The Wild Turkey Distilling Co. and Russell’s Reserve Bourbon Announce Donation to Kentucky Distillers’ Association “Lifting Spirits Foundation”

$20,000 Endowment to Sponsor Scholars from Kentucky Universities Intended to Create More Diverse  and Equitable Opportunities within Commonwealth’s Signature Bourbon Industry

LAWRENCEBURG, KY (March 29, 2021) — Today, The Wild Turkey Distilling Co. and Russell’s  Reserve Bourbon announce a donation of $20,000 to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association’s Lifting  Spirits Foundation, a program aimed at increasing diversity in distilled spirits through scholarships  and externships. The donation will cover credits for students attending Bourbon-related  certification courses at the University of Louisville, the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State  University with preference given to Black students, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ and other  underrepresented groups.  

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association created the Lifting Spirits Foundation in 2020 to educate the  public about the Commonwealth’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry through  charitable, educational, literary and scientific research efforts. The 501(c)(3) non-profit Foundation  also supports workforce development issues and initiatives, including scholarships aimed at  increasing diversity and removing barriers to entry into the distilled spirits industry. 

“We are resolutely committed to fostering a more diverse workforce that reflects our local  Kentucky population and evolving Bourbon culture,” says Rick Robinson, Vice President of Supply  Chain at Campari America and KDA Board Member. “We live by a principle of “Reserved for All,”  meaning we welcome everyone interested in Bourbon to have a seat at the table, just as we  welcome everyone to enjoy Bourbon in their own unique way. We are honored to make our  signature industry more inclusive by sponsoring students with a passion for Bourbon-making  through the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.”  

Throughout the state of Kentucky, home to the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail®tour, the distilling  industry provides more than 20,000 jobs—in accounting, marketing, craftsmanship, welding, and  other specializations—with an annual payroll of $1 billion and creates 95 percent of the world’s  supply of Bourbon. The industry is going through a $2.3 billion revitalization campaign that will see  new tourism centers, expanded production facilities, new bottling lines, and updated warehouses,  to meet constant demand.

“Our scholarship program aims to make our thriving industry more diverse, equal, and inclusive,”  says Kentucky Distillers’ Association President Eric Gregory. “These students are breaking down  barriers and transforming our timeless craft in the process, and we are deeply grateful to The Wild  Turkey Distilling Co. and Russell’s Reserve for providing funding to empower these exceptional  individuals to do just that while pursuing their dreams.” 

For more information: 

Sarah Bessette Alyssa Famiglietti 

Campari America IF. Agency 

[email protected] [email protected]  401-595-2241 413-281-5467 

About Campari America  

Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano N.V. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM) have been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. At the heart of  Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was  founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The  second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have  been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by  Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio  unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers  and consumers. Campari America manages Campari Group’s portfolio in the US with such leading  brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Grand Marnier®, Campari®, Aperol®, Wild Turkey®  Kentucky Straight Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch  Whisky, Forty Creek® Canadian Whisky, BULLDOG® Gin, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila,  Montelobos® Mezcal, Ancho Reyes® Chile Liqueur, Appleton® Estate Rum, Wray & Nephew®  Rum, Coruba® Rum, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Averna®,  Braulio®, Bisquit & Dubouché® Cognac, Cinzano®, Mondoro® and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Campari America is headquartered in New York, New York. More information on the company can  be found at www.campariamerica.com, www.facebook.com/campariamerica, Twitter: @CampariAmerica, Instagram: @CampariAmerica, and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy  Campari America brands responsibly and in moderation. 

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association  

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the state’s voice for bourbon and spirits  issues. There are currently 39 members, the most since the Repeal of Prohibition, and 37 distillery  stops on its popular Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®  experiences. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com. Please drink  responsibly.