The Benevolent Barrel Thief Mobilizes Arkansas Bourbon Community for March 31 Storm Relief

Last Updated on December 22, 2025 by 5e2793

On March 31, 2023, powerful storms tore through parts of Arkansas, leaving widespread destruction across multiple communities. While some residents were fortunate to experience only minor damage, others lost homes, possessions, and stability in a matter of minutes.

In the immediate aftermath, the scale of the devastation became clear. Ryan Britton, an organizer with The Benevolent Barrel Thief, was activated through mutual aid efforts and deployed to assist in North Little Rock. Seeing the damage firsthand underscored the urgency of immediate and meaningful relief.

That experience helped mobilize the Arkansas bourbon community.

Bourbon for a Cause: Old Forester Single Barrel Relief Effort

To support Arkansas storm victims, Ace Liquor and 107 Liquor partnered with The Benevolent Barrel Thief and local organizers to donate a combined 60 bottles of Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Proof Bourbon for a charitable fundraising effort.

The event was structured to maximize charitable impact while remaining transparent and accessible:

• 10 guaranteed bottles offered at $300 each, first come, first served
• 50 bottles made available via raffle, priced at $20 per ticket, with unlimited tickets allowed
• Raffle winners would still purchase their bottle upon winning
• All proceeds directed toward Arkansas storm relief efforts

Rather than focusing on exclusivity or bottle hype, the initiative centered on using sought-after bourbon to generate real financial support for Arkansans in need.

Supporting Arkansas When It Matters Most

The mission behind the relief effort was straightforward: help people during a time of crisis.

The benefiting charity was scheduled to be announced following the launch of the event, with proceeds qualifying as tax-deductible donations. Acting quickly ensured funds could reach affected communities without delay.

Community Beyond the Bottle

This effort reinforced what defines Arkansas’s bourbon culture—community first.

When disaster struck, retailers, organizers, and enthusiasts worked together to turn passion into purpose. The response demonstrated how bourbon communities, when responsibly organized, can provide meaningful support beyond the bottle.

ArkansasLiquor.com continues to document moments where Arkansas bourbon culture intersects with service, charity, and community impact.

Update — April 11, 2023

Quoted from Alan, The Benevolent Barrel Thief

“Hey @everyone, it was important to us that we had a chance to actually speak to the organization we raised money for to ensure it would go back to our community in this time of need.

After a lengthy phone call with Mrs. Woodruff at the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM), I’m pleased to announce ADEM as our organization for this weekend’s fundraiser raffle.

I have confirmed that the money donated to ADEM will go back toward tornado relief. Please take a moment to read the article about their work so far.

ADEM was critical in ensuring Arkansas had the information needed for federal relief filed within two days of the tornadoes, along with managing many aspects of the overall relief effort.

Please be prepared to give back to your community this weekend!
Our goal is at least $3,000–$5,000 🫶🏻”

Update — April 12, 2023

Quoted from Tyler Shinabery, The Benevolent Barrel Thief

“We are kicking off the Arkansas Tornado Relief Raffle this weekend!
Below are the details on how the raffle will work. Please read this. And then read it again. Questions and comments welcome in the comments below. THIS IS NOT THE OFFICIAL EVENT POST.

WHEN: Friday, April 14, 2023 at 9:00 AM CST through Monday, April 17, 2023 at 9:00 PM CST

THE PRIZE: 60 🍼 of OFBS (purchase required) thanks to our gracious partners at 107 Liquor in Sherwood and Ace Liquor Center in Cabot / BCA. (Max of 2 per person; if you only want one, that is fine as well.)

We are reserving 10 OFBS 🍼 for the FIRST TEN DONATIONS of $300 or more.
The Guaranteed OFBS 🍼 is limited to 10 bottles (First Come, First Served).
$300 per donation (includes cost of bottle — $85 — with the remainder going toward the BBT tornado relief donation).
This will also get you three tickets into the special raffle below IF ACTIVATED.

Regular raffle tickets are $20 each, unlimited tickets.
REMEMBER: If you win, you buy the bottle ($85).
50 OFBS bottles will be up for grabs. Cost of bottle not included (will be $85 per bottle).
Each $20 donation gets you one ticket.
A $50 donation gets you three entries into the main OFBS raffle and one ticket for the special long-form raffle below.

SPECIAL EVENT LONG RAFFLE:
If we hit $3,000, a 2022 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon will open up for those who donate at least $40.
One ticket for every $40 donated, unlimited tickets.
This bottle was graciously donated by 107 Liquor and will NOT require payment if won.
MUST HIT $3,000 EVENT-WIDE TO ACTIVATE.

NO last-minute pop-up prizes on this drive. No need to hold off until the end.

Please invite anyone you know prior to the start of the charity drive, especially if they are Old Forester fans.
Check the pinned post and tag the person you are inviting in the comments on the vouch thread (DM admin if confused).
Make sure the invitee fills out the rules form COMPLETELY.

If you have any questions, please let us know! We are looking forward to another great showing here.

Always remember: our mission is charity — our dessert is the drink.
Cheers, BBTs.”

Update — April 12, 2023

Quoted from Tyler Shinabery, The Benevolent Barrel Thief

“We are kicking off the Arkansas Tornado Relief Raffle this weekend!
Below are the details on how the raffle will work. Please read this. And then read it again. Questions and comments welcome in the comments below. THIS IS NOT THE OFFICIAL EVENT POST.

WHEN: Friday, April 14, 2023 at 9:00 AM CST through Monday, April 17, 2023 at 9:00 PM CST

THE PRIZE: 60 🍼 of OFBS (purchase required) thanks to our gracious partners at 107 Liquor in Sherwood and Ace Liquor Center in Cabot / BCA. (Max of 2 per person; if you only want one, that is fine as well.)

We are reserving 10 OFBS 🍼 for the FIRST TEN DONATIONS of $300 or more.
The Guaranteed OFBS 🍼 is limited to 10 bottles (First Come, First Served).
$300 per donation (includes cost of bottle — $85 — with the rest going toward the BBT donation for tornado relief).
This will also get you three tickets into the special raffle below IF ACTIVATED.

Regular raffle tickets are $20 each, unlimited tickets.
REMEMBER: YOU WIN, YOU BUY THE BOTTLE ($85).
50 🍼 of OFBS will be up for grabs. Cost of bottle NOT INCLUDED (will be $85 per bottle).
Each $20 donation gets you one ticket.
A $50 donation gets you three entries into the main randomizer for the OFBS and one ticket for the special event long pop-up below.

SPECIAL EVENT LONG RAFFLE:
If we hit $3,000, a 2022 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon will open up for those who donate at least $40.
One 🎟️ for every $40 donated, unlimited 🎟️.
This 🍼 was graciously donated by 107 Liquor and will NOT require payment if won.
MUST HIT $3,000 EVENT-WIDE TO ACTIVATE.

NO LAST MINUTE POP-UP PRIZES ON THIS DRIVE. NO NEED TO HOLD OFF UNTIL THE END.

Please INVITE anyone you know prior to the start of the charity drive, especially if they are OF fans!
Check the pinned post and tag the person you are inviting in the comments on the vouch thread (DM admin if confused).
Make sure the invitee fills out the rules form COMPLETELY.

If you have any questions, please let us know! We are looking forward to another great showing here.

Always remember, our MISSION IS CHARITY, our dessert is the drink.
Cheers, BBTs.
@everyone”

Update — April 15, 2023

Quoted from Ryan Britton, The Benevolent Barrel Thief

“@everyone so far we have 9 people that have donated for a total of $2,000 🦌!
That is awesome! Thank you for the donations so far.
We are almost to the $3,000 mark for the OFBB!

Remember there are 50 🍾 available for the raz, plus the OFBB!”

Update — April 16, 2023

Quoted from Ryan Britton, The Benevolent Barrel Thief

“Hey @everyone! I just wanted to hop on here and let you know that we have hit the $3,000 goal and the OFBB is up for grabs!
Thank you to everyone who has donated so far!!!
We are only $700 away from reaching $4,000… that is awesome!!

Since we don’t have 50 donors yet, your donation is pretty much a guarantee that you will walk away with the opportunity to purchase a 🍾 of the OFSBBS.
That means if you would like a 🍾, you need to donate at least $20 🦌 for that opportunity!

Y’all are amazing and I hope you have a great week!”

Update — April 17, 2023

Quoted from Alan, The Benevolent Barrel Thief

⚡️⚡️ LIGHTNING ROUND ALERT ⚡️⚡️
“@everyone We are running a lightning round from now until the end of our raffle at 9:00 PM CST tonight 🔥

We are offering a free 🍼 of our Old Forester Barrel Strength to one lucky winner.
🎟️ are $25 🦌, with unlimited 🎟️.
You also don’t have to commit to an OFBS 🍼.

IF YOU DON’T WANT A REG 🎟️ FOR THE CHANCE TO PURCHASE AN OFBS 🍼, LET US KNOW WHEN YOU POST YOUR DONATION FOR A ⚡️ 🎟️

Let’s not let up now BBT!!!

Ensure you post your donation on the Official Raffle Post”

Update — April 19, 2023

Quoted from Alan, The Benevolent Barrel Thief

“@everyone, we here at BBT are all about giving back to our Arkansas communities.
Keeping in that spirit, we want to ensure everyone here has awareness of what the bourbon clubs around Central Arkansas are doing to help raise money for those impacted by the Arkansas tornado.

When they reached out last week, we donated 🍼’s along with some 🦌!

If you’re interested in donating to their raffle or trying to get a spot on Fred Minnick’s pick with Rock Town, please review the post below.
LET’S HELP THEM RAISE MORE… thank you 🙏🏼

BREAK BREAK BREAK

Arkansas Tornado Relief & Charity Whiskey Raffle

On March 31st, a deadly tornado left a trail of destruction across Central Arkansas. The lives of neighbors, friends, and family in the Natural State were devastated.

The Bourbon Club of Arkansas, Spa City Bourbon, Arkansas Whiskey Community, Arkansas Bourbon Community, and others still in the works are raising funds in this time of need.

WHEN: Now through 6:00 PM CST on April 28, 2023

PRICE: $20 per entry — UNLIMITED ENTRIES
(Example: $100 donation / $20 per entry = 5 entries)
You MAY win multiple prizes!!!!

RAFFLE DONATION PROCESS:
We will use the Bourbon Club of Arkansas VENMO account for entry fees (avoiding GoFundMe fees).
Make a donation in multiples of $20 to the account below, then POST A SCREENSHOT OF YOUR DONATION ON THE BCA OFFICIAL RAFFLE POST on their page.
An admin will “like” your comment and log your entries.

VENMO: @BCArkansas-BC
ONLY COMMENT: ARF-BCA

WINNERS / BOTTLE SELECTION PROCESS:
Step 1: At the completion of the raffle (April 28, 2023 at 6:00 PM CST), a separate prize post will be listed for public review. A spreadsheet listing names and number of entries will be posted.

Step 2: A randomizer will be run and a draft order will be posted matching the total number of bottles donated (this list is growing daily) along with the final prize list. Draft position #1 will receive first choice, followed in order.

Step 3: Winners will be tagged in selection order and the draft will commence. Winners will have 4 HOURS to select after being tagged or they will be passed and moved to the bottom of the list.

(We understand the logistics of drafting from multiple groups. When the time comes, we will gather all winners into one group for transparency and simplicity.)

PRIZE LIST:
The raffle currently consists of 30+ bottles of rare and limited whiskey, with more being added. Pictures of prizes will be posted as the event progresses (tentative list provided as a PDF).

We are also seeking bottle donations. The more limited, the better (store picks, limited runs, dusties, etc.).
Please CONTACT YOUR CLUB ADMIN VIA DM if you would like to donate bottles.
(Examples of desired valuation: RRSP / OFBP / 4RBP or better.)

WHERE 100% OF YOUR DONATIONS ARE GOING:
We have selected Little Rock Cares as one of the targeted recipients.
https://www.littlerock.gov/…/initiat…/little-rock-cares/

In the meantime, our hopes and prayers are with our fellow Arkansans for a fast recovery during this difficult time.

ADDITIONAL INCENTIVE (Arkansas Residents Only):
Four lucky individuals will win an afternoon private barrel pick with Fred Minnick at Rock Town Distillery.

Winners will help Fred select a single barrel or French oak–finished barrel with Phil and the Rock Town team.
Each taster will receive one free signed bottle, with the option to purchase an additional bottle.
Remaining bottles will be offered via randomized raffle to Arkansas residents, with proceeds supporting further relief efforts.

Event dates will be announced once finalized with Fred and Rock Town (expected June or July).
Four additional backup names will be drawn in case of cancellations.

Each ticket for this incentive is an additional $20 and must be submitted separately via Venmo with the comment FM/PT.

VENMO: @BCArkansas-BC

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!!”

Update — May 14, 2023

Quoted from Alan, The Benevolent Barrel Thief

“@everyone here is the Appreciation Certificate we received from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management.
Again, we can’t thank you enough for helping us raise some good money during such a difficult time for many in the area.

I also can’t wait to tell everyone about some more exciting news this week, so keep an eye out for that 🔥

We have some pretty amazing things in the works, BBT 🫶🏻”