Hartley & Parker Limited, Inc., and Heaven Hill Brands celebrated the Evan Williams Bourbon American-Made Heroes program, which honors a group of military veterans through sharing their stories of service to support veteran causes nationally. This year, one of the service members honored was Niantic’s Chaz Koch, who served as Master-at-Arms Petty Officer, Third Class, U.S. Navy. A tasting and bottle signing of Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch American Hero Edition Bourbon showcased Koch at Village Wine & Spirits in Niantic, followed by a happy hour tasting and food pairing at The Stumble Inne in Old Lyme. Sales from the signing were also set to benefit Operation Paws on the Ground, a nonprofit animal rescue that Koch co-founded after his military service. This year’s small-batch bourbon was thoughtfully selected by the 2023 Class of Evan Williams American-Made Heroes, including Koch. To date, Evan Williams has donated more than $500,000 to veteran causes nationwide, and for the fourth consecutive year, the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund will donate $75,000 directly to veteran causes. At retail, the program is marketed through three-rack displays, bottle neckers, case cards, case tuckers and signage.