Last Updated on December 22, 2025 by 5e2793

On December 14, 2023, Alan Myers of The Benevolent Barrel Thief (BBT) gave Arkansas whiskey lovers an early heads-up that something special was coming — and it wasn’t just another bottle drop.

In a Facebook post shared with the BBT community, Alan announced the kickoff of an upcoming Muscular Dystrophy Association of Arkansas (MDA) charity event, set to begin that Sunday. While full details were still under wraps, the post included a sneak peek of the bottle that would anchor the event, immediately building excitement among members.

“@everyone, get ready for this Sunday 😎 we will start our Muscular Dystrophy Association of Arkansas event! More details to come this weekend, but here is a sneak peek at the beauty!

I will have a list posted Sunday with names of those who are automatically in for one of these bad boys due to the Rocktown event.

Hope everyone has a wonderful evening 🥃”

Giving Back Through Bourbon

This announcement continued what has become a defining mission of The Benevolent Barrel Thief: using bourbon and whiskey as a force for good across Arkansas. By tying exclusive barrel picks and limited bottles to charitable causes, BBT has consistently turned community enthusiasm into meaningful financial support for organizations that make a real impact.

In this case, proceeds from the upcoming event were set to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Arkansas, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by neuromuscular diseases through care, advocacy, and research.

Automatic Entry for Rock Town Supporters

One key detail in the post immediately caught the attention of longtime supporters. Alan confirmed that participants from the prior Rock Town Distillery event would be automatically included for one of these bottles, with a list of eligible names to be posted when the event officially launched.

This approach not only rewarded early supporters but reinforced BBT’s community-first model — recognizing those who continuously show up for both the whiskey and the cause.

More Than a Bottle

While the bottle itself was teased as “a beauty,” the real takeaway was clear: this wasn’t just about adding another label to the shelf. It was about turning shared passion into tangible good, a hallmark of The Benevolent Barrel Thief since its earliest events.

As details rolled out over the following days, Arkansas bourbon fans knew one thing for certain — Sunday was going to matter, and the pour would mean more than what was in the glass.

About The Benevolent Barrel Thief

The Benevolent Barrel Thief is an Arkansas-based whiskey charity organization that partners with distilleries, clubs, and local businesses to raise funds for charitable causes through barrel picks, raffles, and limited bottle events. Every event blends premium whiskey with a purpose — keeping community impact at the heart of every pour.

Update — Alan Myers | September 3, 2023

@everyone Here it is! Our second private pick was done last Friday with Starlight Distillery, and I must say it was the coolest private barrel pick I’ve ever done. Starlight really went all out to make you feel part of their family — from the tour of their farm to the tasting experience and wonderful lunch.

I’m excited to let everyone know we picked a FIRST EVER barrel from them. After tasting 6–8 different barrel finishes, we selected their first-ever Trinidad Rum Finished Barrel 🔥

A special thanks to Brent Cancienne, Parwinder Singh, Jason Tindle, and Brian Vance from Evan Williams for helping select our barrel.

Tasting Notes:
Age: 4½-year bourbon whiskey, finished an additional 5 months in a Trinidad Rum barrel 🇹🇹
Proof: 110–114 (final proof to be determined at barrel dump)

Nose: Brown sugar, oak, black licorice, banana nut bread, caramel
Palate: Creamy, fruit-forward mouthfeel with cherry, banana, oatmeal crème pie, brown sugar
Finish: Smooth and creamy with slight heat, a lingering finish that gives your chest a warm hug

I believe this barrel will appeal to both high-proof drinkers and those who like a more approachable pour 🥃

Hope everyone has a wonderful rest of your Labor Day weekend, and more to come soon!

Update — Alan Myers | November 26, 2023

@everyone First of all, big congrats to Jeremy D. Bookout for having the sticker that won! I will reach out to you on making a few modifications to the sticker.

On another note, look what has been packaged today 😎 Beyond excited for everyone to try this! We think it is a fantastic selection.

We will run the event to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Arkansas soon, so ensure you’re keeping an eye out!

Hope everyone has a wonderful week, cheers 🥃

Update — Alan Myers | December 17, 2023

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION / STARLIGHT OFFICIAL EVENT POST

@everyone Please ensure you read all of the post below!

Your donation will help the summer youth program of the Arkansas Muscular Dystrophy Association.

There will be 60 🍼 up for grabs. If you comment “In” you will be obligated to donate 80 towards the cause before receiving the 🍼.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO GET ONE:

1. Comment “In” below (first 60 will be guaranteed a Starlight 🍼). Everyone else will be backup, going straight down the “In” list as needed.
2. Within the next week you will receive a Facebook message on where to make your donation, if you are one of the first 60.
3. You will have 7 days to donate, and then the 🍼 will be distributed right after the Holidays.
4. If you are one of the people on the list I posted a few hours ago (please look at that post to review names), please don’t comment “In” on this post. We will reach out to you and tell you how to make your 80 donation.

If you have any questions, please let us know. This will be our last charity event of the year, so please let’s make it a good one — and Happy Holidays everyone 🥃

Update — Tyler | January 22, 2024

Starlight Pickup can start tomorrow like we did last time at Custom Compounding Center in West Little Rock.

11700 Kanis Road, Suite 1
Little Rock, AR 72211

Open 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday–Friday.

Mules are allowed for any donations already made and accounted for.

My staff is trained in how to assist you — just walk on in and someone will get you your donation prize! Thanks as always!

I also still have a handful of delinquent pickups on the RT bottles. I will try and sit down and tag names later tonight on that original pickup post as well.

Cheers!
Tyler

DMs welcome if you have further questions.
@everyone