National Bourbon Day

Close-up of a glass filled with dark amber-colored bourbon, sitting on a wooden bar counter, surrounded by whiskey barrels and vintage bar accessories.. — National bourbon day illustration

Raise your glasses, bourbon-lovers! It's time to pour yourself a neat one and celebrate National Bourbon Day. Our analysis reveals that this smooth and strong national day has poured itself into countless online mentions, reaching its peak 'on-the-rocks' on June 14, 2018.

When is Bourbon Day?

It's national bourbon day on the 14th June.

A Brief History

Legend has it that the nectar known as bourbon was first distilled in the 18th century by American pioneers. It's liquid gold in a glass, treasured with all the patriotic fervor you'd associate with apple pie and baseball.

The Bourbon Boom Online

Fast forward a couple of centuries to the advent of the internet and suddenly, bourbon was not just a drink, but an online sensation. Our trusty digital tools have flagged 12,055 mentions of National Bourbon Day, with the number one trending date being June 14, 2018. From barrel-aged blog posts to spirited tweets, National Bourbon Day came as a 'neat' surprise, splashing the online world with its mellowing magic.

Why the 14th of June?

Why is June 14th the day when bourbon lovers unite? As much as we'd love to tell you that it’s because it's the exact day when the first batch of bourbon was perfectly aged, we can't. The origin of the date is as mysterious as the deep amber liquid itself. But hey, any excuse for a toast!

How to celebrate?

No prizes for guessing how to honor this day - pour yourself a glass or, if you're feeling adventurous, mix up a bourbon cocktail. Bourbon Old Fashioned, anyone? Just remember, true connoisseurs suggest sipping it slowly, savoring each note of the flavor profile.

History behind the term 'Bourbon'

1769

The Birth of Bourbon County

In 1769, Bourbon County, a county located in what is now the state of Kentucky, was established. The county was named after the French royal family, the House of Bourbon, in honor of their support during the American Revolutionary War. The fertile lands of Bourbon County proved to be perfect for growing corn, the primary ingredient in bourbon whiskey.

1789

The Arrival of Distillation

In 1789, Elijah Craig, a Baptist minister and distiller in Bourbon County, is said to have introduced the process of charring the inside of barrels before aging whiskey. This innovation, known as the "charred oak barrel aging method," enhanced the flavor and color of the whiskey

1840

The Term 'Bourbon' Gains Popularity

By the 1840s, whiskey produced in Bourbon County was gaining popularity across the United States. The term 'bourbon' was used to describe this particular type of whiskey, distinguishing it from other types of whiskeys being produced in different regions. The name stuck, and 'bourbon' became synonymous with the whiskey produced in Bourbon County.

1964

The Bourbon Resolution

In 1964, the United States Congress officially recognized bourbon as a distinctive product of the United States. The resolution declared that bourbon must be made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, and distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume). This recognition solidified bourbon as an iconic American spirit.

2007

National Bourbon Heritage Month

In 2007, the United States Senate declared September as 'National Bourbon Heritage Month.' This month-long celebration recognizes the impact of bourbon on the nation's history, economy, and culture. It provides an opportunity to educate people about the art of crafting bourbon and the rich heritage behind this beloved American spirit.

Did you know?

Did you know that all bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon? For a whiskey to call itself bourbon, its mash, the mixture of grains from which the product is distilled, must contain at least 51% corn.