Bourbon brand breaks US$1m barrier with latest parks pledge

Yellowstone Bourbon’s latest US$25,000 donation pushes its support for the National Parks Conservation Association past US$1 million, underscoring the growing role of drinks brands in long-term environmental partnerships.

Yellowstone Bourbon has renewed its annual partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) with a US$25,000 donation, taking its total contributions to more than $1 million since 2018.

The latest pledge continues a near decade-long relationship between the bourbon brand and the conservation organisation, focused on protecting US national parks.

Ongoing conservation push

The partnership reflects Yellowstone Bourbon’s historic ties to Americana. Named after Yellowstone National Park, the brand is led by Limestone Branch Distillery founder Stephen Beam, a seventh-generation master distiller from the Beam and Dant families.

As part of the renewed collaboration, Yellowstone Bourbon will take part in NPCA’s year-long public engagement campaign, United by Parks. The initiative coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and aims to encourage public support for the preservation of national parks.

“NPCA is so proud to continue our important partnership with Yellowstone Bourbon, who has been an incredible ally in our work to protect our national parks, including their unparalleled beauty and rich history,” said Tiernan Sittenfeld, President and CEO of National Parks Conservation Association. “As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday this year, we’re all in to defend and commemorate America’s best idea, just as we have for more than a century. And we know Yellowstone Bourbon is too.”

Building engagement

Since 2018, the two organisations have collaborated on a range of initiatives, including social media campaigns, video and music content promoting preservation projects, and special-edition bourbon releases. The partnership has also included on-the-ground experiences in Yellowstone National Park with Beam.

“I grew up visiting national parks and the excitement of exploration and being surrounded by nature has been with me ever since,” said Beam. “Having the opportunity to give back and see the impact we’re making is a dream come true, and I hope people will be inspired to get out and enjoy the parks and do what they can to keep them preserved for generations to come.”

In 2023, NPCA awarded Yellowstone Bourbon its National Park Defender Award, recognising what it described as “exceptional dedication” to park protection and consumer education.

Yellowstone Bourbon is part of Luxco, which operates as the branded spirits division of MGP Ingredients following its acquisition in 2021.

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