The auction for some fabulous whisky is live at Unicorn Auctions until November 21, 2024. Proceeds go to the Innocent Lives Foundation.

You can view the live recording at the ExploreSec YouTube Channel. The audio version of the podcast will hit the podcast feed soon.

At Exploring Information Security, we’re passionate about all things cybersecurity, community, and—every now and then—a great bourbon adventure. In April 2024, I had the chance to join a unique charity experience: a barrel pick trip with the Innocent Lives Foundation (ILF). It was a memorable journey that not only deepened my appreciation for bourbon but also highlighted how a shared passion can turn into a powerful force for good.

The Origins of the ILF Barrel Pick Club

The ILF Barrel Pick Club started with a simple idea: what if they could combine a love for whiskey with a mission to protect children? A few conversations later, this idea grew into a fully-fledged project, allowing whiskey enthusiasts to purchase exclusive barrels with all proceeds supporting ILF’s mission of identifying predators and protecting children. The club's purpose is to create a community where each sip makes a difference. However, getting to that first barrel wasn’t straightforward; with whiskey’s growing popularity, acquiring a quality barrel often requires invites, lotteries, and long waitlists.

An Exclusive Tour of Legendary Distilleries

Our journey led us to Louisville, Kentucky, where we visited some of the country’s most iconic distilleries, including Four Roses and the lesser-known gem Starlight Distillery. These aren’t just whiskey manufacturers—they are stewards of tradition, science, and innovation, each offering distinct qualities that make them unique.

At Four Roses, we were taken behind the scenes and introduced to their precise process, from single-story rickhouses to unique yeast strains. We learned that each barrel tells a story; the location, temperature, and aging process impart distinct flavors and profiles. Four Roses, renowned for its transparent labeling, even indicates barrel location details down to the warehouse tier and barrel direction.

Across the river, we discovered Starlight Distillery, a family-owned operation with a 200-year history in farming and a more recent venture into bourbon-making. Known for experimenting with unique finishes like Mizunara oak (a notoriously tricky Japanese wood), Starlight introduced us to a whole new world of flavors and finishes. It’s a place as much for bourbon as for families, complete with a fun park and farm tours.

Crafting the Perfect Barrel Pick

Picking a barrel is a blend of art and science—and more challenging than one might expect. With guidance from our hosts, we tasted everything from rich caramel to floral and smoky notes. A well-rounded tasting experience involves layers of flavor and aroma that evolve with each sip. This nuanced approach is essential when selecting barrels for auction because our picks aren’t just about finding what tastes good—they have to resonate with the community of experienced drinkers while supporting ILF’s mission.

At each stop, we were welcomed with enthusiasm, kindness, and yes, lots of whiskey. Starlight even donated a bottle of their premium Mizunara cask-aged bourbon to support the ILF auction. The generosity of these distilleries reflects their alignment with ILF’s purpose. It was humbling to see how eager they were to support a mission that matters deeply to us.

Bidding on a Purpose: The ILF Whiskey Auction

The highlight of this journey is the ILF auction, hosted by Unicorn Auctions. Unicorn Auctions has gone above and beyond to support us by waiving all fees, ensuring that every dollar raised goes to ILF’s mission. The auction features exclusive bottles selected during our barrel pick trip, and each bottle represents a unique expression of craftsmanship and generosity.

These bottles aren’t just collectibles; they’re tokens of the ILF mission. Whether you’re an experienced bourbon enthusiast or a newcomer, bidding in the auction allows you to support ILF in a unique way. Proceeds from the auction directly fund ILF’s work in identifying and helping bring child predators to justice, one bottle at a time.

Memorable Moments and Tasting Notes

The trip was full of memorable (and hilarious) moments—like trying to keep our stomachs steady on bumpy Kentucky roads after too many tastings or debating flavor notes (shoutout to Chris for the “pine sol” descriptor!). The tasting process highlighted just how subjective and personal whiskey can be. The complexities of flavor brought out some spirited debates and even a few new friendships.

One of the favorites of the group was the Starlight Double Oak—a rich, complex bourbon with dark spice and caramel notes that had us all captivated. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a bottle, it’s worth savoring every sip. For those looking for a unique twist, the Starlight honey finish adds a hint of natural sweetness that’s both unusual and surprisingly smooth.

Raising a Glass to a Cause

At the end of the day, these bottles represent something bigger. Each auction, each barrel, and each sip brings us closer to funding ILF’s crucial work. As we continue to grow the Barrel Pick Club, we’re reminded of the power of community, generosity, and shared passion. This journey has shown us that even something as simple as whiskey can make a profound difference.

If you’re interested in supporting ILF or exploring our latest auction, visit Unicorn Auctions and place a bid. Let’s raise a glass to great bourbon, and an even greater cause.

Created with the help of ChatGPT; edited by Timothy De Block. This post original posted on exploresec.com.