National Bourbon Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Bourbon Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Bourbon Day is observed on June 14th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Bourbon Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you may want to know about National Bourbon Day.

📅 What day is National Bourbon Day 2024?

In 2024, National Bourbon Day is on Wednesday, June 14th. It is the 2nd Wednesday in June; in 2024, it is Friday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the fun details and facts about June 14, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

When corn, limestone, white oak, fire, and time are combined, they create bourbon, which has become one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in American history. National Bourbon Day, celebrated on June 14, provides an opportunity to delve into the background of this beloved beverage. In the 1700s, Scots-Irish settlers in Virginia and Kentucky began distilling maize, the only grain native to the area. Due to its sweetness, maize made excellent whiskey. Additionally, the presence of limestone in the region’s water, particularly in the Limestone Shelf area where most American whiskeys are produced today, filtered out iron and introduced calcium. This high-calcium, low-iron water proved ideal for making moonshine. The story of bourbon also involves Elijah Craig, a former clergyman who ventured into distilling in the late 1780s. Craig stored his spirits in old fish barrels, which did not enhance the flavor of the whiskey. To improve this, he started charring the inside of white-oak barrels, resulting in a smooth, smokey, and oaky taste. These barrels, marked with their county of origin (Bourbon County), were then shipped to New Orleans, where they underwent a three-month journey. The charring process and the extended travel time contributed to the whiskey’s mellowed flavor. When residents of New Orleans requested more of “that whiskey from Bourbon,” both the name and the spirit were established.

📜 National Bourbon Day History

✅ National Bourbon Day Facts

🔖

🔖

🔖

👍 Why Is National Bourbon Day Important

Bourbon is a fairly versatile liquor, so whether you’ve just purchased a bottle or are bellying up to the brass rail, you have options. Drink it neat or on the rocks; keep it simple with a twist of lemon; sub it for most whiskey-based drinks (think Manhattans and Sazeracs); or mix it with ginger ale. And, while we associate Juleps with the Kentucky Derby, a little muddled mint is fine any time of year.

The United States produces award-winning wines, exceptional craft beer, an expanding range of high-quality ciders, some excellent vodkas, and a lot of overly sweet, bizarrely flavored, and ridiculously named swill. But all of them (yes, even the low-cost root beer schnapps) may be traced back to other cultures or nations. Only bourbon is native to America, and especially to the American South, with 95% of it produced in Kentucky.

We laugh at memes that celebrate the difficulties of adulthood, but there is something to be said for drinking like a true man or woman. Most new drinkers begin with cheap beer, wine coolers, or vodka mixed with whatever’s in the fridge, and there’s nothing wrong with drinking what’s available when you’re young. But there comes a moment when you have to put away the red Solo cups and cultivate a taste for more refined spirits. Enter bourbon, which is frequently more approachable than peaty single-malt Scotches or high-end tequilas.

🙂 How To Observe National Bourbon Day

⚡ Watch the masters at work from the comfort of your armchair
Are you aware of a documentary called Neat: The Bourbon Film? It’s a full-length documentary about bourbon that is currently in the works. Although there is no specific release date yet, the trailer and teasers on social media indicate that it will be worth the wait. In the meantime, you can watch “Kentucky Bourbon Tales,” a one-hour program by KET that includes conversations with knowledgeable distillers.

⚡ Mix up a bourbon-based cocktail
Absolutely, there are times when you might crave the unique flavors of hibiscus bitters, basil-strawberry shrub, peychaud, and ancho chili dust, especially after a tiring day at work. However, for most occasions, a classic drink like an Old Fashioned would be more than enough. Old Fashioneds are perhaps the oldest and most famous mixed cocktails, and luckily, they are incredibly easy to make. To create your own, simply combine a sugar cube (or a teaspoon of superfine sugar) with a few dashes of Angostura bitters and a bit of water in a highball glass. Stir in two ounces of your favorite bourbon and a handful of ice cubes to chill the cocktail. If you’re feeling fancy, you can add a maraschino cherry or an orange slice as a garnish.

⚡ Host a bourbon-tasting party
If you prefer to stick to the traditional ways, you might not be fond of these minor adjustments. In that case, hosting a bourbon tasting might be more suitable for you. Invite some friends and ask each of them to bring a different bottle of bourbon, or have everyone contribute beforehand so you can have control over the selection. We suggest adding a couple of drops of distilled water to each pour to enhance the aromas. Then, rely on your sense of smell and taste to identify different flavors and characteristics in the bourbon. Is it more woody or smoky, or perhaps fruity and floral? Can you detect any sweetness or hints of butter? Bourbons are often described as having nutty, earthy, and herbal notes as well. Remember, the goal here is to compare and contrast, just like in high school essays, in order to determine what aspects of this spirit you appreciate the most.

📅 When is National Bourbon Day?

Explore all 🔗 June holidays, including 🔗 Food & Beverage and other 🔗 Beverage holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about National Bourbon Day. So be sure to check back soon.