Bourbon and Bluegrass: A Playlist to enjoy with Swilled Dog Bourbon

September 5, 2024

Bourbon Heritage Month, during the month of September, is a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and the deep cultural ties that bourbon has to the Appalachian region. Just as bourbon is woven into the fabric of our history, so too is bluegrass music. Both tell stories of the land, the people, and the shared experiences of life in Appalachia. To help you celebrate, we poured a glass of our Barrel Strength Bourbon and set out to create an epic playlist for you to enjoy while sipping. Keep reading for a list of our favorite bluegrass and country songs, each with a lyrical connection to bourbon, whiskey, and the spirit of Appalachia.The best part – we’ve created a Spotify playlist for you to push play on all month long.

 The Role of Bluegrass and Folk music in Appalachia

Bluegrass is a genre born from the hills of Appalachia, much like the corn and grains that form the backbone of bourbon. The music, with its fiddles, banjos, and tight harmonies, tells the story of hard work, resilience, and a connection to the land that is mirrored in the art of distilling. These songs often reflect the same themes of heartache, celebration, and community that bourbon drinkers have shared for generations. Just like Swilled Dog bourbon, bluegrass is a reminder of the spirit of the mountains—rugged, yet refined and full of warmth and soul.

Featured Songs:

  • “Good Corn Liquor” – The SteelDrivers
    • An ode to moonshining and a vivid reminder of the region’s whiskey-making heritage, where homemade liquor was often a lifeline for families trying to get by. 
  • “If Whiskey Could Talk” – Tyler Childers
    • Imagines the stories a bottle of whiskey might tell if it could speak, recounting late nights, love lost, and the secrets shared over a glass – a perfect reminder that behind every pour is a story waiting to be told.
  • “Drinking Dark Whiskey” – The SteelDrivers
    • The lyrics explore the darker side of whiskey consumption, where bad choices often follow a few too many drinks (a reminder to drink responsibly). It’s a cautionary tale, but one with deep emotional resonance. 
  • “Cocaine Blues” – Traditional
    • An ode to tough times and tough choices that often accompany a bottle, just as bourbon reflects both the highs and lows of Appalachian life.
  • “Whiskey Drink” – The Lonesome Trio
    • “Whiskey Drink” is a down-to-earth, honest song about a man turning to whiskey for comfort. What makes this track even more unique is that it’s sung by Ed Helms, with his band that formed before he became the famous actor we know today. 
  • “Whiskey in the Jar” – Traditional
    • The story of a highwayman who is betrayed by his lover. It’s a nod to the way whiskey has long been intertwined with stories of adventure and heartbreak.

Expanding the Playlist:

While the songs above dig deep into the traditional themes of Appalachian life and moonshine culture, the playlist also introduces more mainstream country hits that stray beyond bluegrass. These tracks help bridge the gap for listeners who might be more familiar with modern country but want to experience the same emotional depth.

  • “Tennessee Whiskey” – Chris Stapleton
    • With its smooth, soulful melody, “Tennessee Whiskey” has become a whiskey-lover’s anthem.
  • “Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound” – Hank Williams Jr.
    • Williams’ rebellious track is a declaration of living life on your own terms, whiskey in hand.
  • “Whiskey River” – Willie Nelson
    • While bluegrass is the root, country classics like this one speak to the larger influence of bourbon culture.

As we celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month, there’s no better time to pour yourself a glass of Swilled Dog bourbon and listen to some tunes. Don’t let this list fool you – While a lot of bourbon ballads dive deep into the heartache, we like to focus on the good times. Good bourbon is meant to be sipped and celebrated during the best moments—like naming a bottle while our team packages spirits just for you or toasting to game day. Head over to Spotify and add Swilled Dog’s playlist to your favorites. To find the playlist, Search ‘Swilled Dog’ for our profile, or click this link to our playlist. If you see a photo of our Barrel Strength Bourbon, you found it! Happy listening!

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