May 22

National Craft Distillery Day

Raise a glass and celebrate National Craft Distillery Day with unique, handcrafted spirits made by passionate artisans. Cheers to supporting small businesses!

Yearly Date

May 22

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Get ready to raise a glass and toast to National Craft Distillery Day on May 22! This holiday celebrates the art and craft of distilling spirits, which has been around for centuries. From whiskey to gin to rum, craft distilleries have been producing unique and flavorful drinks that are becoming increasingly popular in the beverage industry. Not only do these small-scale distilleries offer delicious products, but they also support local economies and promote sustainability by using locally sourced ingredients. So why not celebrate this day by trying out some new and exciting craft spirits or even visiting a local distillery? Cheers to National Craft Distillery Day!

National Craft Distillery Day Timeline

1800s

Early Craft Distilleries

In the 1800s, small craft distilleries were prevalent throughout the United States, producing a variety of spirits, mainly whiskey and rum.

1920

Prohibition Era

The Prohibition era in the US (1920-1933) forced many craft distilleries to shut down, significantly impacting the spirits industry.

1978

Home Distilling Legalized

A change in federal law in 1978 legalized home distilling for personal use, sparking a renewed interest in craft spirits.

2005

Craft Distillery Boom

The 2000s saw a dramatic increase in the number of licensed craft distilleries in the US, with a significant rise happening after 2005.

2019

First National Craft Distillery Day

The inaugural National Craft Distillery Day was celebrated in 2019, honoring the skill and innovation of craft distillers around the world.

How to Celebrate National Craft Distillery Day

1 Tour a local craft distillery

Take a tour of a nearby craft distillery and learn about the process of making small batch spirits. Many distilleries offer tastings and behind-the-scenes looks at their operations.

2 Create your own craft cocktail

Put your mixology skills to the test and create a unique craft cocktail using local spirits. Invite friends over to taste and vote on their favorite creation.

3 Attend a craft distillery festival

Check for any upcoming festivals or events in your area celebrating craft distilleries. It's a great way to sample various spirits and support local businesses.

4 Host a whiskey tasting party

Gather some friends and have a whiskey tasting party, sampling different types of whiskeys from various craft distilleries. Pair with some delicious snacks for a fun and educational evening.

5 Support a local craft distillery

Show your appreciation for craft distilleries by purchasing a bottle of their spirits or visiting their tasting room. You'll not only be celebrating National Craft Distillery Day, but also supporting a small business in your community.

Why We Love National Craft Distillery Day

Supporting small, local businesses

Craft distilleries are typically small, family-owned businesses that use locally sourced ingredients to create unique and high-quality spirits. By celebrating National Craft Distillery Day, you are not only enjoying delicious drinks but also supporting these small business owners and their craft.

Learning about the art of distilling

National Craft Distillery Day is a great opportunity to learn about the process of making various types of spirits - from whiskey and gin to rum and vodka. You can also gain an appreciation for the hard work and attention to detail that goes into crafting each unique batch.

Tasting new and exclusive flavors

Craft distilleries often offer limited edition or seasonal flavors that you won't find at your typical liquor store. National Craft Distillery Day is a great opportunity to try out these exclusive offerings and expand your palate with new and exciting flavors.