National Bootleggers Day
Celebrated: January 17
Whiskey, Prohibition, and Outlaws: A Spirited Legacy
January 17 is National Bootlegger’s Day, a celebration rooted in rebellion, resourcefulness, and rye whiskey. This date commemorates not one but three intertwined events:
• The start of Prohibition in the United States (1920)
• The birth of Al Capone (1899)
• The first distillation of Templeton Rye Whiskey in Iowa
When Prohibition laws made alcohol illegal in 1920, underground entrepreneurs—called bootleggers—stepped in to meet the demand. Among them were farmers in Templeton, Iowa, who began secretly producing what would become one of the most legendary whiskeys of the era: Templeton Rye. It gained such a reputation that it reportedly became the go-to whiskey for Al Capone, the notorious gangster and bootlegging kingpin.
Bootlegging, Bottles & Black Markets
- “Bootlegging” originally referred to hiding flasks in one’s boots—it later became synonymous with illegal alcohol sales.
- Speakeasies and backroom distilleries thrived throughout the U.S. during the 1920s and early ’30s.
- Templeton Rye was known as “The Good Stuff” in Prohibition-era Chicago.
- The 18th Amendment (Prohibition) was repealed in 1933 with the 21st Amendment—making alcohol legal again after 13 years.
How to Celebrate National Bootlegger’s Day
- Raise a Glass: Toast with a classic rye cocktail—Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or straight-up Templeton Rye (now legally available).
- Read the History: Learn more about the Prohibition era and its impact on food, culture, and crime.
- Try a DIY Mocktail: Not a drinker? Make a zero-proof version using ginger, clove, and lemon for a nod to old-school flavors.
- Visit a Distillery: Many small-batch and craft whiskey producers now offer tours, tastings, and bootlegger history exhibits.
From Outlaws to Artisans
Today’s spirits are made with craftsmanship, not contraband. At Certivance, we guide producers—large and small—through regulatory landscapes with custom food safety plans, hazard analysis, and product guidance. Work with us to ensure your operation is anything but bootleg.
