Police Officer Austin Machitar
San Diego Police Department, California
End of Watch Monday, August 26, 2024

The Castle & Key Single Barrel Rye Whiskey selected by the First Responder Whiskey Society is more than just a standout in flavor; it’s a tribute to courage and sacrifice. Aged for over four years, this rye delivers rich layers of flavor, from notes of caramel and rye grass to the warmth of baking spices and toasted oak. The barrel, hand-picked by Castle & Key’s Master Blender, the Distillery Team, and two San Francisco World Spirits Judges, has a robust proof of 112.6, providing a full-bodied, yet balanced experience with hints of black licorice, vanilla, and white pepper​.

This bottle is part of a limited release. 100% of the net proceeds will go to support the family of fallen San Diego Police Officer Austin Machitar and aid his partner, Officer Zach Martinez, who was critically injured in the same incident. Each pour from this bottle is not just a tribute to excellent craftsmanship but also a way to give back to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community.

Raise a glass in honor of our heroes, and know that with each sip, you are contributing to a cause that extends far beyond the bottle.

This single barrel will sell out quick.  Do not sleep on this!

Limit 2 per customer.

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*21+ OR OLDER ADULT SIGNATURE REQUIRED* - A 21+ or Older Adult Signature is required at the time of delivery. If you do not have someone there to sign for the bottle at delivery or coordinate with UPS to pick it up at one of their locations, it will be returned to the distillery, and you will be assessed an additional $25 shipping fee if you request to have it sent back out to you.

The bottles can be shipped across the United States except for the restricted states of Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Utah, and Virginia.

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Police Officer Austin Machitar was killed in a vehicle crash at 11:30 p.m. at the intersection of Doliva Drive and Clairemont Mesa Boulevard.

An officer was pursuing a speeding vehicle that failed to yield for a traffic stop. When the pursuit reached a high rate of speed, it was called off. Officer Machitar and his partner were responding to the area of the fleeing suspect when the fleeing car broadsided Officer Machitar's patrol vehicle at 90 mph, causing the police cruiser to be engulfed in flames. Officer Machitar was pronounced dead at the crash site. The other officer was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital in critical condition.

The driver of the pursuit vehicle died in the crash.

Officer Machitar had served with the San Diego Police Department for over five years. He is survived by his parents and sister.

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First Responder Whiskey Society

Join The First Responder Whiskey Society!

The First Responder Whiskey Society is a non-profit 501(c)(3)(EIN #87-3987483) charity with one mission: to support first responders and their families in times of need. The charity has a membership of 13,000+ police, fire, military, medical, and family members from primarily the United States and other parts of the world. The values that guide our organization are camaraderie, loyalty, mental and physical wellness, and responsible consumption. Our motto of "Service Through Spirits" is something we take seriously. We prioritize charity and our members above all else and always strive to do things ethically because it is the right thing to do.