NHLC Launches Rare Whiskey Raffle

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) aims to raise $250,000 for Best Buddies New Hampshire by giving one bourbon fan the opportunity to win a prize package of some of the world’s most sought-after bourbons.

The prize package includes Pappy Van Winkle, the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, Weller and a 1995 O.F.C Old Fashion Copper Bourbon — representing a combined secondary market value of more than $35,000, according to the NHLC.

The “Buddy Up!” Raffle benefits Best Buddies New Hampshire, which provides those with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to take part in social activities through one-to-one friendships. 

Only 2,500 raffle tickets are available now through September 29, 2023. Tickets are available for $100 each at liquorandwineoutlets.com/buddyup. 

“We are proud to continue supporting Best Buddies New Hampshire, which provides friendship, support and a social network to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said NHLC Chairman Joseph Mollica. “The ‘Buddy Up!’ Raffle gives our 12 million annual customers and whiskey lovers from all over the country a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win several rare bottles of bourbon, while also supporting a great cause.” 

NHLC will select one winner to receive a prize package consisting of one bottle each of the following products:  

• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Van Winkle Special Reserve 12yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Old Rip Van Winkle 10yr Handmade Bourbon
• William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Sazerac Rye 18 Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Eagle Rare 17 Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
• W.L. Weller C.Y.P.B. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• W.L. Weller Full Proof Bourbon
• 1995 O.F.C Old Fashion Copper Bourbon Whiskey

The winner will also receive an all-expense-paid trip to New Hampshire to experience the NH Liquor & Wine Outlet’s Distiller’s Week, which includes:

• Two VIP tickets to the Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits on November 2, 2023
• Two tickets to an NHLC-sponsored tasting event the week of October 30, 2023
• Two tickets to a Buffalo Trace Tasting Dinner the week of October 30, 2023
• Coach airfare or mileage reimbursement
• Hotel accommodations (October 30 – Nov 3)
• $300 gift card for dining and travel

Support from NHLC and its customers has enabled Best Buddies New Hampshire to broaden and enhance its programming across the board, the organization says. Best Buddies’ programming allows students and adults with disabilities to take part in social activities through one-to-one friendships.

“We are grateful for this support from NHLC and its customers through the ‘Buddy Up!’ Raffle, which has a tremendous impact on Best Buddies programs in New Hampshire,” says Sarra Dennehy, State Director, Best Buddies New Hampshire. “Proceeds from this raffle will enable us to expand and strengthen our programs, allowing us the opportunity to continue transforming the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities though our state.”  

In addition to Best Buddies New Hampshire, NHLC has worked with suppliers and brokers over the past eight years to raise more than $3.7 million for nonprofit organizations making an impact in New Hampshire and beyond. This is including Crotched Mountain Foundation, New Hampshire Food Bank, Easterseals New Hampshire, The Animal Rescue League of NH, The Friends of the Manchester Animal Shelter, Back in The Saddle Equine Therapy Center, Homes for Our Troops, Operation Care for Troops, Toys for Tots, Granite United Way, Community Foundation Sonoma County, Napa Valley Community Foundation, and the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association.