National Bootlegger’s Day - January 17, 2027

National Bootlegger’s Day is observed annually on January 17 to enthusiastically toast the daring ingenuity, rebellious spirit, and colorful folklore surrounding the bootleggers who defied Prohibition's strict ban on alcohol from 1920 to 1933, turning illegal distillation and smuggling into legendary acts of defiance that captured the public imagination. This day connects the start of Prohibition in 1920, the legacy of Templeton Rye whiskey, and the birthday of Al Capone, whose criminal empire was closely tied to the illegal liquor trade.

National Bootlegger’s Day History

The term "bootlegger" emerged in the American Midwest during the 1880s to describe individuals who illegally transported liquor, often concealing flasks inside their boots when trading with Native Americans or sneaking alcohol onto military bases, a practice that later expanded to any land-based smuggler of spirits while water-based transporters earned the nickname "rum-runners." This colorful label captured the secretive, resourceful nature of those who supplied forbidden drinks long before nationwide Prohibition.

National Bootlegger’s Day finds its roots in a modern tribute launched in 2015 by Infinium Spirits to honor the legendary origins of Templeton Rye, a whiskey born from the ingenuity of Iowa farmers during the height of the dry era. The observance deliberately aligns with January 17 to mark the convergence of Prohibition's beginning, Al Capone's birthday, and the enduring mystique of that particular spirit.

When the 18th Amendment took effect on January 17, 1920, banning the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquor, millions of Americans refused to surrender their enjoyment of alcohol, creating an immediate demand that enterprising individuals eagerly met through clandestine production and distribution networks stretching from rural stills to urban speakeasies.

In the small farming community of Templeton, Iowa, local growers quietly distilled corn-based whiskey in hidden stills, producing a smooth, high-quality rye that quickly gained a devoted following and earned the underground nickname "the good stuff." Al Capone, recognizing its superior taste and reliability, made Templeton Rye his preferred choice, helping spread its reputation through his vast Chicago network and turning it into one of Prohibition's most sought-after illicit spirits.

While the romantic image of bootleggers as dashing outlaws persists in popular culture, fueled by tales of midnight runs, hidden compartments, and lavish underground parties filled with jazz and glamour, the reality often involved danger, violence, and ruthless competition among suppliers. Yet the era's defiance left an indelible mark, shaping modern craft distilling and reminding us how prohibition can sometimes spark ingenuity rather than eliminate desire.

Why National Bootlegger’s Day Matters

Subversive thrill captivates imagination

Deep within most people lies a quiet admiration for those who cleverly bend or break rules when those rules feel unjust or overly restrictive, and this day taps directly into that rebellious spark by inviting reflection on the bootleggers who turned prohibition into an adventure filled with daring escapes, secret codes, and audacious ingenuity. The romanticized stories of hidden flasks, midnight deliveries, and glamorous speakeasies evoke excitement and nostalgia, allowing us to vicariously experience the rush of outsmarting authority while appreciating the human drive to reclaim simple pleasures in the face of overreach.

Premium spirits gain historical appreciation

Templeton Rye, once whispered about as "the good stuff" and favored by Capone himself, represents the pinnacle of Prohibition-era craftsmanship born from necessity and skill rather than commercial polish. The day offers a perfect occasion to savor such legendary whiskeys or their modern counterparts, reflect on the artistry of small-batch distillation during a time of scarcity, and embrace the philosophy of living fully and authentically because life is fleeting, reminding us to appreciate quality, flavor, and craftsmanship whenever we raise a glass.

Outlaw narratives enrich historical perspective

Viewing bootleggers through the lens of history transforms what was once dangerous criminal activity into a compelling chapter of American folklore filled with larger-than-life characters, moral ambiguity, and cultural impact. The celebration encourages exploration of this murkier side of the 1920s, prompting thoughtful consideration of prohibition's unintended consequences, the creativity born from restriction, and the complex interplay between law, rebellion, and society, ultimately inviting us to form our own balanced judgments about rebellion, authority, and the enduring appeal of the outlaw archetype.

How to Celebrate National Bootlegger’s Day

Host an authentic 1920s-inspired gathering

Move beyond predictable Gatsby themes by creating a true Prohibition-era speakeasy atmosphere complete with jazz music, dim lighting, hidden entrances, vintage cocktails, and a playlist of period tunes that evoke smoky rooms and whispered passwords. Encourage guests to dress in flapper dresses, fedoras, and pinstripe suits while serving classic drinks like the Sidecar, Bee's Knees, or Old Fashioned, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in the glamour, danger, and rebellious joy of the era through laughter, storytelling, and shared appreciation for the ingenuity that kept spirits flowing.

Savor a legendary or craft whiskey

Gather a small group of friends or enjoy a quiet moment alone with a bottle of Templeton Rye or another high-quality rye whiskey that echoes the smooth character once favored by Capone and speakeasy patrons. Sip slowly, perhaps mixed into a classic prohibition-era cocktail, while reflecting on the craftsmanship, history, and daring that went into producing such spirits during a time when quality had to be concealed rather than advertised, turning a simple drink into a toast to resilience and ingenuity.

Explore the era through stories and media

Dive into the rich lore of Prohibition by reading captivating books, watching documentaries such as Ken Burns' "Prohibition," or streaming series like "Boardwalk Empire" that dramatize the gangsters, bootleggers, lawmen, and everyday people who lived through the dry years. These narratives offer fascinating insights into the human response to restriction, the birth of modern organized crime, the rise of speakeasies, and the cultural explosion of jazz and nightlife, leaving you with a deeper understanding of how defiance shaped an entire decade.

Facts About Bootlegging

Prohibition Launch Date

The 18th Amendment banning alcohol took effect on January 17, 1920, creating the conditions that birthed widespread bootlegging across the United States.

Templeton Rye Legend

Iowa farmers in Templeton secretly distilled a smooth rye whiskey during Prohibition that became known as "the good stuff" and Al Capone's personal favorite.

Bootlegger Term Origin

The word "bootlegger" originated in the 1880s Midwest when liquor was illegally hidden in boots during trade with Native Americans and on military bases.

Capone's Birthday Alignment

Al Capone, the notorious Chicago gangster who dominated the illegal liquor trade, was born on January 17, 1899, linking his legacy to the start of Prohibition.

Modern Revival Tribute

Infinium Spirits launched National Bootlegger’s Day in 2015 to celebrate Templeton Rye's history, connecting past bootlegging with today's craft whiskey renaissance.

National Bootlegger’s Day Dates