Over 30 bourbon experts, aficionados, retailers, members, and influencers unite to taste, debate, and vote on two charitable barrel selections

PENDERGRASS, GA / ACCESS Newswire / January 22, 2026 / Established in 2020, the World Whiskey Society (WWS) has built its reputation by traveling the globe to uncover ultra-premium, rare, and often previously unavailable whiskey expressions for a highly discerning audience. Known for exotic barrel finishes, small-batch innovation, and community-driven releases, the World Whiskey Society once again pushed beyond traditional industry boundaries this past weekend with the launch of its first-ever public barrel pick experience - a landmark charity event that put the future of two new releases directly into the hands of the bourbon community.

On January 17th, the World Whiskey Society welcomed more than 30 carefully selected participants to its headquarters in Pendergrass, Georgia, for an immersive barrel selection event benefiting children and families affected by Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). The group represented a diverse cross-section of the whiskey world, including seasoned bourbon aficionados, industry experts, retail partners, World Whiskey Society members, customers, and influential content creators - each bringing a unique palate, perspective, and standard of excellence to the table.

Unlike traditional private barrel picks, this event was intentionally designed to be collaborative, transparent, and community-led. Attendees were guided through an extensive blind tasting of multiple aged bourbons featuring different mash bills, and maturation profiles. Over several structured tasting rounds, participants evaluated aroma, flavor development, mouthfeel, and finish before engaging in open discussion, comparative scoring, and final voting.

Through this multi-stage process - reviewed, debated, and ultimately decided by the collective - the field was narrowed and two standout barrels were formally selected to become WWS's first public, charity-driven releases. The chosen expressions were not dictated by a single palate, but rather earned their place through consensus among a broad panel of respected voices from across the bourbon ecosystem.

The two winning barrels were announced at the conclusion of the event:

• Doc Holliday 6-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon

• Doc Holliday 10-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Doc Holliday 6 YO Kentucky Straight Bourbon	Doc Holliday 10 YO Kentucky Straight Bourbon

These selections represent the outcome of a true community curation - uniting professional insight, retail perspective, enthusiast passion, and member expectations into two barrels that reflect both technical quality and wide-appeal excellence. The result is a release that embodies the World Whiskey Society's core belief: the future of premium whiskey is built with its community, not just for it.

Beyond the whiskey itself, the event served a higher purpose.

Congenital Heart Disease is a birth defect present from birth and often requires multiple surgeries, long-term treatment, and lifelong medical monitoring. Families affected by CHD face not only physical and emotional challenges, but also immense financial strain from hospital stays, specialized care, and time away from work. By transforming a barrel selection into a public, purpose-driven experience, WWS turned a passion for bourbon into meaningful support for families navigating these realities.

"World Whiskey Society was built on the idea that great whiskey is only part of the experience - the real power is in the people behind the glass," said Alex Kogan, Founder of World Whiskey Society. "This event brought together experts, members, and fans to do something that rarely happens in our industry: collectively shape a release from start to finish. To see those voices come together not only to select two incredible barrels, but to do it in support of children and families facing CHD, is exactly what WWS stands for. And it's exactly the type of experience we want to continue creating for our community."

These first-ever public barrel picks highlight a new chapter for the brand - one rooted in innovation, inclusion, and experiential leadership. Events like this deepen member engagement, offer real influence over future releases, and reinforce WWS's position as a modern whiskey house that blends ultra-premium liquid with culture, cause, and community.

The selected barrels are now available for pre-sale exclusively through the World Whiskey Society, priced from $89.99 to $169.99, with shipping expected in 2-3 weeks. Quantities are extremely limited.

Every bottle purchased directly contributes to providing financial assistance for families and children affected by CHD, helping ease medical expenses and support ongoing care.

To learn more about upcoming releases, charitable initiatives, and member experiences, follow @worldwhiskeysociety on social media or visit the WWS website. Whiskey enthusiasts are encouraged to join the World Whiskey Society to gain access to future barrel selections, limited releases, and opportunities to help shape the direction of the brand.

About World Whiskey Society

Founded in 2020, World Whiskey Society (WWS) curates rare, ultra-premium whiskies from around the world. From small-batch bourbons to innovative finished expressions, WWS delivers distinctive releases while building a global community around discovery, craftsmanship, and meaningful experiences.

Photo Courtesy of Heartfelt Photography

Media Contact
Ragan Byrd
World Whiskey Society
info@worldwhiskey.com

SOURCE: World Whiskey Society