LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 22, 2025- Equip Exposition announces its inaugural small batch bourbon, Equip Reserve 42: Backyard Blend, which will debut at Equip Exposition, being held October 21-24 at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC). The special blend has already won a prestigious award from the American Distilling Institute.
The bourbon was named by Sam Meagher, owner of Sam I Am Outdoor Services, who has attended the blockbuster trade show annually since 2021 and submitted his idea for the name to a bourbon-naming contest run by Equip earlier this year.
"Take advantage of all it has to offer, not just equipment but the educational standpoint…"
Unveiled exclusively for Equip's 42nd show this October, Backyard Blend marks the start of a new show tradition. Two hundred thirty-two bottles will be made of Equip Reserve 42: Backyard Blend. Attendees will have a chance to sample it at the Louisville Tourism booth Wednesday, October 22 from 3 to 5 pm.
"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 & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns and manages Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment exposition, held each year in Louisville.
Meagher came up with the name Backyard Blend while talking with his wife, Mary McGowan Meagher. "I wanted something 'Equip Expo-y', lawn care related. Something catchy, with alliteration. The feeling that name gives you [is something] a lot of people in this industry could relate to … that sentiment and that moment."
The bourbon is already receiving awards and earned a Silver Medal from the American Distilling Institute's 2025 competition.
Meagher says the show is a can't-miss event for anyone in landscaping because of the knowledge it offers to help him grow his business and the community he's found there.
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," says Meagher.
And he says there's value in bringing a team with you. "Bring your guys. They can gain knowledge of what companies can be," says Meagher. "It's become a tradition, a staple -- our Super Bowl, not just for equipment, but for networking and meeting people."
Last year the trade show drew more than 28,500 people, with landscapers and contractors seeking actionable and practical ideas to grow and expand their businesses.
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