Evan Williams Bourbon has proudly announced the 2025 class of its American-Made Heroes, a distinguished group of U.S. military veterans who exemplify leadership, service, and unwavering dedication to their communities and the nation. These individuals have gone above and beyond in civilian life to continue making a difference, and their efforts are now being celebrated through the renowned American-Made Heroes program.
Launched in 2015, the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes program was created to honor and spotlight the remarkable contributions of U.S. veterans who serve not only in uniform but also in their post-military endeavors. Over the past decade, the program has recognized more than 60 veteran heroes by featuring their stories on special edition bottles and through broader outreach initiatives. In addition, Evan Williams has donated a total of $675,000 to nonprofit organizations that directly support veteran communities across the United States, demonstrating a deep and ongoing commitment to those who have served.
For the 2025 installment of the program, Evan Williams will pay tribute to six outstanding veterans. These heroes will be prominently featured on the limited-edition bottles of Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch. The packaging not only celebrates the individual veterans but also brings attention to the nonprofit organizations they represent—many of which have received support from the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund.
The American-Made Heroes featured this year have been selected not only for their military service but also for the positive impact they continue to make in civilian life. Each honoree is affiliated with a nonprofit that is driving change in veterans’ lives, such as providing mental health resources, educational opportunities, workforce development, and support for homeless veterans. These organizations were also recipients of the 2024 Veteran Community Action Grants, an annual initiative administered by the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund.
The limited-edition Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch American Hero Edition is a particularly special release this year. Named after the year Evan Williams established Kentucky’s first distillery, the 1783 Small Batch Bourbon is a critically acclaimed, extra-aged spirit known for its smoothness and rich flavor. For the 2025 edition, each batch was carefully hand-selected straight from the barrels by the very heroes being honored—an unprecedented step that further connects the veterans with the product and the community of bourbon lovers.
Each bottle of the 1783 Small Batch Hero Edition includes a commemorative hang tag that features the story of one of the six veterans being celebrated. The 90-proof bourbon will be available in two sizes: a 750-milliliter bottle priced at $23.99 and a 1.75-liter bottle retailing for $37.99.
In addition to the 1783 Small Batch release, the flagship Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon will also highlight the 2025 heroes. These bottles, wrapped in a patriotic star-spangled label, will showcase the nonprofit organizations that the veterans are associated with, giving them national exposure and an opportunity to share their missions with a broader audience. The 1.75-liter bottles are expected to retail for $24.99.
“Each year, we are humbled by the incredible veterans who continue to lead and inspire their communities,” said Carrie Shain, Senior Brand Manager at Evan Williams Bourbon. “This year’s American-Made Hero Editions bring their stories into the hands of bourbon lovers nationwide, serving as a reminder of the bravery and resilience that define the American spirit.”
Shain emphasized that the American-Made Heroes program is not simply about recognizing military service but also about celebrating the continued contributions veterans make after their time in uniform. “These individuals are entrepreneurs, educators, nonprofit leaders, and advocates. They are shaping a better future for all Americans,” she added.
Founded in 2020, the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund was established to expand the impact of the American-Made Heroes program and provide direct financial support to nonprofits that serve veterans. The Foundation Fund awards annual Veteran Community Action Grants to help organizations develop or expand initiatives that promote mental wellness, job readiness, housing stability, and more. The six veterans honored this year are all affiliated with organizations that received such grants in 2024, underlining the synergy between Evan Williams’ community investment and its public recognition of individual veterans.
Evan Williams, an American-owned and American-made brand, has long positioned itself as a champion of traditional values such as service, dedication, and resilience. By celebrating veterans through one of the most popular bourbon brands in the country, Evan Williams reinforces its commitment to honoring the individuals who have protected the freedoms that define the American experience.
The 2025 American-Made Hero Edition bottles will be available at select retailers nationwide starting in summer 2025. Bourbon fans and supporters of veteran causes are encouraged to collect the special bottles and learn more about the inspiring stories behind each veteran through the hang tags and online content provided by Evan Williams.
In addition, Evan Williams continues to invite bourbon drinkers and supporters of veterans to get involved. Consumers can visit the brand’s official website to learn more about the American-Made Heroes program, explore past and present honorees, and discover how they can support veteran-focused nonprofits. For those interested in making a difference, Evan Williams encourages donations, volunteerism, and community engagement inspired by the stories of these veterans.
By combining exceptional bourbon with a meaningful mission, Evan Williams has created a lasting legacy through the American-Made Heroes program. As the 2025 class is introduced to the public, the brand hopes that the stories of courage, perseverance, and leadership will inspire a new generation of Americans to give back, stand up, and support those who have given so much for their country.
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