“Balance of Power” Announced as the next Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction Lot, in Honor of America’s 250th Anniversary
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 2026) — The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration (KBCA) today announced the next installment of the “12 Lots of Bourbon,” a festive and historic countdown revealing the rare bourbon bottles, barrels and experiences that will be auctioned during its inaugural event on Presidents’ Day Weekend, Feb. 13–15, 2026.
“Balance of Power” is the next auction lot in the series of 12 outstanding lots from the many prestigious bourbons to be auctioned in a spirited nod to the classic “12 Days of Christmas.” The countdown will culminate with the twelfth lot announcement in January of 2026, America’s 250th anniversary year. More lots will be announced through the event’s culmination in February.
“As we enter America’s 250th anniversary year, the principle of balance of power reminds us why this country endures,” said Andrew Varga, KBCA Founder. “At the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction, we’re honoring those founding ideals by pairing meaningful American stories with exceptional bourbon experiences, including this Four Roses Private Selection. ‘Balance of Power’ reflects our commitment to celebrating the values that shaped the nation while using America’s native spirit to bring people together for a greater cause.”
The Second Lot of Bourbon
Titled “Balance of Power,” the newly revealed lot honors one of America’s founding principles and highlights the art of balance as expressed in the offering of a Four Roses Private Selection Barrel Pick.
The lot features a private barrel selection personally chosen by Master Distiller Brent Elliott. Drawn from one of the distillery’s ten unique bourbon recipes, this barrel represents Elliott’s expert vision and showcases the precision, harmony and depth that define the Four Roses style.
As part of the Four Roses Private Barrel program, this selection reflects the distillery’s singular approach to bourbon-making. Four Roses is the only major distillery to combine two distinct mash bills with five proprietary yeast strains, creating a framework of ten recipes that allow for remarkable range and nuance. The chosen barrel exemplifies the thoughtful interplay of these elements, resulting in a bourbon that is complex, refined and exceptionally balanced.
“This barrel is a great example of how balance comes to life in our bourbon,” said Tracy Thornsberry, Brand Director at Four Roses Distillery. “From recipe selection to maturation, every decision is intentional, and this particular barrel reflects the depth of character and craftsmanship we strive for in every release.”
The result is a one-of-a-kind bourbon selected at the highest level of the distillery, offering bidders a rare opportunity to own a highly curated expression of Four Roses’ legacy, defined by structure, nuance and enduring quality.
“Balance of Power” follows the announcement of KBCA’s first revealed lot, “Freedom,” and is part of a series of rare and exclusive offerings that will be unveiled in the lead-up to 2026, the official anniversary year of the United States.
Proceeds from the KBCA will benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation, supporting veterans, service members and their families, reinforcing the event’s mission to honor America’s native spirit while giving back to those who have protected its freedoms.
For updates, auction lot announcements and ticket information, visit www.KYBCA.com and follow the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
About the Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction
The Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction and Celebration is a first-of-its-kind gathering honoring Kentucky’s bourbon legacy while giving back to the heroes who protect our nation. Founded in Louisville by Andrew Varga, a longtime spirits industry executive, the inaugural KBCA committee includes bourbon industry luminaries, authors and executives such as America’s CEO- Chief Entertaining Officer Tim Laird and Lori Laird, former PriceWeber VP, Executive Creative Director Larry Profancik and brand strategist Henrietta Pepper. KBCA unites distilleries, chefs and bourbon enthusiasts for three unforgettable days of tastings, events and philanthropy, all “for the greater great.”
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