The Benevolent Barrel Thief Is Officially a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit in Arkansas

Last Updated on December 22, 2025 by 5e2793

If you’re into Arkansas bourbon groups that actually give back, here’s a milestone worth highlighting.

The Benevolent Barrel Thief (BBT) announced that they became an officially recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, recognized at both the State of Arkansas and federal level. In plain English: donations made directly to BBT can be tax-deductible (depending on your tax situation), and BBT can then direct those funds to the charitable causes and organizations they support.

The Original Announcement

Alan Myers shared the news with the community:

“@everyone We are so happy to be an official recognized 501c3 Nonprofit through the State of Arkansas and at the Federal level as well. This means you get your tax exemption on donations directly to us, then we will cut a check to the Charitable cause or Organization.
Check out our website and subscribe to our email list (ensuring you will always be in the know on future charity events and Barrel Picks 🥃)
Tyler, Ryan, and myself can’t thank you all enough to helping this dream come true and for Arkansas to have its first Bourbon Nonprofit Charity, cheers 🫶🏻”

Why This Matters for Arkansas Whiskey Culture

A lot of bourbon groups focus on hunting bottles and sharing pours—BBT built something different: a structure designed for organized charitable impact. Becoming a recognized 501(c)(3) helps legitimize the mission, makes giving easier for supporters, and creates a clearer pathway for donations to flow into community causes.

If you want to keep up with their charity events (and any barrel-pick related news they share), BBT encourages everyone to subscribe to their email list on their website.

Website: thebenevolentbarrelthief.org

PUBLISH DATE: May 21 2023