- Categories:
- Fun
- Tags:
- AppreciationDrinkingLiquor
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every May 22
- Holiday emoji:
- 🥃
National Craft Distillery Day raises a toast every May 22 to the innovative, small-batch spirits crafted by independent distilleries. This day celebrates the artistry, passion, and unique flavors that set craft spirits apart. Explore a local distillery, try a new spirit, or mix up a cocktail with your favorite craft liquor.
Want to sponsor National Craft Distillery Day? Learn how
Expected National Craft Distillery Day Deals
While official 2027 promotions are still under wraps, National Craft Distillery Day typically sees a surge in local distillery events and special releases. Expect many craft distilleries, like Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey or High West Distillery, to offer tasting room discounts, behind-the-scenes tours, or limited-edition bottle sales. Retailers such as Total Wine & More and BevMo! may feature promotions on craft spirits, while online platforms like Drizly could offer delivery deals. Look for special cocktail menus at bars and restaurants celebrating the day. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May 22 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Craft Distillery Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #CraftDistilleryDay. Share photos and videos of your favorite craft spirits, distillery tours, or homemade cocktails.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #CraftDistilleryDay. Create short videos showcasing the process of making a craft cocktail or reviewing a new craft spirit.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #CraftDistilleryDay. Share news about local distilleries, industry trends, or your go-to craft spirit recommendations.
National Craft Distillery Day Hero
Bill Owens
History of National Craft Distillery Day
Spirit distillation is hardly a new industry. Rather, it has a long and rich history and began during the times of the ancient Greeks. The earliest recorded wine distilling recipes can be traced to Anaxilaus of Thessaly. The Greeks took Anaxilaus’s idea and made it their own. Over time, they learned that if they boiled wine in an open container, the hot — but wildly intoxicating — alcohol vapor escaped first. So, they began capturing the vapor, which was almost as well-liked by drinkers as the wine itself.
The wine was slowly heated in a vessel with a small mouth covered by a bowl, and the alcohol collected as condensed vapor inside the bowl. To this setup, a downward-slanted tube was added. The vapor was cooled and collected in the receiving vessel. That’s what we mean by “distill.” The word comes from the Latin verb ‘destillare,’ which means “to drip down.” This process was refined over the centuries until we could get wines like Dom Perignon.
Craft breweries emerged in the 1990s. However, today’s small craft distilleries provide alternatives to the drinks produced by large commercial distilleries. They produce all kinds of spirits — from gin and whiskey to bourbon, rum, and vodka. Craft distillers often add unique flavor to their products with locally sourced ingredients, such as hints of ginger, the tartness of lemons, or traces of cinnamon. As a result, what started as a niche industry now has consumers all over the globe. And as demands for unique spirits grow, more distilleries are producing one-of-a-kind craft spirits.
National Craft Distillery Day timeline
The craft beer movement picks up steam.
Distilleries begin selling craft drinks in markets.
Small-batch distilleries start producing drinks other than beer.
Around 7,200 breweries pop up in the U.S.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Craft Distillery Day
Local bars and restaurants can feature special craft cocktail menus highlighting spirits from nearby distilleries, offering tasting flights, or hosting ‘meet the distiller’ events. Craft distilleries themselves can open their doors for tours, offer special discounts on bottles, or launch limited-edition releases. Retailers can create dedicated displays for craft spirits, promoting local brands and educating customers on their unique stories and production methods. Consider partnering with a local food truck for a tasting event.
National Craft Distillery Day FAQs
When is National Craft Distillery Day?
In 2027, National Craft Distillery Day is observed on Saturday, May 22. This weekend placement offers an ideal chance to visit a local distillery or enjoy craft cocktails.
How many craft distilleries are there in the U.S.?
The American craft spirits industry continues to expand, with projections for 2027 suggesting the total number of craft distilleries could exceed 2,700, showcasing robust growth.
What is the economic impact of craft distilleries?
By 2027, the economic footprint of craft distilleries is expected to grow further, driven by increased consumer demand and tourism, solidifying their role as vital local economic engines.
What defines a 'craft' distillery?
While exact definitions vary, the essence of a craft distillery in 2027 remains its commitment to quality over quantity, often emphasizing local ingredients, traditional techniques, and a distinct brand identity.
National Craft Distillery Day Activities
Celebrate with a drink
You can’t celebrate National Craft Distillery Day without pouring yourself a tall drink of your favorite craft spirit. Sit back and unwind after a long day with your favorite drink on this holiday!
Visit a distillery
Ever wondered how your favorite craft drink is distilled? Get all your questions answered by visiting a craft distillery on National Craft Distillery Day. Many distilleries organize events and taste tests on this holiday, so you can get your pick.
Make your own
Rise to the challenge of distilling your own drinks and try your hand at it on National Craft Distillery Day. You could take a distilling workshop or learn from an online tutorial — there are a lot of options!
5 Surprising Facts About Alcohol
Our brain reacts to alcohol quickly
It takes six minutes for our brain to react to alcohol.
Alcohol isn’t as popular as you think
About 48% of adults worldwide claim to have never tasted alcohol.
Russians drink the highest quantity of alcohol
On average, a Russian drinks almost five gallons of alcohol annually.
Milkshakes weren’t always children’s drinks
A few decades ago, milkshakes contained small quantities of alcohol.
A lot of grapes in red wine
It takes approximately 600 grapes to produce one bottle of red wine.
Why We Love National Craft Distillery Day
It has a long history
Humans have perfected the art of brewing and distilling over many centuries. National Craft Distillery Day celebrates our long love for delicious drinks.
It supports local business
Most craft drinks are locally brewed, and distilleries use locally sourced ingredients in their drinks. As a result, they find it difficult to sell their products in large markets. National Craft Distillery Day supports local breweries and businesses by allowing them to call attention to their distinct brews.
It’s a great way to unwind
Since no National Craft Distillery Day celebration is complete without sharing a drink or two with your friends, this is a great holiday to get together and unwind. Remind yourself of the joys of good company and excellent drinks!
Social Media Tips for National Craft Distillery Day
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