Chris OaksSeptember is Bourbon Heritage Month, Celebrate America’s Native Spirit with Must-Try Bourbons, Experiences, Tastings, Tours, and More
National Bourbon Heritage Month officially starts on September 1st, 2024. This is an opportunity for all bourbon lovers to come together and celebrate America’s Native Spirit. Whether you’re a longtime bourbon aficionado, a full blown bourbon tater, or just beginning your journey, this guide will take you through the best ways to embrace Bourbon Heritage Month. From the early history of bourbon to the most anticipated bourbon releases and events, you’ll find everything you need to make this month a spirited celebration.
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What is Bourbon Heritage Month?
Bourbon is truly an American spirit through and through, and also by law. Therefore, Bourbon Heritage Month is celebrated every September to honor the history and cultural significance of bourbon in the United States, sorry American Single Malts. Established in 2007, the U.S. Senate officially declared September as National Bourbon Heritage Month. This month gives us a designated opportunity to pay homage to the legacy of this uniquely American Whiskey. It’s a month where we recognize bourbon’s role in shaping American culture, and it’s the perfect time to delve into its historic tradition and present trendiness. It also gives distilleries a great opportunity to release some amazing bottles, but more on that below.
Must-Attend Bourbon Heritage Month Events
September is packed with events all across the United States that celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month. Whether you’re in the heart of bourbon country, attending a tasting event virtually, or simply bottle hunting at your local liquor store, there’s no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in the bourbon experience.
- Top Bourbon Festivals: Events like the longstanding Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown are must-visits for dedicated bourbon lovers. This event is the original bourbon festival, but has since spawned off another more family-friendly and local event downtown called Cheers To Bardstown. Meanwhile, just north in Louisville, Bourbon & Beyond is an annual music festival that hosts more than 100,000 attendees for one of the most premier festivals in the country. Did we mention it also celebrates bourbon? In between music sets you can wander into The Hunter’s Club to sip and savor rare vintage expressions such as Old Weller 107 from 1976, plus more allocated barrel picks!
- Kentucky Bourbon Festival | September 13 – September 15, 2024
- Bourbon & Beyond | September 19 – September 22, 2024
- Cheers to Bardstown | September 14, 2024
- Exclusive Distillery Tours & Events: Many distilleries open their doors for special tours during Bourbon Heritage Month. Visit iconic distilleries like Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, and Four Roses to see where the magic happens. The Amp amphitheater at Log Still Distillery hosts concerts including 90s country music legends Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye, and Aaron Tippin. Or you could take the Louisville Distilled Leisure Cruise as you ride the river through Bourbon City for a unique tasting aboard an iconic river boat.
- Virtual Bourbon Experiences: Can’t make it to Kentucky? No problem! The distillery can come to you in the form of virtual tastings. Wild Turkey has a Guided Bourbon Tasting Experience allowing you to participate from the comfort of your home. Just say “Hey Alexa, Open Wild Turkey Tasting” to your Alexa device and you will be transported to Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, home of the Wild Turkey Distillery. The legendary Russell family will guide you from there. There’s also a World Bourbon Toast on September 17th at 4pm local time, or use #WorldBourbonToast to follow along.
September Bourbon Releases: Must-Have Bottles
One of the highlights of National Bourbon Heritage Month is the release of limited edition bourbons. This happens to be one of the easiest ways to participate, and in our opinion one of the most fun! This gets into the peak of bourbon season where highly anticipated bottles are eagerly snapped up by collectors and enthusiast, so getting your hands on a bottle might take a little bit of luck and skill. Nonetheless, the hunt is half the fun. Below are a few great bottles to be on the lookout for, but check our full bourbon release calendar for all of the best whiskey releases in September 2024.
- Barrell Bourbon 20 Year Toasted Single Barrel: This online-only release might fly under the radar but should be one of the most sought-after bottles this month. With its mature flavor profile and limited availability, it’s a must-have for serious bourbon collectors looking for some seriously aged bourbon.
- Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2024: This limited edition is a standout release that bourbon fans eagerly await each year. This year’s release is a blend of 12-year to 20-year-old bourbons with a 108.2 proofing. Hit the link above where we outline how to score a bottle on September 14th.
- Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon 10th Edition: With a proof of 140.2, this robust bourbon is a true celebration of bold flavors that packs a punch. It’s a bottle that exemplifies the old saying, everything is bigger in Texas, home to Garrison Brothers Distillery.
- Old Forester 2024 Birthday Bourbon: Released every September in honor of the brand’s founder, this bourbon is a collector’s dream. It has a unique flavor profile and proof with each annual release, and its limited availability make it a highlight of every Bourbon Heritage Month.
- Bardstown Bourbon Company Collaborative Series Silver Oak Finish: Released just in time for the celebration, this blend takes 6 distillates ranging from 9-year to 15-year-old bourbons, then finished them in Silver Oak Cabernet barrels for 17 months. Expect a balance of ripe fruit and sweet caramel notes.
- Other Notable Releases: Keep an eye out for the Parker’s Heritage Collection 18th Edition, Basil Hayden 10 Year Bourbon (2024), and King of Kentucky 2024 Edition, each offering something special for bourbon lovers.
How to Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month at Home
Even if you can’t make it to a distillery or festival, there are several of ways to celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month in the comfort of your home. Let’s be honest, once you have a proper bourbon collection at home, this is where you’ll spend most of the time enjoying the spirit anyways.
- Host a Bourbon Tasting Party: Invite friends over and sample each other’s collection for a proper bottle share night. You’re probably already doing this anyways, so just make it official. You can do blind tastings, throw some bourbon barrel foods into the mix, and even polish up your bartending skill by making some classic bourbon cocktails.
- DIY Bourbon Cocktails: From the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, to Mint Juleps, perfecting these popular bourbon cocktails is a simple way to celebrate. Experiment with different versions of the classic staples above, such as using a cocktail smoker, to add a new twist. If you’ve already got those down, expand onto other bourbon recipes such as a hot toddy and discover your new favorite cocktail. Here’s a Brown Sugar Old Fashioned recipe to put a simple twist on a classic bourbon cocktail.
- Build Your Bourbon Collection: Bourbon Heritage Month is the perfect time to start collecting bourbon for newcomers, or expanding your collection for those who’ve already caught the bug. Focus on acquiring both everyday favorites and limited-edition releases to build a well-rounded collection. True bourbon fans know that while it’s fun to score a rare bottle, you still have an everyday sipper that won’t break the bank. Checkout our Bourbon Release Calendar to see what allocated bottles will be released in September!
- Enter our Bourbon Heritage Month Giveaway: Enter our bourbon giveaway for a chance to win bourbon gear and accessories. From our Bourbon Barrel Tumbler, a Bourbon Barrel iPhone Case, or one of our Bourbon Shirts, a gift card to our bourbon store will have you celebrating in style!
The History and Legacy of Bourbon
Bourbon is deeply intertwined with American history dating back to the late 18th century. Since that time bourbon has been a staple of American life. From early homesteading on the frontier, to trade and medicinal purposes, this distinct American whiskey has played a more significant role then just being a tasty beverage. Over the years, bourbon has evolved from a regional spirit to a globally recognized symbol of American craftsmanship and currently it’s part of an insane hype craze commercially.
- Origins of Bourbon: Bourbon’s roots can be traced back to early settlers in America. Although there are conflicting stories of how bourbon actually got its name, there’s no question that Kentucky played a pivotal role in its history. The region’s fertile soil and natural ability to grow corn, in addition to the abundance of pure limestone water is ideal for distilling whiskey.
- Bourbon’s Cultural Impact: Bourbon has played a significant role in American history since the beginning, quite literally. Buffalo Trace Distillery for example, dates back prior than the official formation of America. Maker’s Mark is a protected National Historic Landmark. Moreover, whiskey was a key symbol of the early pioneer spirit, while bourbon also became front and center of national debates during Prohibition. Today, bourbon is not just a drink, it has evolved into an American cultural icon and even a lifestyle of its own.
- Key Historical Milestones: From the Bottled and Bond Act of 1897, the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, the 1964 Senate Concurrent Resolution 19, to the Bourbon Boom of the 21st century, bourbon has seen many pivotal moments that have influenced the product we know today. Understanding these key historical milestones helps outline the story of why bourbon holds such a significant place in American culture.
Embracing the Spirit of Bourbon Heritage Month
As we celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month, it’s important to recognize the spirit’s significance in American culture. Bourbon is more than just a drink, it’s a symbol of tradition and community. Whether you’re attending events, trying new releases, or simply enjoying a glass at home, this month is all about embracing what makes bourbon special. Plus, there’s no better time to join the club.
So, raise your Glencairn or favorite whiskey glass, here’s to celebrating America’s Native Spirit the proper way during National Bourbon Heritage Month.
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