What is D-Day Bourbon?
Please see video to the right for additional details.
It stands as one of the most exclusive and profoundly connected bourbons ever crafted—a testament to history and a tribute to heroism. Created through a proud partnership between Tobacco Barn Distillery and the Tunison Foundation, this bourbon embodies a mission beyond spirits: it supports Tours of Duty, a cherished nonprofit that unites the strength and expertise of our veterans in a noble mission to search, recover, and bring home our nation’s heroes. In every bottle, D-Day Bourbon carries forward a commitment to honor and remembrance in serving those who have served us.
In a remarkable union of purpose, these three organizations combined their efforts to send three 15-gallon barrels of bourbon on a journey of deep significance—aboard the “Placid Lassie” historic WWII C-47 aircraft. For the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 2024, this bourbon took flight over Normandy, paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice of that day. Not only did this bourbon soar over the very fields that once saw history unfold, but it crossed the Atlantic and back, visiting seven nations and accumulating over 80 hours of flight time, carrying with it the enduring spirit of freedom.
This historic bourbon began humbly as a single barrel from Tobacco Barn Distillery. It embodies the story of every young American in 1941 whose life was about to be irrevocably altered by our nation’s entry into World War II. The corn, planted in the rich soil of Hollywood, Maryland, in May of 2018, was harvested that October, then ground and combined with rye to craft one of the finest single-barrel bourbons the Mid-Atlantic has known. In April 2019, it entered a new, char #3 American White Oak barrel, resting in a Rickhouse through five summers and winters, maturing in the same patient way those young men prepared themselves for their call to service.
Then, in 2024, an extraordinary mission arose—to transform this bourbon, shaped by time, into a symbol of honor and remembrance. The 53-gallon barrel (already aged over 5 years) was split into three smaller barrels, each prepared for a journey aboard the historic WWII C-47 “Placid Lassie” Space was limited; internal fuel tanks and vital equipment for the mission to drop paratroopers over Normandy on June 6, 2024, took precedence. But this bourbon would cross the Atlantic and traverse the skies over Normandy, its character and profile forever influenced by the vibrations, maneuvers, and pressure shifts of that historic flight. This bourbon is now more than a spirit—it is a testament to the mission of honoring and recovering our nation’s heroes, led by those who served.
The second casking of this exceptional bourbon into 15-gallon barrels introduces a “Double Barrel” flavor profile, yet the most profound transformation lies in the influence of flight.
The high-frequency vibrations of the aircraft’s propellers pulse through the bourbon, softening and refining its character as the engines hum, while the natural “sloshing” during taxi and flight enhances oxidation, enriching its depth. And what effect will the unpressurized cabin at 10,500 feet bestow? This is uncharted territory—no one has undertaken such a journey. When this bourbon is bottled in May 2025, it will be over 6 years aged, and we will bear witness to a creation that carries the spirit of exploration and the legacy of those it honors.
The primary mission of this historic bourbon is not simply to create a unique spirit but to serve a higher purpose—to raise vital funds for Tours of Duty and support the Tunison Foundation in preserving the legacy of World War II through the maintenance of historic aircraft. We are deeply grateful to these organizations for inviting us to partner in this endeavor. With only 224 bottles available, this bourbon is truly a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience.
Each bottle is priced at $1,340, and each must be picked up at our distillery in Maryland, as recent changes in Maryland law prevent us from shipping. To reserve your bottle, a $340 (+tax) deposit is required, and you may secure it by entering your information below.
When the bottles are ready (estimating Memorial Day weekend 2025), you can pick them up at the distillery; just bring a $1,000 check made out to “Tours of Duty.” Together, we honor history, empower veterans, and fulfill a sacred duty to those who came before us.
