‘Zippy Honey Blaze’ limited-edition bourbon honoring Stephen Rolfe Powell

The Art Center of the Bluegrass announced the release of a special Maker’s Mark Private Selection Bourbon honoring the legacy of Stephen Rolfe Powell and the GLASS National Art Museum in Danville.

This partnership between the world-class bourbon distiller and the Art Center of the Bluegrass began in the fall of 2023 when Maker’s Mark donated a barrel of bourbon in honor of the late internationally-known glass artist. The donation was made as the GLASS National Art Museum prepared to open, which features a permanent collection of Powell’s work.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Powell studied painting and ceramics at Centre College in Danville before discovering hot glass, which quickly became his obsession. Powell traveled the globe exhibiting his work and participating in demonstrations and workshops. He also founded a glass program at Centre College, where he taught for more than 35 years.

A group of Powell’s friends and fellow bourbon enthusiasts gathered at Maker’s Mark in Loretto, Kentucky, to create a bourbon in his honor. Working with master distillers, the group crafted a collector’s item to honor their friend. They chose wooden staves to flavor the bourbon, including Roasted French Mendiant, Toasted French Spice, and Maker’s Mark 46.

The result is a bourbon called Zippy Honey Blaze, a name that suggests the vibrant, colorful nature of Powell’s glass pieces, and Powell himself, who was an avid bourbon enthusiast.

The first release of 50 limited edition bottles of Zippy Honey Blaze is available now through May 25. To purchase a ticket, visit /givebutter.com/artcentermakersmark . Those aged 21 and over may purchase a ticket and pick up their bottle of this special release on Saturday, May 25 at the GLASS National Art Museum, 401 West Main Street in Danville, Kentucky, between 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. For those unable to come on May 25, arrangements can be made by contacting Audrey Stith at audrey@artcenterky.org to designate an alternative pickup time.

Proceeds from this very special commemorative release will benefit the Art Center of the Bluegrass and is the beginning of a long-term relationship with Maker’s Mark. More details are to come.

“Maker’s Mark has a long history of supporting their community and key organizations in the commonwealth,” said Brian Hutzley, board president of Art Center of the Bluegrass. “It is our honor to be part of that history. The opening of the GLASS National Art Museum would not have happened without support like this.”

Powell was a founding member of the Art Center of the Bluegrass and a friend of Rob Samuels, eighth-generation distiller and managing director of Maker’s Mark Distillery. Supporting the arts is a mission of Maker’s Mark, evidenced in the collection at their Loretto campus. Powell exhibited his work there in 2019.

Located at 401 West Main Street in Danville, the Art Center of the Bluegrass connects people to art, culture, and creativity. Bringing 30,000 people through the doors each year for the GLASS National Art Museum, art exhibits, classes, workshops, retail space, café, events, community gatherings, cultural conversations, and ceramics studio, the Art Center of the Bluegrass is reimagining what an art center can be.

The post ‘Zippy Honey Blaze’ limited-edition bourbon honoring Stephen Rolfe Powell appeared first on The Advocate-Messenger .