Frankfort Rising” is a one-hundred-twelve proof bourbon finished with oak staves.
“it's very well balanced; it’s a youthful bourbon that punches just above its age,” said Susanna Westerfield, the distillery’s director of consumer experience. “It's high in corn content, which delivers a classic Kentucky sweetness. And the rye and malted barley add some structure and nuance to the bourbon.”
J. Mattingly 1845 is holding a public release and tasting of “Frankfort Rising” from 4-6 pm on Thursday August 14th. The event will feature local speakers including Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson and Franklin County Judge Executive Michael Mueller. Each 750 mL bottle is priced to retail at $120, and $30 from the sale of each bottle will help provide grants for continued flood recovery through the Flood Relief Fund.
The Flood Relief Fund is held at the Blue Grass Community Foundation, and is under the umbrella of the Franklin County Community Endowment Fund. While the Franklin County Community Endownment Fund is an invested fund, the Flood Relief Fund is non-endowed, relying on donations. In the immediate aftermath of the flood, the fund was able to provide grants to local nonprofits working on the ground.
At the time of writing, the fund has received over 750 donations, raised a total of $367,886, and has granted out $151,336. During the disaster, grants were used to serve the immediate needs of flood-impacted Franklin County residents and businesses. Once the river receded, the focus shifted toward getting families back into their homes. Four months later, that work is ongoing; Jane Higgins, Director of Community Advancement for Blue Grass Community Foundation says the funds are helping make flood-damaged homes livable and feeding the 20 people still staying in a local hotel.
”We want the fund to help fill gaps that other resources are unable to provide,” said Higgens. “We know that the funds we have will not be nearly enough to serve those in need. However, with fundraisers like this and other media messaging we hope that funds will continue to come in.”
J. Mattingly 1845’s goal is to raise ten thousand dollars for families still dealing with the aftermath.
“We want to be able to impact the immediate and long-term needs for some of the families that are returning to their homes,” said Westerfield. “For example, replacement of damaged appliances. Floodwaters can often compromise the safety and functionality of household appliances, so we hope that some of these proceeds can help replace refrigerators, washers, dryers, things like that.”
”This is so exciting that people are still wanting to do fundraisers for the Flood Relief Fund,” said Higgens. “As we all know from past experiences, the need will be very long term.”
