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Garnet & Bourbon logo

Garnet & Bourbon logo

A bottle of amber-colored whiskey stands alongside a glass filled with the same whiskey, resting on a wooden surface scattered with grains of barley, with wooden barrels softly blurred in the background.

Garnet & Bourbon

Friday, September 26, 2025 | 7:00 p.m.

Pastides Alumni Center

  • Dress Code is Business Casual
  • Valet Parking available from Senate Street

Garnet & Bourbon is an evening you won’t want to miss. Join us as we unveil Maker’s Mark Private Selection 1801, crafted exclusively for the USC Alumni Association. Each guest will be gifted a bottle to add to their collection. Savor authentic South Carolina-grown cuisine and enjoy a selection of flavorful Maker’s Mark specialty cocktails throughout the night.

A smiling man with short brown hair is wearing a light blue checkered shirt. He is standing outdoors, with greenery and blurred buildings in the background, suggesting a pleasant, sunny day.

Rob Samuels '96

As managing director of the Maker’s Mark Distillery, Rob Samuels has been making his mark as an 8th generation distiller. Rob’s mission is to ensure every drop of Maker’s is made the same way as the first. He will bring his family’s story and his innovative vision to this event through in-depth conversation.

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In addition to the rare opportunity to hear directly from Rob, you’ll enjoy farm-to-table culinary creations and handcrafted Maker’s Mark cocktails prepared by expert mixologists.

The couples event ticket includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, premium drinks, and one gift bottle of 1801 for two guests. The individual event ticket includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, premium drinks, and one gift bottle of 1801 for one guest.

  • A wooden tasting tray featuring several whiskey tasting glasses, each engraved with letters and filled with amber liquid, set on a bar table.
  • A woman in a sleeveless white top pours red liquid from a large glass vessel into smaller glass containers at a bar, with a rustic stone wall and several patrons in the background.
  • A person holding a framed 'Barrel Birth Certificate' from Maker's Mark, which certifies the creation of a barrel, featuring decorative elements and a red seal, with a soft-focus background of a wooden table and glasses.
  • A group of ten individuals stands together in a bar setting, smiling and celebrating, with several holding glasses and a wooden plaque. Behind them, a wall is lined with bottles of bourbon. The atmosphere is festive and welcoming.

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