Justin Vernon Pairs with Hometown Luthier to Create a Custom Bushmills Whiskey Barrel Guitar, Proceeds to Benefit Charity

Justin Vernon has teamed up with his hometown friend and master luthier Gordy Bischoff to develop “The 1608″ – a custom baritone guitar made with original white oak wood from Bushmills Irish Whiskey barrels. It’s all for Bushmills’ Since Way Back program, which pairs artists with other artisans and businesses to develop unique pieces that reflect each of their passions. Justin and Gordy tell you more about this special endeavor in the video above.

“The goal is to put art back on the map in Eau Claire. Far too many artists from this area have had to leave because what we want to do with our lives just isn’t possible here. That’s what the Confluence Project is: to build a center that can be a nucleus for art here in Eau Claire.” – Justin Vernon

Starting today until November 22, “The 1608″ will be auctioned off via ebay. Proceeds will benefit The Confluence Project, which intends to construct a new Community Arts Center at the confluence of Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers in Eau Claire, WI. Bid on “The 1608″ guitar.