It’s National Bourbon Day, the day every June 14 when Americans celebrate the only truly American spirit there is.

This brown spirit, which originally hailed from Kentucky, started with Irish and Scottish settlers in the 1700s who began distilling corn, primarily because it was really the only grain available for distillation. The corn, which brought natural sweetness to the mix, blended with the water from Kentucky’s rich limestone beds, and at least the first hint of Kentucky bourbon was born.

Elijah Craig has been credited with aging moonshine in barrels, and per NationalToday.com, this was because he was using his old fish barrels to store his spirit in. To avoid the fishy smell seeping into his corn whiskey, Craig reportedly decided to purify his white-oak barrels by using fire to char the insides of the staves. Of course, this happened in Bourbon County, Ky.

The term “bourbon” didn’t appear, however, until 1821 in a newspaper. A little more than a century later, bourbon and its Kentucky (and American) heritage prompted Congress to declare it “a distinctive product of the United States.” America’s spirit was solidified – and now it is a worldwide phenomenon.

It’s no wonder we celebrate. Cheers.

Here are some National Bourbon Day Activity Ideas from NationalToday.com:

Mix up a bourbon-based cocktail

Sure, there are times when a cocktail made from hibiscus bitters and basil-strawberry shrub and Peychaud and ancho chili dust is exactly what you’re craving after a hard day at the office. For every other time, a classic — say, an Old Fashioned — will do the trick. Perhaps the oldest and best-known mixed drink of all, Old Fashioneds are dead-simple to make. Place one sugar cube (or one teaspoon superfine sugar) in your highball glass and add several dashes of Angostura bitters and a few drops water. Add two ounces of your favorite bourbon and several ice cubes; stir quickly to chill the drink. Feeling super-fancy? Garnish with a maraschino cherry or an orange slice.

Host a bourbon-tasting party

If you’re a purist, you might balk at even these scant additions, in which case a bourbon tasting is more your style. Invite a few friends over, asking each to bring a different bottle (or have everyone chip in beforehand, so you can control the selection). Our tip: add a drop or two of distilled water to each pour; this will help open up the aromas. Then engage your senses of smell and taste to detect flavors and characteristics in the bourbon. Is it woodsy or smoky, or more fruity and floral? Are there sweet or buttery notes? Nutty, earthy, and herbal are also common descriptors of bourbons. Remember, the goal here is to compare and contrast, just like in those high-school essays, with the intent of discovering what you enjoy most about this spirit.

Watch the masters at work from the comfort of your armchair

Did you know that there’s a full-length documentary dedicated solely to bourbon? It’s called “Neat: The Bourbon Film” and while there’s no release date yet, it looks to be well worth the wait, judging from the trailer and social media teasers. In the meantime, check out public television station KET’s hour-long “Kentucky Bourbon Tales,” featuring interviews with master distillers.