On Nov. 9, Garrison Brothers Distillery of Hye, Texas, hosted its Seventh annual Red, White & Bourbon, a ticketed fundraiser that takes place on the Saturday before Veteran’s Day. The special event benefits Admiral Nimitz Foundation’s National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas—a world-class, cultural institution that provides the nation’s most comprehensive account of World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific theater and honors Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. This year’s sold-out annual family-friendly event, attended by over 500 guests, raised over $75,000.00. Funds raised will be used by the foundation to create a comprehensive educational hub including a professional audio/visual studio, online educational portal and learning center.
Hosted at Garrison Brothers Distillery, Red, White & Bourbon featured live music from Jazz Daddies, delicious Hill Country food prepared and served by Chef Jack ‘Mac’ MacDonald, Executive Chef, The Whiskey Shack and Garrison Brothers Distillery, as well as an abundance of craft bourbon cocktails. Every year, attendees are invited to wax dip their very own bottles of Garrison Brothers Small Batch bourbon in a limited-edition red, white and blue wax.
The event featured both live and silent auctions. Auction items included a Garrison Brothers Hurricane Tough bottle and two exclusive cask-strength bourbon tastings with Garrison Brothers Distiller Samantha Olvera. Also auctioned were one-of-a-kind hand painted barrels by local artists including Katy Hardin’s “Garrison Brothers Cowboy & Bourbon”, Shelly Floyd’s “Wildflower” and Laura Clay’s “Texas Spirit”.
“Recognizing our veterans and war heroes is in the DNA of Garrison Brothers and we could not be prouder to support the National Museum of the Pacific War right here in our backyard, in Fredericksburg,” shares Dan Garrison, founder, Garrison Brothers Distillery. “Red, White & Bourbon is more than just a fundraiser, it is a tribute to American history, service, and community.”
The Admiral Nimitz Foundation’s National Museum of the Pacific War hosted an onsite exhibit at the Red, White & Bourbon event which included a historic Jeep, trailer and a cannon firing experience. Coincidentally, on that very day, the Admiral Nimitz Foundation welcomed its new CEO & President, retired US Army Brigadier General Steve Salazar, who was introduced to guests by Dan Garrison as part of the opening ceremony.
“We are very fortunate to have friends, neighbors and patriots like Dan and Nancy Garrison. The support of the entire Garrison Distillery Team means a great deal to the family of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation and National Museum of the Pacific War,” says Salazar. “Without the support of great Americans like Dan and Nancy, we would not be able to accomplish our important mission.”
2024 Red, White & Bourbon sponsors included Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods, Opa’s Smoked Meats, US Foods, and William Chris Vineyards.