Introduction
The Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 wasn’t just about taxes — it was a dramatic test of America’s young government and a turning point in bourbon history. On the Appalachian frontier, whiskey wasn’t just a drink. It was currency, survival, and pride. When Alexander Hamilton’s excise tax threatened that lifeline, farmers rose in defiance. From Bower Hill to Braddock’s Field, their protests shook the republic and drew the attention of none other than George Washington himself.
In this week’s Smoke Signals podcast, we dive deep into the rebellion that forever tied whiskey — and later bourbon — to the idea of independence and rebellion.
Episode Highlights
🥃 Why whiskey was more than a drink — it was currency for frontier farmers.
⚔️ The violent clash at Bower Hill, where the first blood was shed.
👑 How President George Washington marched 13,000 troops west to put down the rebellion.
🔥 The legacy: how bourbon became America’s spirit, rooted in defiance.
🚩 Modern connections — from bottles like Wild Turkey 101 and Maker’s Mark Cask Strength to cigar pairings that capture that rebellious energy.
Listen & Subscribe
Hit play below to listen to the full episode and immerse yourself in this fiery chapter of whiskey history. Then subscribe to Smoke Signals to explore more stories where cigars, whiskey, and culture meet.
Raise a glass, light a cigar, and let’s revisit the rebellion that shaped America’s spirit.
