National Flag Made of Whisky Barrels

What will they think of next! There is a new national flag in the USA and it has nothing to do with a change of color.  The flag measures 12 feet by 7 feet is was debuted on June 14 by Jeptha Creed. The giant flag was unveiled at its Shelbyville campus, in honor of the veterans who signed the barrels.

This gives new meaning to honored signatures. On June 14, 2016, the distillery asked a few veterans and active soldiers to sign or autograph bourbon barrels that were just about to begin the maturity process. The whiskey was christened Red White and Blue Kentucky straight bourbon.

Making the Flag

Jeptha Creed was creative in putting the empty barrels to honor the memories of the veterans who autographed them. The concept is not that new, people in Shepherdsville are used to seeing flags made from all types of material.

What is special about this flag was that the maker was also one of the soldiers who signed the barrels! The distiller contracted the local company called Cruise Custom Flags to make it happen.

Chris Cruise has made many similar flags before, even though not that big and maybe with lesser barrels. The retired US Army paratrooper was especially excited to have his signature serving as part of a national flag and got working immediately.

Many towners showed up for the unveiling program held at the distillery’s visitor center. The flag is now on display along with other tokens including challenge coins given to the distillery by visiting military personnel.

However, Cruise did not stop there. In addition to making the giant bourbon flag that is now on display, he also fashioned smaller “Lieutenant Flags”. These are made for visitors and tourists who desire to keep a souvenir.

Although they are only available in limited quantities, you can get a  competitive price of $110 at the distillery’s gift shop.