Whiskey & Tobacco Candles:

Fighting for Water with The Cumberland River Compact

“Whiskey is for drinking, water is for fighting.” -  Unknown. 

This famous quote, often attributed to Mark Twain, reminds us that whiskey is a commodity, but clean water is essential for life—and worth fighting for. 

Now, we here in Tennessee may be world-famous for our whiskeys: Jack Daniels, Uncle Nearest, Nelson, Chattanooga Whiskey 111, Prichards….  And while we’re proud to raise a glass of Tennessee’s finest, we can’t forget that none of our distilleries would be able to make quality whiskey, without natural, clean water. Our world renown whiskeys just wouldn’t taste right without it. 

But what if Tennessee was just as famous for its clean water as it is for whiskey? 

Clean water isn’t just nice to look at; it’s the backbone of society: keeping folks healthy, critters happy, and industry running. It’s the foundation for both a robust economy and healthy society.

Any historian will tell you: the easiest way to find an ancient society is to look for natural sources of freshwater. When water wasn’t available, people had to innovate with filtration systems, aqueducts, and rainwater collection to ensure survival. Without it, even modern day societies wouldn’t be able to support agriculture, population growth, or trade. 

When our waterways flourish, so do our communities.

 So what would it look like if our waterways were kept as pristine as our whiskey? Imagine healthier neighbors, ecosystems, economies, and societies… Thankfully, the good people and volunteers at The Cumberland River Compact are working to make that vision a reality. 

…Water is for fighting.

“For anyone that lives in the 18,000 square mile reaches of the Cumberland River Basin, you ARE the Cumberland River. This small fact holds such significance when we see the issues our lands and waters are facing in the midst of climate change, urbanization, loss of green spaces and trees, and degradation of the land that impacts the health of our waterways… And it’s our job to take care of it.” - Cumberland River Compact

The Cumberland River Compact is on the front lines of this battle, working to protect the water that supports Tennessee. From urban water projects, to stream restoration, to farmland certifications, educational programs and community initiatives, the Compact has played a major role in making the Cumberland River Basin a healthier place to live.  

Volunteers working on stream restoration at Stephens Valley for Cumberland River Compact, highlighting efforts in environmental conservation.

Take their work on Trace Creek for example: 

“The work we are doing on Trace Creek is correcting human-caused, derogatory processes that would otherwise continue for many hundreds of years (e.g. erosion, sedimentation, habitat loss, invasive species colonization, etc), and putting the stream on a path towards restoration. It will take a few years to recover from construction, but after doing so, it will continue to grow healthier and healthier and be forever protected from disturbance by a permanent conservation easement held by the Cumberland River Compact.”

But their work doesn’t stop with restoring rivers. The Cumberland River Compact works with local landowners: from residential homes, to farm owners, to local businesses—providing certifications as well as free consultations to reduce water pollution from improper land use. Every square foot of cared-for land makes a difference, and the Cumberland River Compact is doing their very best to make sure all the land here in the Cumberland River Basin is well cared for. 
Photographer: Andrea Behrends

Whiskey & Tobacco Candles

To honor the Cumberland River Compact’s work in making a healthier Tennessee, we’ve released our latest candle scent, "Whiskey & Tobacco." 

Inspired by the saying “Whiskey is for drinking, water is for fighting” we’re raising our whiskey glasses to fight for clean water! And with tobacco as a nod to our area’s farming heritage, we’re hoping all farmers in our area take up Cumberland River Compact’s offer for partnership and implement sustainable agricultural practices. 

By purchasing a Highland Rim Candle Co. “Whiskey and Tobacco” candle, you’re joining the fight for clean water in our area.  A portion of every sale is donated directly to Cumberland River Compact, supporting their mission “to enhance the health and enjoyment of the Cumberland River and its tributaries”. 

Sources:
https://cumberlandrivercompact.org/2024/07/11/onward-and-upward-restoration-continues-on-trace-creek/

https://cumberlandrivercompact.org/explore/the-basin/

https://quoteinvestigator.com/2013/06/03/whiskey-water/

https://cumberlandrivercompact.org/what-we-do/working-lands/

©Nectarine Studio LLC

Highland Rim Candle Co.'s Whiskey & Tobacco scented candle in amber jar, displayed with fresh tobacco leaves in the background, showcasing the label's vintage whiskey and tobacco motif.

Each purchase of the Whiskey & Tobacco donates $1 to the Cumberland River Compact, ensuring clean water for the Cumberland River, it's watershed and communities.

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