Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living and equipment exposition, is set to debut its first-ever small batch bourbon, Equip Reserve 42: Backyard Blend, at this year’s show, Oct. 21-24 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. This exclusive blend has already earned a Silver Medal from the American Distilling Institute.
The bourbon’s name was chosen through a contest and submitted by Sam Meagher, owner of Sam I Am Outdoor Services. Meagher came up with the name Backyard Blend while drawing inspiration with his wife, Mary McGowan Meagher.
“We’re very excited about our new bourbon blend, which is crafted by a Kentucky distiller. It celebrates our host state’s legendary bourbon heritage, and it’s very fitting that the name for it was submitted by one of our attendees,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, which owns and manages Equip Exposition.
Only 232 bottles will be available, with attendees invited to sample the bourbon at the Louisville Tourism booth on Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 3-5 p.m.
Meagher encourages industry professionals to attend Equip Exposition, calling it “a can’t-miss event” for education, networking and business growth. Last year, the show attracted more than 28,500 landscapers and contractors seeking new ideas and connections.
His advice for others: “Take advantage of all it has to offer, not just equipment but the educational standpoint — the classes you can learn from, the different vendors and your peers in the industry. You [can] find someone your same size, maybe a bit bigger, [talk about] where you want to go, and they’ll take you under their wing and help you. It’s really awesome, that community,” said Meagher.
