- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- AppreciationDrinkingHistorical
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every September
- Holiday emoji:
- 🥃
Bourbon Heritage Month invites enthusiasts to celebrate America’s native spirit throughout September. This month-long observance honors the rich history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of bourbon. Discover new distilleries, explore tasting notes, and enjoy this iconic American whiskey responsibly.
Want to sponsor Bourbon Heritage Month? Learn how
Expected Bourbon Heritage Month Deals
Throughout Bourbon Heritage Month, expect a cascade of promotions from liquor retailers, bars, and distilleries. In 2027, major brands like Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, and Wild Turkey are likely to offer limited-edition releases, special tasting events, and distillery tours. Online retailers such as ReserveBar and Drizly often feature discounts on popular bottles and curated bourbon sets. Local bars and restaurants will roll out themed cocktail menus and food pairings. Look for exclusive merchandise and apparel from brands like Buffalo Trace and Four Roses. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September approaches.
Platform Guide for Bourbon Heritage Month
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #BourbonHeritageMonth. Share your favorite bourbon cocktails, tasting experiences, or distillery visits with stunning visuals.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #BourbonHeritageMonth. Create short, engaging videos showcasing bourbon history facts, cocktail recipes, or responsible tasting tips.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BourbonHeritageMonth. Join online groups to discuss new releases, share local events, and connect with fellow bourbon lovers.
Bourbon Heritage Month Hero
Elijah Craig
History of Bourbon Heritage Month
Dating back 400 years, American Whiskey established itself as an important factor in the economic development, and cultural shaping in the history of the United States. It all started when English colonist George Thorpe filtered the first-ever batch of corn whiskey in Virginia. The founding father of our great nation, George Washington, continued this tradition of distilling and operated the largest whiskey distillery in Virginia, in the nation’s early years.
It is widely believed that Elijah Craig is the Father of Bourbon. In 1789, Craig concocted bourbon by maturing the existing corn whiskey, or moonshine, in oak barrels. Popular as this theory is, many argue that bourbon was not invented by any one person, and instead evolved over time.
Even though America’s distilling heritage started before the nation was founded, bourbon was declared as a unique product of the United States in an act of Congress in 1964. Federal law states that bourbon must be produced in the United States, contain at least 51% corn, and mature in freshly charred oak barrels for at least two years.
In 2007, a resolution was passed by the U.S. Senate, declaring September as National Bourbon Heritage Month. Every year, bourbon enthusiasts come together to appreciate the history, craftsmanship, and milestones of the bourbon industry.
Bourbon Heritage Month timeline
The Samuels family starts making whiskey when Robert Samuels perfected a "secret" family recipe.
Evan Williams opens his distillery in Kentucky.
Bartenders amp up Whiskey Cocktail with new ingredients, leading to a purist movement advocating for the “Old Fashioned” drink.
Congress declares bourbon a “distinctive product of the United States.”
More than 26 million cases of American Whiskey are sold.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month
Local bars, restaurants, and liquor stores can celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month by hosting special tasting events, offering themed cocktail menus, and educating customers on bourbon’s history and production. Retailers can curate special bourbon selections, promote local distilleries, and offer discounts on bottles throughout September. Partnering with a Kentucky distillery for a virtual tasting or an in-store promotion can also drive engagement and sales, highlighting America’s native spirit responsibly.
Bourbon Heritage Month FAQs
When is Bourbon Heritage Month?
Bourbon Heritage Month 2026 runs throughout September, from Tuesday, September 1, to Wednesday, September 30. This entire month is dedicated to celebrating America’s native spirit.
What are the rules for making bourbon?
To be called bourbon, the whiskey must be made in the U.S., from a mash bill of at least 51% corn, aged in new, charred oak barrels, distilled to no more than 160 proof, and entered into the barrel at no more than 125 proof. It must be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof and contain no added flavors or colors.
How popular is bourbon in the US?
Bourbon’s popularity in the U.S. has seen a significant resurgence, with sales consistently growing year over year. In recent years, American whiskey (including bourbon) has generated billions in revenue, reflecting a strong consumer demand for premium and craft spirits.
What's the difference between bourbon and whiskey?
All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Whiskey is a broad category of distilled spirits made from fermented grain mash. Bourbon is a specific type of American whiskey with strict legal requirements, including being made from at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels.
How To Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month
Mix up a cocktail
Concoct your own cocktail at home, and toast to National Bourbon Heritage Month!
Host a bourbon tasting
Meet up at your local bar, or host a bourbon tasting at your home for friends and/or family.
Attend a virtual tasting
Enjoy one of the many virtual bourbon tastings and live sessions that take you through the decades of bourbon.
5 BOURBON RULES FOR THE PERFECT TASTE
U.S. Only
Bourbon must be made in the United States.
The vessel is important
Bourbon must be aged in a charred, new-oak barrel.
Corn content
The result must consist of at least 51% corn.
Limit
Whiskey cannot enter the barrel higher than 125 proof.
No fancy ingredients
Distilleries cannot add anything except water, that too to lessen the proof when necessary.
Why We Love Bourbon Heritage Month
Responsible drinking
Bourbon Heritage Month encourages people to celebrate their love for the beverage, respectfully and responsibly.
Bourbon is a true American beverage
Predating the nation’s creation, bourbon has been a part of American culture and economy since the beginning.
Unique history
Food and Beverage holidays are always a favorite at National Today. We love how delightful food-related items we enjoy today came into being and their rich history.
Bourbon Heritage Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 1 | Friday |
| 2029 | September 1 | Saturday |
| 2030 | September 1 | Sunday |
Social Media Tips for Bourbon Heritage Month
Individuals
Creators
Brands