Home » The LEE Initiative partners with Maker’s Mark, second annual ‘CommUNITY Batch’

The LEE Initiative partners with Maker’s Mark, second annual ‘CommUNITY Batch’

Launching on Giving Tuesday, Latest CommUNITY Batch Bourbon Combines Private Selection Recipes of 40+ Whisky Clubs from Across the Country

By The Bourbon Flight

The LEE Initiative, in partnership with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, announced the launch of the second-annual limited-edition “CommUNITY Batch,” a special release bourbon created exclusively to support spirits industry trade and hospitality partners across the country.

The distinguished bourbon expression was created by blending Maker’s Mark Private Selection barrels from over 40 whisky clubs from across the United States and one in the United Kingdom.

Similar to the 2020 bottling, which was originally created to support COVID-19 relief for the hospitality industry, this limited-time offering will be made exclusively available at select events and opportunities across the country, with 100% of bottle proceeds benefiting The LEE Initiative in its mission to support trade and hospitality partners around the country and create a more diverse and equitable restaurant industry. Information for specific events, which commence on #GivingTuesday (November 30, 2021), and details on the bourbon can be found at www.LEEInitiative.org.

The Spirit of CommUNITY 

Off the heels of the 2020 CommUNITY Batch offering that generated over $2 million for restaurant relief and more, the 2021 offering will continue supporting the bar and restaurant community in a time of sustained unprecedented need.

As the country’s interest in whisky has continued to grow, Whisky Clubs have become integral to the ever-growing spirits community as platforms to share thoughts, opinions, experiences, and support for like-minded individuals in the space.

The 2021 bottling was created by some of these passionate people with exceptional palates. By combining the stave profiles of their Private Selection barrels, this limited release reflects the remarkable strength – and distinct taste profile – of each community. The result is an exquisite expression that is truly made by the community, for the community.

“Our second bottling of CommUNITY Batch Bourbon with Maker’s Mark is monumental because, like any community, it takes time to build trust, loyalty, and kinship,” said Edward Lee, James Beard Award-Winning author, restaurateur, chef, and founder of the LEE Initiative. “We have that with Maker’s Mark, and we are building that relationship with our many supporters who love to follow our evolving programs at The LEE Initiative while drinking amazing bourbon along the journey.”

Giving Back on #GivingTuesday and Beyond 

Beginning on #GivingTuesday (November 30, 2021), the Maker’s Mark CommUNITY Batch Bourbon will be available via The LEE Initiative events in select cities where Maker’s Mark Private Selection partners are located. For interested individuals 21 years or older, suggested donations begin at $70.00 and vary by event, with additional details available at LEEInitiative.org.

“It’s been an honor and privilege to work alongside Chef Lee, Lindsey Ofcacek, and their team on various philanthropic efforts, including opening 19 relief kitchens across the country amidst the pandemic,” said Rob Samuels, Chief Distillery Officer of Maker’s Mark. “At Maker’s Mark, we treasure the bonds we’ve made with trade and hospitality partners who love to share our bourbon as much as we do, which is especially true of the Whisky Clubs who participated in creating the 2021 CommUNITY Batch. Together with this whisky-loving community, we are proud to support The LEE Initiative and look forward to continuing our partnership to benefit and champion the industry.”

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