Bourbon has long been an honored guest at Southern weddings—whether in a heartfelt toast at the rehearsal dinner, shared as a quick nip among groomsmen, or powering a signature cocktail at the reception. There’s also the tradition of burying a bottle (unopened and upside down) a month before the big day to invite favorable weather. But these days, bourbon-loving couples can opt for an even more distinctive touch: selecting and bottling their own personal barrel. Thanks to a 2022 law, anyone can now schedule a barrel pick directly through Kentucky distilleries, eliminating the need for a third-party retailer. Such in-state distillers as Angel’s Envy, James B. Beam Distilling Co., Augusta Distillery, New Riff Distilling, and Log Still Distillery have since rolled out the barrel, so to speak, by expanding their private-pick programs. A growing number of distilleries outside the state also offer barrel picks to the public (Jack Daniel’s in Tennessee, Catoctin Creek Distilling Company in Virginia, and Atlanta’s ASW Distillery, to name a few). Along with the opportunity to taste through different barrels, the programs typically include behind-the-scenes tours and other extras. The upside for betrothed couples? A memorable group experience and up to 250 bottles of single-barrel bourbon, which can be customized to feature their names, wedding date, and other personal details. How’s that for a Southern wedding favor?
As for the process itself, picking a barrel is “a wonderful way to involve your wedding party,” says Angel Teta, the global brand ambassador for Louisville-based Angel’s Envy, which opened its private barrel selection program to the public in 2024. Here’s how it works: After reserving a pick date and placing a deposit, the couple or a small group (up to six people) meets a single-barrel ambassador for a VIP distillery tour. They “thief ” bourbon straight from a barrel, then adjourn to the bespoke Bar Ten/10 speakeasy to taste from among three barrels earmarked for the program by the master distiller, Owen Martin, and choose a favorite.
Angel’s Envy finishes its bourbons in used port casks, and a typical batch involves blending many barrels for consistency. But the beauty of single-barrel bourbons in general is that individual expressions retain unique traits influenced by their location, age, and other factors. “Maybe it’s an ex-bourbon barrel, or a barrel that’s only been used to age port,” Teta says of the finishing casks. “Those barrels will produce two totally different flavor profiles.”
As with a wedding, coordinating a barrel pick requires planning and logistics. Distilleries typically recommend reaching out at least two months in advance to arrange a pick date. Allow another six weeks or longer for bottling and labeling before picking up the bottles in person at the distillery. Pricing is per bottle, based on how many a chosen barrel yields. (Angel’s Envy’s private-select bourbons are $90 each, for example, and bottled at 110 proof.) Couples are also often able to keep the barrel head.
While groomsmen frequently jump at the chance to participate in a barrel pick—especially as part of a bachelor-party getaway—this is hardly a boys-only activity. “We’re seeing more bachelorette parties [at the distillery], too,” says Alex Bowie, director of home-place experiences at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Kentucky, which opened its private barrel program late last year, offering its Knob Creek bourbon bottled at cask strength. Picks take place in Beam’s historic Warehouse K, followed by drinks and a meal at the on-site Kitchen Table restaurant. “It’s like getting to be a master distiller for the day,” Bowie says. “There’s also a bit of romance in walking the boards of these warehouses, where [Hall of Fame master distiller] Booker Noe would have walked. And I’ll never get tired of tasting straight from a barrel.”
Tom Wilmes is a journalist based in central Kentucky, specializing in bourbon and other spirits. A contributor for Garden & Gun, he has also written for Whisky Advocate, The Local Palate, Southbound, and various other publications. Follow @kentuckydrinks on Instagram.
