Barrel Proof & Ink Approved: Our Picks for National Bourbon Day

This National Bourbon Day, we’re raising a glass to those who sip with boldness. Whether small-batch, barrel-aged, or infused with unexpected flavors, this guide is for rebels and unapologetically original bourbon lovers who live life ink-first. Forget the generic, everyday picks. These craft distilleries and gritty glassware selections are anything but ordinary. This feature spotlights conversation-starting bourbon brands and accessories that resonate with those who value strength, style, and self-expression. It’s about honoring wellness, ritual, and edge in equal measure.

American Metal Whisky

American Metal Whiskey is an award-winning whiskey that embodies the same values of craftsmanship, creativity, and attention to detail found in every custom hot rod and motorcycle built by the American Metal Custom Shop. Crafted with the finest ingredients and time-honored traditions, it blends heritage with modern innovation. Each bottle delivers a premium drinking experience, featuring iconic design elements inspired by the custom car and motorcycle lifestyle. Craftsmanship matters. Whether in the garage or the bottle. No shortcuts, no compromises, that’s the American Metal way.

Chicken Cock Whiskey

In 2024, Chicken Cock Whiskey returned to the true spirit of small batch bourbon—crafted with care in intentionally limited quantities. Each label features a unique batch number and the exact count of barrels, never exceeding 15. Bottled at a bold 100 proof, this Small Batch Bourbon honors classic techniques and delivers deep, rewarding flavor in every pour. Heritage in every barrel. Character in every pour. Barrels are hand-selected from different floors of the Bardstown, KY rickhouse to create a whiskey with rich complexity and a distinct sense of place—true to tradition and unmistakably Chicken Cock.

Von Payne Whiskey

This isn’t your average pour. Von Payne Black is a 90-proof, award-winning blended whiskey infused with all-natural black currant—bold, slightly tart, and unapologetically smooth. Topped with their signature metal gargoyle pour spout, each bottle is a statement that pours like a legend. It’s the most awarded infused whiskey in the world—and the one everyone’s talking about. Made for the inked, the bold, and those who drink with a little Payne. Discover the pleasure of Payne. Order now.

Nevada H&C Distilling Co

Desert Colt by Nevada H&C Distilling Co was created to be a remarkably approachable and easy sipping cask strength Bourbon. They select barrels from multiple floors and rick houses and blend them to craft flavor notes that are fruit forward with lots of candy, cinnamon spice, and the perfect amount of heat. Straight from the barrel to the bottle with no water added, no chill filtration and no charcoal filtration, absolutely nothing to dilute the bold and rich drinking experience. Straight Bourbon means no added flavors, blenders, or coloring, guaranteeing a spirit that is pure and additive free.

Denver & Liely

Experience bourbon the way it was meant to be – bold, smooth, and true to its roots. After a deep dive into Kentucky and Tennessee’s finest distilleries, Denver & Liely crafted the ultimate bourbon glass. Hand-blown, hand-cut, and hand-polished from lead-free crystal, this glass is engineered for performance and built with precision. Each glass a unique testament to expert craftsmanship. Every sip is elevated, every detail considered. For those who take their bourbon seriously, this is the glass you’ve been waiting for.

Green River Whiskey

As Kentucky’s 10th oldest distillery (KY-DSP-10), Green River Distilling Co. is rewriting its history with a lineup of bourbon and rye recipes that celebrates the state’s distilling tradition, while blending unmatched quality and value. Green River Full Proof Bourbon takes the brand’s flagship high-rye bourbon and presents it with full-bodied, full proof flavor. Bottled at a bold 117.3 proof, aromatic hints of cinnamon and dried cherry give way to notes of warm spice, vanilla, and caramel. A distinct, long finish makes for a deftly balanced experience. With a 140-year history as revered as its flavor, Green River Full Proof is certain to raise your spirits.

For other amazing gift-guides like this, check them out here.