BLACK BUTTON DISTILLING AND AMERKS TEAM UP TO RELEASE ‘PESKY AMERKS’ BESPOKE BLEND STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
A portion of proceeds to benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital
Mar 4, 2024Limited Edition Whiskey Hand Crafted with Amerks Head Coach and Bourbon Aficionado Seth Appert Available for Pre-Order March 7; Special Release Event on March 21 at Black Button Distilling
Black Button Distilling, the first grain-to-glass craft spirits producer in Rochester, N.Y. since prohibition, in partnership with the Rochester Americans hockey club announce the ‘Pesky Amerks’ Bespoke Blend Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a special blend hand crafted with Amerks head coach and Bourbon Aficionado Seth Appert.
Pesky Amerks Whiskey will be available for pre-order beginning on March 7, 2024. On March 21 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Black Button Distilling (1344 University Ave.) will host a special release event with Appert, who will be on site to sign bottles, with a portion of proceeds of bottle sales going to Golisano Children’s Hospital. The first 25 guests will receive a special engraved rocks glass with the Amerks logo and Appert’s signature on it.
A team signed Amerks branded bourbon barrel from Black Button Distilling will be donated to the Amerks for auction with proceeds going to Golisano Children’s Hospital. The release event also coincides with the upcoming March 24th Amerks Bills Day Game, presented by UR Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital.
“We love hockey, and we love our Amerks,” said Jason Barrett, Black Button Distilling Founder & Master Distiller. “This collaboration highlights some of the best of what Rochester has to offer: great sports and great spirits. Plus, this project presented an opportunity to give back to the community via our shared common cause, the Golisano Children’s Hospital.”
“We’re very excited about this new collaboration and for the debut of the Pesky Amerks bourbon inspired by head coach Seth Appert, who was instrumental in bringing this unique concept to life,” said Amerks Interim Vice President of Business Operations, Chad Buck. “What better way to celebrate our 68th season in Rochester than with a new specialty bourbon produced by a local institution deeply rooted in our city like Black Button Distilling. This blend promises to be an instant favorite and one we’re excited to offer up to fans this season.”
And, what about the name? “Pesky Amerks originated in our 2021-22 season when our lineup was ravaged by injuries, call-ups, and COVID-19. Our team embraced a ‘never-give-in, always-in-the-fight’ mentality to find a way no matter the adversity,” said Appert. To represent that, Appert chose a blend that was “smooth in taste with a little kick to it for all to enjoy.”
ABOUT: Black Button Distilling was founded in 2012 by Master Distiller Jason Barrett and was the first distillery to operate in “The Flour City” since prohibition. As a grain-to-glass craft spirits producer, Black Button is a licensed New York State Farm Distillery and uses nearly 100% New York State grown ingredients that come from within 50 miles of the distillery. Best known for its Four Grain Straight Bourbon, Bespoke Bourbon Cream, and botanical gins like Citrus Forward and seasonal Lilac, Black Button’s spirits are available at its current location at 1344 University Ave. Rochester, in liquor stores throughout New York State, and online at www.blackbuttondistilling.com.
ABOUT THE ROCHESTER AMERICANS:
Under the ownership of Terry and Kim Pegula, the Rochester Americans are the second-oldest franchise in the American Hockey League with a rich history that dates back over six decades. Currently in their 68th season, the Amerks, as they’re affectionately known, have captured six Calder Cup championships since the team’s inception in 1956 and the organization also has the distinction of serving as the top developmental team for the National Hockey League’s Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres and Amerks are presently in their 42nd season as working partners, which marks the longest active affiliation between an NHL club and its AHL counterpart.