FBI Director Kash Patel distributes customized bottles of Woodford Reserve bourbon featuring his name, logo, and the FBI shield as commemorative gifts to both staff members and civilians. Eight sources confirm receiving these bottles from Patel.
Auction Purchase Confirms Details
One such bottle surfaced in an online auction, purchased by investigators. The seller obtained it directly from Patel during an event in Las Vegas.
“Handing out bottles of liquor at the premier law-enforcement agency—it makes me frightened for the country,” stated former FBI supervisory intelligence analyst George Hill. “Standards apply to everything and everyone—especially the boss.”
FBI Denies Wrongdoing
FBI Assistant Director for Public Affairs Ben Williamson described the claims as “false and misleading.” He explained that the practice of exchanging commemorative items dates back over a decade, predating Patel’s arrival. Senior officials follow ethics rules in formal settings, and Patel personally covers costs for any gifts.
An FBI official confirmed the branded bottles existed before Patel joined the bureau. The director has never consumed any of them.
Reported Incidents Involving the Bottles
In March, Patel brought a case of the customized bourbon to an FBI training exercise with Ultimate Fighting Championship athletes. A former agent reported that one bottle went missing, prompting Patel to react strongly.
During the February Olympics in Milan, a DOJ plane transported bottles of the bourbon to Italy. Patel celebrated with the victorious men’s hockey team by chugging beers.
Patel’s Merchandise and Challenge Coins
Patel sells merchandise featuring his personal brand and iconography through a website supporting his foundation. He also distributes skull-shaped “K$H” challenge coins to associates.
Context from Prior Report
These bourbon allegations follow a previous investigative piece alleging erratic behavior, poor accessibility, and excessive drinking by Patel since taking office. He strongly denies the claims and has filed a defamation lawsuit against the reporter, Sarah Fitzpatrick, and the publication.
The FBI considers probing potential government leakers as sources for the story, raising concerns among agents. Williamson clarified on X: “The journalist is not being investigated—false. Every time there’s a publication of false claims by anonymous sources that gets called out, the media plays the victim via investigations that do not exist.”
