Tastes of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon offered with Prairie Lights reading

IOWA CITY — Bourbon lovers will have a shot at a taste of a highly sought-after whiskey, thanks to a unique virtual reading event.

Samples of a Pappy Van Winkle whiskey — created by Julian Van Winkle in honor of his grandfather, Pappy Van Winkle — will be available to 25 people who sign up for a virtual reading of a book on the bourbon brand by Wright Thompson, a senior writer for ESPN.

Event organizers also are making three bottles of Pappy Van Winkle Kentucky bourbon whiskey — valued at more than $3,000 — available via drawing for those who sign up for the reading.

The virtual event, 'Pappyland: Wright Thompson in Conversation with Julian Van Winkle III' will take place Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. and is being put on by Prairie Lights Books with assistance from Big Grove Brewery. Renown University of Iowa and NFL football player and local restaurateur Nate Kaeding will host the event.

'Wright loves Iowa City and Prairie Lights,' Kaeding said. 'It's pretty special that he reached out to us to virtually host this unique event.'

Included in the $40 fee for the event — sold through Prairie Lights — is a copy of the book, exclusive access to the event and a $10 donation to the Lee Initiative Restaurant Workers Relief Fund.

In addition to the event and drawing for a bottle of bourbon, the first 25 ticket-holders who arrive at Think Iowa City, 900 First. Ave. in Coralville, at 4:30 p.m. Friday will get a 1-ounce pour of Pappy Van Winkle whiskey. Attendees must be 21 years old and provide proof of purchase for the event. The event will be outdoors, face masks will be required and social distancing will be enforced.

Tickets for the event can be purchased at https://www.prairielights.com/live/pappyland-wright-thompson-conversation-julian-van-winkle-iii

Comments: (319) 339-3155; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com