Presented by local legends Kaley June and Justin Sturges, and sponsored by Cooks Mill Whiskey.

Kaley June and Justin Sturges have made names for themselves in Wilmington, NC. They are responsible for the bar programs at the Starling Bar and Ibis Coffee & Cocktails, two of Wilmington's most prestigious cocktail bars. Both have solidified their position as knowledgeable, inventive, and ambitious artists in the beverage space, and have been invaluable in the growth of our town's high-end hospitality reputation. Kaley and Justin have hand selected a list of their favorite bourbons to give you a personalized tour of what they believe is truly the best of the best. They are not salespeople -- they are passionate and deeply educated experts who will lead you through a curated tasting and evening of excellent hospitality.

In addition to Kaley and Justin's guided tasting, Cooks Mill Whiskey will be sponsoring our event and providing a signature cocktail to kick off our evening. Cooks Mill Whiskey is a North Carolina bourbon with a 350 year distillation tradition, making it the oldest documented distillation tradition in America. The NC-grown corn is still ground in the old Cooks Mill in Alamance County -- the same mill that was the meeting place for those most involved in the Battle of Alamance, largely considered the opening salvo of the American Revolution. The preservation of this tradition has produced one of the finest whiskeys crafted today. It's only fitting to be served up in the historic Brooklyn Arts Center for this year's Bourbon & Bites.

Our annual bourbon auction will feature incredible names like Buffalo Trace, Blanton's, Weller, Woodford Reserve, Elijah Craig, and so many more. We can't wait to offer you these fine bourbons as well as raffle off our bottle of Pappy Van Winkle.

Your ticket not only grants you access to a world-class bourbon tasting experience and private auction, but also supports the oldest and largest nonprofit organization serving and rescuing victims of human trafficking in the greater Wilmington area. We boldly stand at the intersection of human trafficking and homelessness in this community. Please join us as we enjoy amazing bourbons, incredible depth of bourbon knowledge, great conversations, and hearty appetizers throughout the evening. Together, let us savor the moment and know that you are truly helping to transform lives and creating possibilities for those who have lost hope.

Learn More About First Fruit Ministries:

Eagle Rare 10 Year & Blanton's