**ATTENTION ALL BOURBON LOVERS**
Behind the Badge is proud to announce the beginning of our very own series of private bourbon barrel selections. The bourbon series is titled “Heroes Reserve”. We travel to different distilleries throughout the year selecting our very own bourbon barrels. Those barrels are then bottled and sold by us. The series was created to pay our respects and appreciation to our local heroes. Each private pick is dedicated to a chosen local hero and the bottles bare their emblem. A percentage of the sales of the bottles will directly benefit our Heroes Fund.
Our Heroes Fund was established to provide support to any local hero (police, fire, or military) who is seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. On a case by case basis, this fund is also used to support local heroes who have fallen on hard times. Currently, the Heroes Fund is fully funded by Fretboard Brewing with the sales of S23. These barrel selections will be another way to make sure that we can continue to impact the lives of our local heroes and their families.
Bottles will be sold on a pre-sale basis only (you won’t find them in stores). So make sure you go over to our Facebook page via the link below and like and follow us. Stay tuned for upcoming information on future picks to come.
SPECIAL THANKS TO LIQUOR EXPRESS
Without Harry's help, this series and hero dedication would not have be possible. Please go support his business at: 221 W 12th St, Covington, KY 41011
WANT TO NOMINATE A HER0?
Has your Hero been seriously injured or killed in the line of duty? This series was established to provide us with an outlet to share the stories of many of our local heroes who have sacrificed their mind/bodies/lives in the course of their duties. Many times, these heroes stories are lost or forgotten as more time passes. With that being said, it is not a requirement that your hero have had lost their life during the course of their profession to be considered. Click on the button below to complete a submission form.
In July 2020, we conducted a Bulleit Single Barrel pick in honor of Sgt. John Andrew Kuchar III. Andy, was born April 13, 1977. Andy was an edge liver, a father, a son, a brother, a friend, and a mentor to many. Andy started his more than honorable career in the Navy. He served from 1995- 1998, where he received many awards such as The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Metal, Armed Forces Service Metal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal. Andy then left the Navy to become a mentor at the Northern Kentucky Boys Home as well as Campbell Lodge Boy’s Home. During that time Andy’s first daughter Madison Lynne Kuchar was born in 2006. In 2007 Andy began his time at Burlington Fire Department, he became a certified paramedic in 2012, and was promoted to sergeant in 2016. During his time at BFD he received many awards such as the KAPA Award Above and Beyond 2015, Officers Choice Award and many many others. His second child Stella Lillianna Kuchar was born in 2013.
Although Andy was an amazing hero to the community, he was an even bigger hero to his friends and family. With being such a “local celebrity” free time was almost nonexistent. In the rare occasion he did have free time, you would find Andy at his kid’s sports games, his daughters dance recitals, volunteering his time to coach youth football for Connor Middle School, and riding motorcycles with his mother, Lillian Ferrante. Friends and Family know Andy was the king of pep talks and life lessons. Being such a wise soul, Andy always spread his learnings with his loved ones. He had such a way with words that anything he said would make you want to listen. Although the life lessons got pretty serious, Andy was quite the “self-proclaimed comedian” his humor could be described as quite dry and not suitable for the faint of heart. It was a well-known fact if Andy made fun of you, he liked you and if he didn’t make fun of you, he didn’t like you. Andy had the biggest heart with the tallest walls around it, but once you finally got in there it was so worth it. He would have done anything for anyone at any given point. He was such a special soul and the world has lost one of its biggest protectors and caregivers. John Andrew Kuchar III passed away on April 16,2020 at his Hebron, KY home. Our hope now, is that he is in peace with his Grandmother, Grandfather, Dale Brown, and Whitney Craig. His legacy will live on through his daughters Madison and Stella Kuchar, his parents, and his loved ones.
Although Andy was an amazing hero to the community, he was an even bigger hero to his friends and family. With being such a “local celebrity” free time was almost nonexistent. In the rare occasion he did have free time, you would find Andy at his kid’s sports games, his daughters dance recitals, volunteering his time to coach youth football for Connor Middle School, and riding motorcycles with his mother, Lillian Ferrante. Friends and Family know Andy was the king of pep talks and life lessons. Being such a wise soul, Andy always spread his learnings with his loved ones. He had such a way with words that anything he said would make you want to listen. Although the life lessons got pretty serious, Andy was quite the “self-proclaimed comedian” his humor could be described as quite dry and not suitable for the faint of heart. It was a well-known fact if Andy made fun of you, he liked you and if he didn’t make fun of you, he didn’t like you. Andy had the biggest heart with the tallest walls around it, but once you finally got in there it was so worth it. He would have done anything for anyone at any given point. He was such a special soul and the world has lost one of its biggest protectors and caregivers. John Andrew Kuchar III passed away on April 16,2020 at his Hebron, KY home. Our hope now, is that he is in peace with his Grandmother, Grandfather, Dale Brown, and Whitney Craig. His legacy will live on through his daughters Madison and Stella Kuchar, his parents, and his loved ones.
In February, 2020 we conducted a Knob Creek Single Barrel pick in honor of Marine LCPL Jonathan "JP" Price. We selected a 15.5 year barrel that was absolutely delicious. Marine LCPL Jonathan Thomas Price was raised in the heart of bourbon country in Woodford County, Kentucky. In June of 2014, Jonathan's life was tragically lost during a random street robbery in Lexington.
Jonathan had a tremendous love for his family and friends. He was a Christian, a Marine, and a all around simple genuine man. Jonathan was known to all for his smile that could light up a room, his ability to always make others smile and be happy, his hugs that seemed to stay with you, and his all around love of life. His mother, Debbie, taught him (2) important things: Be kind to people and do your best at whatever you do in life. He accomplished both of those things. There are two truths about Jonathan: 1) What a man is; survives him! It cannot ever be buried and 2) How do you live forever? It's what you leave behind.
Inscribed at the bottom of Jonathan's sticker and bottle, you will find the numbers "1-4-3". The story behind these simple every day numbers; has a meaning that will live forever. When Jonathan was young boy, he told his mother that they needed a secret code for the two of them. He decided that he wanted their code to be "1-4-3" and advised his mother that it stood for "I Love You". The two of them used this code in letters, texts, phone calls, in person, and even on the baseball and football fields where he would signal to her those numbers. Very few people, including family, knew what this code meant to the two of them. The last day his mother heard this from him was on June 21, 2014 the day he tragically passed. After his passing, his mother said she learned that there was only a handful of Jonathan's friends that knew what this code meant. The few that Jonathan told state that the learning of the secret code came with promise. Jonathan loved his mother and he didn't care who knew, but they were to promise to never tell anyone the meaning of their secret code.
*Due to this barrel have a very SMALL yield, it was released and sold ONLY to FAMILY and CLOSE FRIENDS. There is good news though, we have decided to conduct ANOTHER barrel selection in honor of Jonathan so that his story can be told and shared with all of you. We will be conducting a special New Riff Single Barrel pick in the coming month. This bottle will be unlike any other bottle that we have done so far. Each bottle will bear a special laser engraving dedicated to Jonathan instead of a sticker as seen on other bottles. We hope that all will enjoy this special selection from New Riff that was chosen by members of Jonathan's family. We apologize that many never had the opportunity to collect the Knob Creek pick.*
Jonathan had a tremendous love for his family and friends. He was a Christian, a Marine, and a all around simple genuine man. Jonathan was known to all for his smile that could light up a room, his ability to always make others smile and be happy, his hugs that seemed to stay with you, and his all around love of life. His mother, Debbie, taught him (2) important things: Be kind to people and do your best at whatever you do in life. He accomplished both of those things. There are two truths about Jonathan: 1) What a man is; survives him! It cannot ever be buried and 2) How do you live forever? It's what you leave behind.
Inscribed at the bottom of Jonathan's sticker and bottle, you will find the numbers "1-4-3". The story behind these simple every day numbers; has a meaning that will live forever. When Jonathan was young boy, he told his mother that they needed a secret code for the two of them. He decided that he wanted their code to be "1-4-3" and advised his mother that it stood for "I Love You". The two of them used this code in letters, texts, phone calls, in person, and even on the baseball and football fields where he would signal to her those numbers. Very few people, including family, knew what this code meant to the two of them. The last day his mother heard this from him was on June 21, 2014 the day he tragically passed. After his passing, his mother said she learned that there was only a handful of Jonathan's friends that knew what this code meant. The few that Jonathan told state that the learning of the secret code came with promise. Jonathan loved his mother and he didn't care who knew, but they were to promise to never tell anyone the meaning of their secret code.
*Due to this barrel have a very SMALL yield, it was released and sold ONLY to FAMILY and CLOSE FRIENDS. There is good news though, we have decided to conduct ANOTHER barrel selection in honor of Jonathan so that his story can be told and shared with all of you. We will be conducting a special New Riff Single Barrel pick in the coming month. This bottle will be unlike any other bottle that we have done so far. Each bottle will bear a special laser engraving dedicated to Jonathan instead of a sticker as seen on other bottles. We hope that all will enjoy this special selection from New Riff that was chosen by members of Jonathan's family. We apologize that many never had the opportunity to collect the Knob Creek pick.*
We traveled to Buffalo Trace Distillery and have selected an 8 year barrel that will knock your socks off. We had the privilege of taking the Jansen family with us to complete this barrel selection.
This bottle had been dedicated to NEWPORT POLICE OFFICER ANTHONY JANSEN SR. Officer Jansen’s two bothers and son joined us on the barrel selection. In 1984, Officer Jansen responded to a shots fired call. When he arrived on scene, he observed the suspect inside of a home that matched the description of the armed suspect given to him. At some point shots were exchanged between the suspect and officers. Officer Jansen was tragically shot and killed during this incident. Officer Jansen’s son, who accompanied us on the pick, was only 6 months old at the time of his fathers passing. Officer Jansen was a loving HUSBAND, FATHER, BROTHER, SON, and FRIEND. His family said that he was working as much as he could to provide for his growing family. He was loved by his family and community he served.
It is our pleasure and honor, to dedicated this Buffalo Trace pick to OFFICER ANTHONY JANSEN SR. May his story of dedication and love live on for many more years to come.
We had the honor of taking the family of FLORENCE FIRE LT. PHIL BENDER with us to MGP Distillery to conduct our first pick of the new year. We HAND selected an amazing 6 year REMUS SINGLE BARREL. If that’s not enough, we also got a once in a lifetime chance to be one of the very first groups to select a ROSSVILLE UNION SINGLE BARREL BOTTLED IN BOND that we couldn’t pass up. This will be a very unique pick; as this will be a collectors set that you don’t want to MISS OUT on. Both picks will bare a different emblem dedicated to Phil.
Lt. Phil Bender spent 14 years as a fireman and paramedic with the last 11 being with the Florence, KY Fire Department. Phil had a passion for his work as a fireman/paramedic and his love for helping people extended into all other areas of his life. Phil was the type of guy who would help anyone and was passionate about helping kids through coaching sports. Everyone who knew Phil loved him and he enjoyed life to the fullest.
Phil was a loving son, brother, uncle, fiancé and friend. In December 2019, Phil tragically and unexpectedly passed away. Even in his death Phil continued helping others; as an organ donor Phil helped over 100 people.
It is our great honor that we have the opportunity to dedicate these barrels in honor of Lt. Phil Bender.
Lt. Phil Bender spent 14 years as a fireman and paramedic with the last 11 being with the Florence, KY Fire Department. Phil had a passion for his work as a fireman/paramedic and his love for helping people extended into all other areas of his life. Phil was the type of guy who would help anyone and was passionate about helping kids through coaching sports. Everyone who knew Phil loved him and he enjoyed life to the fullest.
Phil was a loving son, brother, uncle, fiancé and friend. In December 2019, Phil tragically and unexpectedly passed away. Even in his death Phil continued helping others; as an organ donor Phil helped over 100 people.
It is our great honor that we have the opportunity to dedicate these barrels in honor of Lt. Phil Bender.
"Chip Terry" Rossville Union Rye (MGP Distillery)
On April 28th, 2019 we conducted a private barrel select at MGP Distillery. These bottles will bare emblem to Retired Assistant Chief Chip Terry with the Covington Fire Department. Chief Terry spent 20+ years serving the community of Covington Kentucky. He was awarded several accommodations throughout his many years of service. He was a beloved husband and father. Chief Terry tragically passed away in 2017 just a few short years after his retirement from the fire department. We had the privilege of taking his son Noah with us on this journey; as we kicked off the beginning of the Heroes Reserve Series.
MGP distillery is well known in the bourbon world for their work in producing nearly 85% of the Rye bourbon in the nation. We had the opportunity to conduct a private barrel selection on their very own Rye bourbon, Rossville Union.
On April 28th, 2019 we conducted a private barrel select at MGP Distillery. These bottles will bare emblem to Retired Assistant Chief Chip Terry with the Covington Fire Department. Chief Terry spent 20+ years serving the community of Covington Kentucky. He was awarded several accommodations throughout his many years of service. He was a beloved husband and father. Chief Terry tragically passed away in 2017 just a few short years after his retirement from the fire department. We had the privilege of taking his son Noah with us on this journey; as we kicked off the beginning of the Heroes Reserve Series.
MGP distillery is well known in the bourbon world for their work in producing nearly 85% of the Rye bourbon in the nation. We had the opportunity to conduct a private barrel selection on their very own Rye bourbon, Rossville Union.
"Russel E. Madden" Knob Creek Single Barrel
On May 22nd, 2019 we got the opportunity to conduct a private barrel selection at Knob Creek, Jim Beam Distillery. We selected a great tasting 9.5 year Knob Creek Single Barrel.
We are excited to announce that These bottles will bare emblem to Army Spc. Russell E. Madden, of Bellevue KY. Spc. Madden grew up in a small town and was well known for his strong determination and athletic ability. He decided to seek a career in our armed forces and enlisted into the United States Army. After completing all of his training, Spc. Madden was hand selected to the prestigious 173rd Airborne Brigade. In 2010, he was deployed to Firebase Shank located in the infamous Logar Province in Eastern Afghanistan. As the Lead Gunner for Convoy Escorts, Spc. Madden’s mission was to lead the convoy group to replenish other FOB units with munitions, supplies and equipment. Seven months into his deployment, Spc. Madden volunteered to be lead escort for a mission after a fellow soldier fell ill and was unable to deploy for the mission. While in route back to his FOB, Spc. Madden’s vehicle was struck by a road side I.E.D. Sadly, Spc. Madden lost his life as a result of the injuries he sustained during the explosion.
Spc. Madden was awarded several medal of honors including, but not limited to: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Badge and Global War on Terror Commendation.
It is our honor to dedicate each of these bottles, from this hand selected barrel, in honor of the dedication and sacrifice Spc. Madden made for this great country.
On May 22nd, 2019 we got the opportunity to conduct a private barrel selection at Knob Creek, Jim Beam Distillery. We selected a great tasting 9.5 year Knob Creek Single Barrel.
We are excited to announce that These bottles will bare emblem to Army Spc. Russell E. Madden, of Bellevue KY. Spc. Madden grew up in a small town and was well known for his strong determination and athletic ability. He decided to seek a career in our armed forces and enlisted into the United States Army. After completing all of his training, Spc. Madden was hand selected to the prestigious 173rd Airborne Brigade. In 2010, he was deployed to Firebase Shank located in the infamous Logar Province in Eastern Afghanistan. As the Lead Gunner for Convoy Escorts, Spc. Madden’s mission was to lead the convoy group to replenish other FOB units with munitions, supplies and equipment. Seven months into his deployment, Spc. Madden volunteered to be lead escort for a mission after a fellow soldier fell ill and was unable to deploy for the mission. While in route back to his FOB, Spc. Madden’s vehicle was struck by a road side I.E.D. Sadly, Spc. Madden lost his life as a result of the injuries he sustained during the explosion.
Spc. Madden was awarded several medal of honors including, but not limited to: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Badge and Global War on Terror Commendation.
It is our honor to dedicate each of these bottles, from this hand selected barrel, in honor of the dedication and sacrifice Spc. Madden made for this great country.
"Eric Sierra & Mark Hasenohr" New Riff Single Barrel
On June 28th, 2019 we got the opportunity to conduct a private barrel selection at New Riff Distillery. We selected a great tasting 4 year New Riff Single Barrel.
We are excited to announce that these bottles will bare emblem to not one but two special heroes. Behind the Badge is proud to announce that these bottles have been dedicated to Cincinnati Police Sergeant Eric Sierra and Cincinnati Police Sergeant Mark Hasenohr.
Sgt. Sierra spent 14 years with the Cincinnati Police Department. He was dedicated to giving back to his community and a loving father and husband. Eric had passion for Jeep Wranglers and you would usually find him cleaning his very own Jeep at home. In 2014, just a few hours after getting off work, Eric tragically passed away at home of a brain aneurysm.
Sgt. Mark Hasenohr spent well over 20 years with the Cincinnati Police Department. Mark also had a true passion for the work he did as a police officer. He was a loving father, husband, brother, and uncle. In 2012, the family was devastated when Mark tragically passed away.
Eric and Mark were not just family in blue but they were family in blood. If losing one of them wasn’t devastating enough, their family lost both of them in just a few short years.
It is our honor to dedicate each of these bottles, from this hand selected barrel, in honor of the dedication and sacrifice that Eric and Mark gave to their communities
On June 28th, 2019 we got the opportunity to conduct a private barrel selection at New Riff Distillery. We selected a great tasting 4 year New Riff Single Barrel.
We are excited to announce that these bottles will bare emblem to not one but two special heroes. Behind the Badge is proud to announce that these bottles have been dedicated to Cincinnati Police Sergeant Eric Sierra and Cincinnati Police Sergeant Mark Hasenohr.
Sgt. Sierra spent 14 years with the Cincinnati Police Department. He was dedicated to giving back to his community and a loving father and husband. Eric had passion for Jeep Wranglers and you would usually find him cleaning his very own Jeep at home. In 2014, just a few hours after getting off work, Eric tragically passed away at home of a brain aneurysm.
Sgt. Mark Hasenohr spent well over 20 years with the Cincinnati Police Department. Mark also had a true passion for the work he did as a police officer. He was a loving father, husband, brother, and uncle. In 2012, the family was devastated when Mark tragically passed away.
Eric and Mark were not just family in blue but they were family in blood. If losing one of them wasn’t devastating enough, their family lost both of them in just a few short years.
It is our honor to dedicate each of these bottles, from this hand selected barrel, in honor of the dedication and sacrifice that Eric and Mark gave to their communities
"Christopher "Tyler" Warndorf" Woodford Double Oak
On July 8th, 2019 we got the opportunity to conduct a private barrel selection at Woodford Reserve. We selected an AMAZING Woodford Double Oak.
We are excited to announce that these bottles will bare emblem to a young man that our President had the opportunity to grow up with and call a friend. Behind the Badge is proud to announce that these bottles have been dedicated to the memory of Marine CPL. Christopher “Tyler” Warndorf.
We were going to wait another week to announce this pick, but after spending time with Tyler’s mother Tina Lorraine Warndorf, brother Nick, sister Katelyn, Nicks fiancé Nikki Deese, and future father-in-law Tim Deese; we felt today was the perfect day. On this day, Tyler would have been celebrating his 34th birthday.
Marine Corporal (CPL) Christopher Tyler Warndorf was born and raised in Burlington, Kentucky. At a young age Tyler’s father passed away and immediately Tyler stepped up to help his mother out. He got a job as soon as he was old enough to help his mother out financially and took care of all the hard labor around the house. Tyler was an extremely funny individual, but many times you would catch him sitting around laughing at his own jokes that nobody else got. In 2003, Tyler graduated from Conner High School. After graduation, Tyler enlisted into the United States Marine Corps. Tyler was based in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and served two tours in Iraq, the first tour being in Fallujah.
On August 29, 2006, while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Ramadi, Iraq. Tyler was killed while serving his country when a suicide car bomber drove through the base’s gates and detonated an improvised explosive device. Tyler’s tour in Iraq was scheduled to end September 14, 2006. Four of his close relatives had already served in Iraq and returned safely.
It is our honor to dedicate each of these bottles, from this hand selected barrel, in honor of the dedication and sacrifice that Marine CPL Warndorf made for our Country. The photo depicted in Tyler’s sticker was taken 45 mins prior to him tragically losing his life.
On July 8th, 2019 we got the opportunity to conduct a private barrel selection at Woodford Reserve. We selected an AMAZING Woodford Double Oak.
We are excited to announce that these bottles will bare emblem to a young man that our President had the opportunity to grow up with and call a friend. Behind the Badge is proud to announce that these bottles have been dedicated to the memory of Marine CPL. Christopher “Tyler” Warndorf.
We were going to wait another week to announce this pick, but after spending time with Tyler’s mother Tina Lorraine Warndorf, brother Nick, sister Katelyn, Nicks fiancé Nikki Deese, and future father-in-law Tim Deese; we felt today was the perfect day. On this day, Tyler would have been celebrating his 34th birthday.
Marine Corporal (CPL) Christopher Tyler Warndorf was born and raised in Burlington, Kentucky. At a young age Tyler’s father passed away and immediately Tyler stepped up to help his mother out. He got a job as soon as he was old enough to help his mother out financially and took care of all the hard labor around the house. Tyler was an extremely funny individual, but many times you would catch him sitting around laughing at his own jokes that nobody else got. In 2003, Tyler graduated from Conner High School. After graduation, Tyler enlisted into the United States Marine Corps. Tyler was based in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and served two tours in Iraq, the first tour being in Fallujah.
On August 29, 2006, while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Ramadi, Iraq. Tyler was killed while serving his country when a suicide car bomber drove through the base’s gates and detonated an improvised explosive device. Tyler’s tour in Iraq was scheduled to end September 14, 2006. Four of his close relatives had already served in Iraq and returned safely.
It is our honor to dedicate each of these bottles, from this hand selected barrel, in honor of the dedication and sacrifice that Marine CPL Warndorf made for our Country. The photo depicted in Tyler’s sticker was taken 45 mins prior to him tragically losing his life.
