From bourbon born on Texas ranches to Oregon single malts and California-crafted gin, America’s spirits tell stories of place, heritage, and the people behind them. These makers are preserving tradition while pushing craftsmanship forward, proving that the finest pours are often those rooted closest to home. Raise a glass to eight American-made spirits that embody authenticity, character, and the enduring art of gathering well.
GatherGuide
Distilling the Spirit of America
From the California coast to the Texas plains, some of our favorite American-made spirits just in time for holiday gathering and gifting
By Editorial Staff3 min read
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Rooted in the ranching heritage of Big Timber, Montana, Lazy K Bar Whiskey brings the spirit of the American West to every pour. Founded through a partnership with Yellowstone star Cole Hauser, a Montana ranch owner, and a spirits industry veteran, this award-winning, eight-year-aged straight bourbon celebrates craftsmanship, tradition, and Western character. Now available for online purchase through Flaviar, Lazy K Bar makes a fitting gift for those who appreciate a well-crafted bourbon and a story worth sharing.
Spirit: Lazy K Bar 8-Year-Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Founder/Maker: Cole Hauser, a Montana ranch owner, and a spirits industry veteran
Price: $108.99
To Purchase: lazykbarwhiskey.com
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Founded by Jörg Rupf in 1982 and created by Lance Winters, St. George Spirits helped shape America’s craft distilling movement. Located in Alameda, California, the distillery is celebrated for its adventurous approach to whiskey, gin, vodka, and brandy. Guided by a spirit of experimentation and uncompromising quality, St. George creates distinctive expressions that reflect California’s creativity while continually redefining what American craft spirits can be.
Spirit: St. George Terroir Gin
Maker: Lance Winters
Price: $35
To Purchase: stgeorgespirits.com
Born from a remarkable story of courage, service, and American resilience, Horse Soldier Bourbon was founded by U.S. Army Special Forces veterans whose experiences inspired the film 12 Strong. Following the September 11 attacks, the legendary Horse Soldiers were among the first American troops deployed to Afghanistan, carrying out their mission on horseback. Today, that legacy lives on through a veteran-owned bourbon brand rooted in brotherhood, craftsmanship, and patriotism. Distilled in Kentucky, Horse Soldier Bourbon makes a meaningful gift for whiskey enthusiasts and those who appreciate the stories behind American spirits.
Spirit: Horse Soldier Bourbon
Founder/Maker: Mark Nutsch and fellow U.S. Special Forces veterans
Price: Starting at $45
To Buy: horsesoldierbourbon.com
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Founded by three friends with a shared appreciation for Texas and the outdoors, Desert Door introduced many Americans to sotol, a spirit made from the native desert spoon plant. Produced in Driftwood, Texas, the brand embraces sustainable harvesting and celebrates the landscapes that inspired it. Smooth and versatile, Desert Door’s spirits offer earthy, herbaceous flavors that reflect the character, heritage, and untamed spirit of the Southwest.
Name of spirit: Desert Door Original Texas Sotol
Maker: Desert Door,Ryan Campbell, Judson Kauffman and Brent Baldwin
Price: $45
To Purchase: desertdoor.com
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Founded by Grammy-winning musician and actor Ryan Bingham, Bingham’s Bourbon is a Texas-born whiskey crafted from exclusively Texas-grown grains and blended in small batches to reflect the spirit of the Lone Star State. The result is a smooth, approachable bourbon with notes of rye spice, toasted oak, subtle sweetness, and a hint of smoke. Like Bingham himself, it balances rugged authenticity with refined character—equally at home around a campfire, a ranch table, or a well-earned celebration.
Name of item: Bingham's Original Bourbon
Designer/Company: Ryan Bingham
Price: $42
To purchase: binghamspirits.com
Founded by Alex and Monica Villicana in California’s Paso Robles wine country, Refind Distillery transforms premium wine grapes into distinctive spirits with an emphasis on sustainability and creativity. The husband-and-wife team built the brand around giving new life to vineyard resources while honoring traditional craftsmanship. The result is a portfolio of elegant spirits that capture the richness of California agriculture and a commitment to thoughtful, small-batch production.
Name of spirit: Re:Find Gin
Maker: Re:Find Distellery, Alex and Monica Vallicana
Price: $48
To purchase: refinddistillery.com
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Founded by Colby and Ashley Frey, Frey Ranch Distillery sits on a working family farm in northern Nevada where grains have been cultivated for generations. Every bottle begins with ingredients grown on the ranch itself, creating a distinctive farm-to-glass approach that sets the brand apart. Through careful distillation and patient aging, Frey Ranch produces bold, flavorful whiskeys that reflect the landscape, heritage, and pioneering spirit of the American West.
Name of spirit: Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon
Maker: Frey Ranch, Ashley & Colby Frey
Price: $80
To purchase: freyranch.com
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