Emma Jones
Keeping their father’s memory alive through bourbon
Getting the whole family together for a warm, cheerful, and somewhat noisy gathering on a cold, winter night is a memory that many people hold dear. For the O’Donnell brothers, such evenings were wrapped in the tantalizing aroma of their father’s favorite drink – bourbon. After losing their dad, the brothers decided to keep their father’s memory alive in a very unique way – by blending their own bourbon, an homage to their late father and his love for the amber nectar.
The Story begins
The O’Donnels grew up around the distinctive smell of bourbon, a scent that filled their childhood home, Holly’s Package. Their father, a dedicated bourbon enthusiast, spent many an evening online searching for the finest bourbons and sharing this passion with his sons. A passion that would later evolve into a heartfelt tribute in the form of their family’s own bourbon blend.
After their father’s unfortunate passing, the brothers began to navigate their grief by continuing their father’s tradition – the exploration of bourbon. They dove into extensive research sessions, endless tastings, and even enrolled in certified distillery courses. With every glass, every bit of knowledge gained, they felt a connection with their father, an echo of his passion, and a sense of purpose.
Developing their bourbon blend
Developing a bourbon blend that mirrored the memory of their father was a labor of love and an emotional healing process. They sought to distill their father’s essence and his love for family and bourbon into each bottle.
Determined to capture the best elements of what they loved about their father’s favorite drink, they spent months testing different blend options. They examined hundreds of barrels, each with a unique taste profile, and meticulously examined each one. They were looking for a bourbon that tasted like home to them. A bourbon that sang the same melody their father’s favorite blend used to invoke.
Finding the perfect combination
The brothers eventually found the perfect combination of sweetness, richness, and warmth that mirrored their cherished memories of their father. They selected a blend featuring a hint of sweet caramel and vanilla at the forefront, followed by spicy accents of cinnamon, oaky undertones, and a soft, warm finish. This blend was much more than a drink. It was a tangible manifestation of their memory, comfort in a bottle, a way to toast to their father and remember the good times.
Bringing Holly’s Package to life
With the final blend in hand, they christened their tribute “Holly’s Package,” naming it after the home that bore witness to their family’s love for bourbon. The design for the bottle was a result of careful consideration, incorporating elements that were dear to their dad, including his favorite color – a warm, deep shade of amber reminiscent of the cherished spirit within.
Celebrating the memories, one bourbon at a time
While the process was laborious, emotionally charged, and sometimes overwhelming, every step was worth it. The brothers found solace and healing by pooling resources, time, and effort in creating the family blend. Each sip of “Holly’s Package” serves as a reminder of their father, the passionate bourbon enthusiast, and the love he had for his family.
For the O’Donnell brothers, creating “Holly’s Package” was a lot more than just an exercise in bourbon blending. It was a heartfelt tribute, a continuing narrative of their father’s legacy, immortalized in the form of a cherished family blend. This tribute only solidifies the age-old belief that indeed, at the heart of every family tradition, there is a meaningful experience.
And what could be more beautiful than honoring a much-loved parent with a labor of love that embodies their passion and the warmth they brought to their family?
