Proof in the Purpose

Proof in the Purpose is an elevated evening experience that brings our community together for a great cause. Join us on Saturday, May 15, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 PM at the Whitaker Center (222 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101) for a curated bourbon tasting paired with delicious pub fare accompanied by live music.

Upon arrival, guests will receive a tasting glass and a tasting card. Your card entitles you to one tasting per bourbon. 12 exclusive bourbons will be available to sample throughout the evening, along with water, soft drinks, and pub-style food.

This is a 21+ event only.

Ticket Options:

• Tasting Ticket – $125
  Includes bourbon tastings, food, and non-alcoholic beverages

• Food-Only Ticket – $55
  Includes pub fare and non-alcoholic beverages

Bourbons 

1. Willett Family Estate Bottled Single Barrel

Aged 4 years - 121.2 Proof

Willett Family Estate Bottled Single Barrel 4 Year Old Barrel No. 47 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750ml is a rare gem for bourbon enthusiasts. This exceptional whiskey showcases the craftsmanship of the Willett Distillery, offering a bold and complex flavor profile that reflects its meticulous aging process. Distilled in Kentucky, it features rich notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice, delivering a smooth yet robust finish. Perfect for savoring neat or on the rocks, this bourbon is a celebration of traditional whiskey-making at its finest.

2. Art of the Spirits American Whiskey, Honored to Serve

Aged 14 years - 128.4 Proof

Introducing the Art of the Spirits 14-Year-Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a genuinely exceptional expression crafted with a unique 65% Corn / 17.5% Wheat / 17.5% Rye mash bill. Aged for 14 years in new 53-gallon American oak barrels, this bourbon is a testament to time-honored craftsmanship. Unlike MGP-sourced spirits, this unique distillate hails from an undisclosed Missouri distillery, ensuring a distinctive character that sets it apart.

Aroma: Caramel, Cherry cola, and baking spices

Palate: Caramel, brown sugar, dark cherry, stone fruit, & baking spices

Finish: Long, sweet fruit, very light hints of oak and spices

3. Art of the Spirits American Whiskey, Forged in Flames

Aged 19 years 11 months - 128.4 Proof

On This Most Solemn Day, September 11th – Art of the Spirits “Forged in Flames” Straight Bourbon Whiskey HONORS and REMEMBERS all those who lost their lives as a result of the World Trade Center attacks. This exceptional single barrel was dumped by local firefighters and police officers that pays tribute to the brave 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, and 2,753 individuals who tragically lost their lives on that fateful day. Your sacrifices will NOT be forgotten!

Aroma: Caramel, Cherry cola,  and baking spices

Palate: Caramel, brown sugar, dark cherry, stone fruit, & baking spices

Finish: Long, sweet fruit, very light hints of oak and spices

4. Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Bottled in Bond

Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. is widely considered one of the founding fathers of the bourbon industry, fighting for the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, nearly three decades after he purchased what is now called Buffalo Trace Distillery. During his time, Taylor implemented several innovative methods still used today, including climate controlled aging warehouses. Many of the barrels selected for the E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel are aged in Warehouse C, which was built by Taylor in 1881 and proven to be an excellent aging warehouse. Each barrel is hand-picked and Bottled in Bond at 100 proof to honor its namesake.

Tasting Notes: The aroma carries lightly toasted oak, with dried figs and butterscotch. One sip brings flavors of sweetness balanced with tobacco and dark spices. The finish is just long enough to prepare the palate for another sip. The bottle itself is a likeness to Colonel Taylor's original design used over a century ago.

5. Rare Character Single Barrel Series Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Full Proof

Aged 8 years and 10 months - 117.06 Proof

6. Horse Soldier Forged in Fire Small Batch Signature Bourbon Whiskey

95 Proof

Extraordinarily complex with notes of vanilla, ginger, and cherries. This "wheated" bourbon is made from small batches of meticulously blended mature whiskey. Horse Soldier Bourbon is non-chill filtered to provide a full-bodied and decadent finish. 

Aroma: Butterscotch, ginger, cherries

Palate: Creamy toffee, dark stone fruits, ginger, cola, vanilla, and oak

7. Bhakta Armagnac Cask Finish Bourbon Whiskey 2014

Aged 9 years - 105.4 Proof

Bold American Bourbon Meets Ancient Armagnac Brandy—France’s Crown Jewel. The second release in the BHAKTA Bourbon line. An exceptional coupling of our French and American Cellars, BHAKTA 2014 Bourbon unites two spirits in celebration of a shared legacy. After harvest and distillation in the American heartland, this complex 99% corn bourbon underwent a 125-day secondary cask finish in French Oak barrels selected from Château BHAKTA’s finest stock—chosen for their pedigree, these casks have each held BHAKTA’s award-winning 1973 Armagnac vintage. Released at cask strength and 9 Years age, BHAKTA 2014 Bourbon symbolizes America’s iconic bond with its oldest ally.

Aroma: Grassy & herbaceous with toasted oak and caramel

Palate: Charred oak, maraschino and maple syrup

Finish: Sweet almond and raisin rum cake

8. Blue Run Ember

Meet Ember, the bold winter bourbon from Blue Run that smolders rather than shouts. Bottled at a formidable 128.8 proof (64.4% ABV), this Kentucky Straight Bourbon blends three unique barrels selected for char-rich spice and wood influence, intentionally crafted to amplify warmth without burning the palate. The design is clever: the contrast of heat and cool, inspired by cold-weather sipping and deep oak aromatics. On the nose: cinnamon bundt cake, rich caramel, toffee, then tea leaf and dry oak emerge. On the palate: nougat, vanilla bean, building waves of cinnamon spice, honeyed sweetness, and quietly confident wood. The finish is dry oak, leather, and lingering spice—perfect for slow sipping and reflection.

Aroma: Cinnamon bundt cake, caramel, slight toffee, moderate oak, tea leaf

Palate: Nougat, building cinnamon spice, vanilla, pink peppercorn, loads of warming spice

Finish: Dry oak, leather, dry cinnamon stick, lingering spice

9. Hogsworth

Aged 9 years 3 months  93.8 proof

Hogsworth 9.3 Year (Average Age) Bourbon Whiskey & Armagnac is an exceptional blend of 4-year to 42-year-old bourbons and Armagnac sourced from Tennessee, Minnesota, and France. This sophisticated combination captures the essence of rich American whiskey and the refined elegance of French spirits. Perfect for those seeking depth, complexity, and a story of international spirit collaboration.

Aroma: A harmonious bouquet of dried apricot, vanilla, and toasted oak with hints of candied orange and spiced leather.

Palate: Rich and layered, featuring notes of caramelized sugar, black cherry, and roasted almonds, balanced by warming spices and a touch of earthiness.

Finish: Long and luxurious, with echoes of dark chocolate, aged wood, and a delicate hint of smoky Armagnac complexity.

10. Calumet Farm Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

17 years and 7 years - 86 proof

Calumet Farm Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is distilled and aged in Kentucky - the heart of bourbon & horse country. It is aged in deeply charred (#4) oak barrels, then hand selected for premium quality. It is carefully crafted into a bourbon worthy of carrying the name of one of the most prestigious horse racing farms in all of history. Our Small Batch offering is crafted from a blend of premium Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey:
17 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
7 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Aroma: Sweet notes of caramel and butterscotch are forward

Palate: Smooth accents of banana bread and light brown sugar mix well with a smokey char flavor

Finish: Delicate and sweet with a round finish, approachable and lingers long on the palate

11. Starlight Bourbon Champagne Finish

Aroma: Very inviting nose with the light brightness of summer fruits and maybe a hint of citrus. There is also the sweetness of vanilla cream. In addition, there is a warm baking spice aroma coming through.

Palate: The bourbon comes forward clearly with notes of vanilla cream, light caramel, hints of grape, and nice baking spices. The finish is fascinating with somewhat of an effervescence that is almost popping with the flavor of grapes. It is like the perfect marriage of bourbon and champagne in a most unique way.

12. Rabbit Hole

Please note that parking is not included; several convenient parking options are available nearby.

Recommended parking: Walnut Street Parking Garage
https://parkharrisburg.com/garages-and-lots/walnut-st-garage/

Savor the experience, enjoy great company, and celebrate the purpose behind every pour.