Big D Guitars Taps Kentucky Distilleries for Whiskey Barrel Top Custom T-Style Guitars

Big D Guitars, the small shop behind the Whiskey Barrel Top Custom T-Style Guitar, is rolling out new designs for this all-American classic. After initially tapping Jack Daniel’s for authentic Tennessee materials, Big D Guitars is now expanding its top shelf to include barrel tops from renowned Kentucky distilleries, including Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam and Wild Turkey. From a rustic start to a smooth finish, each unique handmade guitar is proudly produced in the USA.

The Whiskey Barrel Top Custom T-Style Guitar is the brainchild of Big D Guitars founder Derek Lenard, a luthier and curator with nearly 20 years’ experience. The concept came to him in October 2015 during a visit to a Tennessee distillery, and he reached out to Nashville blues artist Justin Johnson for his feedback. The Whiskey Barrel Top Custom T-Style Guitar came to life just a few months later and quickly proved that it’s an instrument that sounds just as cool as it looks.

About Big D Guitars
Big D Guitars is small shop specializing in a variety of guitar accessories and parts. The business began with the Big D Varitone Switch, an innovation that was featured in 20th Century Guitar magazine. Founder Derek Lenard has grown the business slowly and organically into custom builds and finish jobs. Artists he has worked with include Randy Bachman, Justin Johnson, Kevin Bond (Superjoint, En Minor), and Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation.