On May 4th, 1964, with the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 19 (S. Con. Res. 19), bourbon became a “distinctive product of the United States” and gained independence as it’s own identifiable category of whiskey (similar to Scotch, Canadian Whiskey and Cognac). See the resolution below.

Now, National Bourbon Day is June 14th every year and September is National Bourbon month. But what was most surprising was the fact there was no official day set aside to celebrate bourbon’s independence. As we all know, our country is famous for creating “holidays” or “special days” to commemorate favorite pastimes, moments in history, and to honor beloved citizens, past and present. It’s what we do. We Americans love to get together, carouse, party and make occasions to take a day off from work. So my personal exhortation will not be any different. Moving forward I am recognizing May 4th as Bourbon Independence Day! And I want all of you bourbon lovers out there to join me. Together we can grow this idea from a grass roots effort to a national day of recognition (I know I am getting way ahead of myself here, but just oblige please). Here’s all you have to do.

1. Get a bottle of your favorite bourbon
2. Pour it in a glass neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail
3. And now for the best part...Drink it!
4. Then share the tiding, “I Wish You A Happy Bourbon Independence Day!” with me on Facebook @thebourboneer and everyone you know. Provide a comment or share a picture of your drink or your method of celebration. Let everyone know you are enjoying Bourbon Independence Day and doing so in style.

Bourbon Independence day is less than 2 months away. I will be reminding all of you between now and then to mark that date on your calendar. Keep following the Bourboneer for updates. See you on Bourbon Independence Day (or BID as I like to refer to it).

-The Bourboneer

Bourbon enjoyed while writing this article: Buffalo Trace KSBW, 45% ABV or 90 proof (NAS) Buffalo Trace Distillery, Franklin County, Ky.

References: https://catalog.archives.gov “S. Con. Res. 19.”