Handcrafted and aged like a fine whiskey

Cheers to 30 years

We wanted to commemorate our 30-year anniversary milestone with something tangible. Because we so often create artwork that tells our customers’ stories, we envisioned partnering with another craftsman to create a product that told our story.

And what better way to tell our story than raising a glass filled with custom-blended whiskey.

Earlier this year, Sticks commissioned a private label barrel of Iowa bourbon with Foundry Distilling Company. We believe our story is much like the story of an American bourbon – from-the-earth American materials, handcrafted attention, creators with a passion, and an end-product that is rich and unique.

While we use drawing, carving, wood-burning, and painting to tell visual stories, distillers use raw ingredients and chemistry to tell stories through the sense of taste and smell. Both artforms are rooted in time-honored traditions that take careful craftsmanship to create one-of-a-kind final products.

Because of their entrepreneurial spirit and Iowa roots, we knew partnering with the team at Foundry Distilling Co. was a perfect fit. Founded in June 2018 by Scott Bush, who also founded Templeton Rye, the world-class distillery strives to innovate in the crowded craft spirits marketplace – offering a Private Barrel program, Brewer-Distiller Alliance, and of course, a range of top-notch spirits from vodka to whiskey available for purchase at the distillery and retailers across Iowa.

Prior to filling our whiskey barrel, the outside was adorned with drawings from our founder Sarah Grant and burned, painted, and finished with help from all of our talented artists in our studio. Around the four bands of wood and the top of the barrel, artwork includes original icons that embody universal values and life lessons. It also includes a timeline representing the events, achievements, and people who have made our 30-year journey possible. 

The customized commemorative barrel is on display at the distillery near Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines, Iowa. The striking barrel itself is a point of pride for both the Sticks and Foundry Distilling Co. team. It represents friendship, collaboration, and a vision for creating something special. It is also an example of the wide range of mediums and artistic vision – beyond the traditional Sticks style – that our artists can embody for custom projects and unique client visions.

Learn more about Foundry Distilling Co. and the unique Private Barrel program on their website.

Join us in reflecting on 30 years of Sticks.

Follow along on our journey >