Meet Joel Lockridge | Bourbon Taster & Pen Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joel Lockridge and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
BourbonPens.com was created through an idea for recycling, a love for fine bourbon, adoration of woods with a story, and a love for woodworking.

The entire business sprouted from an accident. I had a table saw accident, and while I was healing I went to a turning demonstration. I said “that looks like fun,” and bought some equipment. I bought a lathe and some turning tools. I was making pens and other items from everything I could get my hands on. A friend from Kentucky sent me some barrel staves and said “make me some pens out of these.” When I did, the entire shop smelled like bourbon. I started getting wood from various distilleries, and letting people choose their favorite bourbon and style of pen is when it really took off. I have now shipped my work to 76 countries.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I enjoy wood with a story and finely crafted handmade items. I love learning new techniques and overcoming a challenge. I learned to cast my own acrylics, dye and stabilize my own woods, but what I am most known for are my bourbon barrel pens. I currently have barrel wood from 16 different bourbons. Bourbon barrels are only used one time to make bourbon. After that they are used for other purposes, such as aging Scotch, tequila, beer, syrup… the list is endless. I also like to say I specialize in wood with a story. One wood I have on hand is 6,000 year old wood called “ancient bog oak,” which comes from the peat bogs. Peat absorbs oxygen so things that fall into the bog don’t decay. The acids and tannins in the water darken and harden the wood over the centuries, so it will range from a chocolate brown to nearly black. When these trees were alive, the pyramids had not been built. I also have wood from battleship decks, famous movie locations, olivewood from Bethlehem, exotic and domestic woods.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
You’ll definitely have to visit Vulcan in downtown Birmingham for a sweeping view of the city and the Vulcan Museum for the history involved in creating the city around you. The local breweries are a weekend destination. You absolutely can not miss Barber Motorsports Museum — plan on spending an entire afternoon for this tour.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife supported my efforts every step of the way.

Website: www.bourbonpens.com

Instagram: @bourbonpens

Twitter: @bourbonpens1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bourbonpens