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American Whiskey is one of the most popular spirits in the country, and the legacy of Bourbon Whiskey runs deep throughout the American South.
National Whiskey Day celebrates one of the United State’s favorite liquors with its own dedicated day. There are many different ways to celebrate this National holiday, and all of them involve a glass of whiskey, whether it be neat, on the rocks, or part of an Old Fashioned or other iconic cocktail.
History of Whiskey
Whiskey has been very popular among Americans since its introduction to the United States in the late 1700s. The majority of American whiskey can either be categorized as “Sour Mash” or “Bourbon.”
The Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 was a major dispute between American whiskey producers and the government over taxation, and although it ended without a battle, the conflict caused many producers to head south, away from the scrutiny and regulation of the North.
It was here in the American South, that Bourbon Whiskey was first created in the state of Kentucky. While previous versions of Whiskey were unaged, Kentucky producers used charred American Oak barrels to give their product more depth of flavor, and Bourbon was born.
In the year 1897, the Bottled in Bond Act was put into law in an effort to stamp out the Whiskey counterfeiting epidemic that was rampant at the time. It outlined a number of regulations that a Whiskey producer must meet and set an industry standard.
To become a bonded Whiskey producer, the product must have been produced in one season at one single distillery, and it had to be aged for a minimum of four years in a bonded aging warehouse that was monitored by the United States Treasury Department.
In the year 1920, the United States banned the production, distribution, and consumption of alcohol until the year 1933 in what later became known as the Prohibition Period.
During the Prohibition Period, the production of Whiskey did not cease and many illegal operations continued to supply the American public with bootleg versions of Whiskey that became known as “Moonshine.”
After the prohibition of alcohol was repealed in 1933, the popularity of American Bourbon Whiskey exploded, and it was known as the drink of choice for many Americans until sometime between 1975 and 1980 when Vodka passed it in popularity.
Today, the popularity of American Whiskey is experiencing a resurgence, as much of the younger generation is interested in high-quality craft spirits with a story and history. There are many new small and independent producers popping up every single year.
National Whiskey Day
National Whiskey Day, also known as National Bourbon Day is a popular holiday that celebrates this distinctly American spirit every single year with its own holiday. Many Whiskey enthusiasts enjoy this holiday every year, and various events are held annually.
National Bourbon Day takes place on June 14th every year, and it is a celebration of one of America’s favorite spirits. It is rumored that Elijah Craig produced the first batch of Bourbon on this day back in the year 1789.
The purpose of National Bourbon Day is to drive more sales of Bourbon and bring more recognition and attention to all different types of the American spirit. Many different producers release special batches of Bourbon each year, and bars and retailers run specials.
Some people choose to celebrate National Whiskey Day by supporting their local bartenders and ordering a Whiskey on the rocks or an Old Fashioned at their favorite whiskey bar or restaurant.
There are also many parties and large celebrations that are hosted by local distilleries and whiskey bars. Attending one of these is a great way to support your local Whiskey scene, and get to know other Whiskey enthusiasts in your area.
Others choose to celebrate National Bourbon Day at home by purchasing one of their favorite top-shelf Whiskeys and mixing up a cocktail with friends or family in the comfort of their own homes.
Best Cocktails for National Whiskey Day
While the most simple and straightforward ways to enjoy Whiskey on National Bourbon Day are by enjoying it “neat” or “on the rocks” with an ice cube, there are also a variety of classic cocktails that are as delicious as they are popular in the United States.
The Old Fashioned is one of the most important and iconic cocktails in the entire world, and many people believe that it is the best way to showcase the best of what American Bourbon has to offer while adding a bit of sweetness and flavor to the palate.
This simple cocktail is made using a mixture of fine American Whiskey with sugar, bitters, and orange zest. This simple cocktail has stood the test of time and has remained one of the top Whiskey based cocktails for many decades.
The Manhattan is another famous and iconic Whiskey based cocktail that has stood the test of time and has been a staple at bars and saloons for decades since its creation in the post-prohibition period.
The Manhattan is made using a combination of American Bourbon, Vermouth, and Bitters. It is served in a Martini glass, and it is considered by many to be one of the most delicious Whiskey based cocktails in the world.
The Whiskey Sour is another popular Whiskey cocktail that is very easy to drink and can either be served on the rocks or as a shooter. It is made using American Bourbon, lemon juice, and sugar – with egg white occasionally included to add a foamy texture.
The Whiskey Sour is one of the top-selling Whiskey based cocktails in the United States, and it is a great option for those who enjoy strong and bitter flavours. It is one of the best ways to take a shooter and is often served chilled in a large shot glass.
Best Whiskeys for National Whiskey Day
Buffalo Trace is one of the best bottles of Bourbon on the market today that can be purchased for under $40 per bottle. Many Bourbon enthusiasts regard it as the perfect balance between quality and price, and it is readily available all over the country.
It is located in the state of Kentucky and has been in operation for hundreds of years. Over the years, Buffalo Trace has been known by many different names over the years, including George T. Stagg Distillery and the Old Fashioned Copper Distillery.
Wild Turkey is one of the most popular bottles of Bourbon in the United States, and it is both affordable and delicious. It is one of the best options when it comes to Whiskeys for mixing into cocktails, as it is both economical and smooth.
It is one of the most popular bottles of Bourbon in the United States, and it is affordable enough for nearly all Whiskey enthusiasts. It is the Bourbon of choice for Whiskey Sours in many bars and restaurants across America.
Maker’s Mark is another high-quality bottle of American Bourbon that strikes the perfect balance between quality and value in the eyes of many Whiskey enthusiasts. It comes in a distinctly shaped bottle and is covered with beautiful red wax.
This 90-proof whiskey is both strong and smooth, and it is one of the most popular options for mixing into Old Fashions. Opening up a bottle of Maker’s Mark Bourbon is a great way to celebrate National Whiskey Day.
Where to Celebrate National Whiskey Day
While National Whiskey Day or National Bourbon Day has not fully caught on in all parts of the country, it is possible to find major celebrations and parties in most major cities across the United States, and many of them offer drink specials and signature Whiskey cocktails.
The city of Philadelphia has fully embraced National Whiskey Day, and there are many different bars, restaurants, and distilleries around town that host celebrations every June 14th in honor of one of America’s favorite spirits.
Another great place to celebrate America’s signature spirit on this unique holiday is to check in with your local Whiskey bar. There are many Whiskey themed bars and even a few chain concepts that have emerged all across the United States over the past several years.
These Whiskey themed bars can be the best places to take advantage of fantastic drink specials, and many Whiskey bars open up special bottles of Bourbon not usually available in honor of National Whiskey Day each year on June 14th.
Final Thoughts
National Whiskey Day is a popular holiday that celebrates one of America’s favorite and most iconic liquors. Some call it National Whiskey Day, and others call it National Bourbon Day, but regardless of what you call it, it is a fantastic holiday that deserves to be celebrated.
Whether it means grabbing a cocktail with friends, attending a large-scale Whiskey celebration, or mixing up your favorite cocktail at home, National Whiskey Day should be celebrated every year on June 14th.
