KOBBE, Kentucky’s Original Black Bourbon Enthusiasts, the local philanthropy-based bourbon organization, announces the 4th annual Bourbon & Benevolence Tasting & Charity Auction in Louisville. The event is Saturday, Dec. 11, from 6:30 p.m. EST to 9:30 p.m EST, and features guest hosts former University of Louisville basketball standouts Perrin Johnson and Stephen Van Treese.

Bourbon & Benevolence will be held at Mint on Mellwood, 1631 Mellwood Ave., and brings attendees face-to-face with some of the bourbon industry’s biggest brands and offers a signature bourbon auction. This year the auction will benefit local charity APRON, Inc., which provides financial relief to food and beverage industry professionals.

The bourbon tasting portion of the night will include premium pours from eleven brands including: Michter’s Distillery, Russell’s Reserve, Maker’s Mark, Smooth Ambler of West Virginia, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Buzzard’s Roost, Ragged Branch of Virginia, Rolling Fork Rum, Limestone Branch, Barrell Craft Spirits, and Kentucky Peerless. Plus, local wine & spirits expert, Leo Braddock, co-owner of The Breeze Wine Bar & Spirits will be curating a bar featuring select wines, champagne, and beers.

Auction items include gift packages from distilleries such as Michter’s and Russell’s Reserve, plus bottles of Old Carter, Old Forester 2021 Birthday Bourbon, Willett, Van Winkle and more.

The event will also incorporate an outdoor cigar lounge powered by Smokeasy Mobile Cigar Lounge. Also available will be a custom KOBBE barrel-aged coffee, made in conjunction with Stave n Bean. Guests can enjoy two food trucks on-site with Good Belly’s NY Deli-inspired sandwiches and El Rincon Oaxaqueño’s street tacos throughout the night.

“This year the focus is fully on fundraising,” Mack said. The gala format of previous years is being dropped so attendees can come cocktail casual and comfortable as they enjoy pours from some of their favorite distilleries and bid on auction items for a good cause.