Watches Built From Whiskey Barrels and Guitar Wood: Inside Original Grain’s Approach

Take $50 off any watch by using code POUR!

Original Grain built its identity around a premise that sets it apart in a crowded watch market: every timepiece should have a story behind it. Instead of relying solely on stainless steel and stock materials, the company sources reclaimed wood and metal from memorable locations: Jack Daniel’s whiskey barrels, Taylor Guitar tonewood, forest-fire wood, military ammo crates and more. Each watch is designed to highlight the grain, texture or patina of these materials, so no two pieces look exactly alike.

The brand uses quality Japanese movements across its lineup, but the mechanics are only part of the appeal. Original Grain leans heavily into the idea that the origin of a material matters: A stave from a barrel that once held whiskey, a piece of spruce once used for guitar building or a section of charred timber pulled from a burn zone carries a story that ends up on someone’s wrist. That combination of durability, craft and history has become Original Grain’s signature.

Original Grain connects its collections to long-term causes. The brand says it has planted more than 750,000 trees so far through reforestation partners, with a goal of reaching one million by 2026. Several collections channel proceeds toward veteran-focused nonprofits, pairing product design with impact-driven initiatives.

A Mission Tied to Sustainability and Impact

Beyond the materials themselves, the company frames its work around sustainability and nonprofit partnerships. Original Grain has planted more than 750,000 trees through reforestation initiatives, with a goal of reaching one million by 2026. The brand also builds several collections around direct charitable support.

• Military Collection: Created with materials inspired by service gear. A portion of proceeds goes to Active Valor, a veteran-run nonprofit in San Diego that pairs combat veterans with Gold Star Children as mentors.
• Taylor Guitars Collection: Crafted with repurposed tonewoods. Proceeds support Guitars for Vets, which helps veterans with PTSD through music lessons and community support.
• Forest Fire Collection: Made from charred forest-fire wood sealed in resin. Sales contribute to forest recovery and replanting efforts.

These programs connect each product line to a specific cause, so customers can trace their watch back not only to a material but to a mission.

Reclaimed Materials Built Into Every Design

Original Grain’s catalog spans traditional silhouettes and larger-format sport styles, but each one centers on the reclaimed element.

• The Whiskey Barrel Collection pieces highlight the color variations and markings of wood used in Kentucky whiskey casks.
• Taylor Guitars models showcase tonewoods like Hawaiian koa and ebony.
• Forest Fire designs balance raw char and clean resin, creating a contrast that reflects the restoration work they support.
• The Jack Daniel’s Collection features five watches crafted from authentic Jack Daniel’s whiskey barrels used to age whiskey in Lynchburg, Tennessee.

The brand has also partnered with big names including Coors Banquet, Ford, The Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry, creating themed designs tied to iconic American institutions.

A Gift With Built-In Storytelling

Original Grain‘s watches are gifts built for people who value meaning over trends. The reclaimed components often appeal to whiskey fans, musicians, outdoor enthusiasts or military families, and the individuality of each piece makes the product feel personal. A watch made from whiskey barrels or guitar wood isn’t simply an accessory — it’s a tangible slice of something larger.

Exclusively for our readers, Original Grain is offering an additional $50 off any watch with the code POUR, making it a timely option for holiday gifting. For shoppers looking for something with character and a story behind the craftsmanship, Original Grain is a standout alternative to traditional watch brands.