spirits of optimism fundraising event
Spirits of Optimism
Bourbon Tasting Fundraiser
with Gourmet Food & Chocolate Pairings 🍫
Join our Lebanon Optimist Club for an unforgettable evening celebrating rich flavors, great company, and a meaningful cause! Explore a curated selection of premium bourbons—each expertly paired with delicious small bites and decadent chocolates designed to elevate every sip.
✨ Event Highlights
• Guided tasting of select bourbons
• Artisanal food pairings to complement each pour
• Handcrafted chocolate pairings for a sweet finish
• Live atmosphere and community celebration
• Proceeds support our fundraising mission!
🎟 Tickets: Buy yours now and help support a great cause!
Raise a glass, savor the experience, and make a difference. We look forward to seeing you there!
buy your tickets now
Only 100 Tickets Will Be Sold
$80.00
Ticket includes admission, bourbon/whiskey tastings, food and chocolate pairings for one.
Save $20 on a Couples Ticket
$140.00
Dance the night away with your sweetheart while enjoying bourbon/whiskey tastings, food and chocolate pairings.
Meet Our Expert
Our Presenter - Distilled Living
We are excited to announce our partnership this year with Distilled Living, and we introduce our host for the evening, Tim Knittel, Founder of Distilled Living & Bourbon Industry Insider.
Tim Knittel is a Kentucky bourbon industry insider with over 13 years experience in bourbon education & event design.
- Former Culinary Center Manager and Homeplace Host at Woodford Reserve Distillery (2009-2016) under the dual direction of James Beard Nominated Chef Ouita Michel & Master Distiller Chris Morris with the culinary program. In 2013 he transitioned to being the first Homeplace Host for Woodford Reserve responsible for VIP tours & tastings, and representing the brand and master distiller at the distillery.
- Founded Distilled Living in 2016 when he began presentations, tastings, distillery consulting, bar and restaurant consulting & publishing in both consumer & industry magazines.
- Certified Executive Bourbon Steward through the Stave & Thief Society (often compared to a Bourbon Sommelier) which is the highest classification available for a professional bourbon educator.
- Adjunct Professor of Bourbon Studies at Midway University (fall 2017 – current)
- Appointed the 1st Official Bourbon Ambassador of Churchill Downs (2020 – current)
He has assisted in developing new spirits for restaurants, bars and emerging brands both grain-to-glass and sourced.
He has written for numerous industry and consumer publications including Artisan Spirit Magazine, DrinkDistiller.com and Whisky Wash and he has been featured in Maxim, Forbes, Southern Living, Garden & Gun, American Whiskey Magazine, GoodMorningAmerica.com, NBCNews.com, Washington Post, Bourbon Review, Film Journal, Wonderlust, Bourbon & Bartner, Bourbon Pursuit podcast and more.
He additionally has the only “Bourbon Technical Advisor” credit in IMDB for his work on the independent feature film Bluegrass Spirits starring Jake Busey and expected to be released soon.
Tim is passionate about crafting meaningful experiences and uses Bourbon as a vehicle to sensory awareness.