As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, legendary glass engraver David Sugar has returned to public commissions with a museum-quality collection commemorating seven defining moments in the nation’s history.
The American Milestones Collection, unveiled by Patriot Spirit Vodka, features seven individually hand-engraved vodka bottles depicting pivotal chapters in the American story. The collection marks one of Sugar’s most significant public works after decades away from major commissions.
Regarded as one of the nation’s foremost crystal and glass engraving artists, Sugar’s work is housed in the Smithsonian Institution, the United Nations and numerous distinguished private collections. During a career spanning more than five decades, he and creative partner Carol Iselin produced commissioned works honoring four U.S. presidents, astronauts and internationally known entertainers.
The new collection chronicles seven milestones that helped shape the nation: Independence, Constitutional Government, Preservation of the Union, the Birth of Flight, Victory in World War II, Humanity’s First Steps on the Moon and The American Spirit Endures.
Each bottle was individually engraved by hand, making every piece a one-of-a-kind work of art. Sugar first created artist proofs before completing the final master engravings, with subtle differences between each work reflecting the handmade process.
“I felt very proud to include the image of the moon landing in this collection,” Sugar said. “What draws me to these subjects isn’t honoring one astronaut, or even seven. It’s the symphony of people behind them… That harmony of spirit, intention, and yes, patriotism, is what these pieces are really about.”
Gary Pollakusky, CEO of Northborn Spirits Inc., said the project was designed to celebrate America rather than promote a product.
“The American Milestones Collection wasn’t created to commemorate a brand. It was created to commemorate a nation,” Pollakusky said.
Housed in a handcrafted walnut presentation case, the collection will not be offered for sale. Instead, the seven engraved works will be presented over the coming year to museums, archives, institutions and notable Americans whose work reflects the enduring ideals represented in the collection.
Founded by military veterans, Patriot Spirit Vodka said the collection is intended to remain a lasting tribute to American craftsmanship, history and patriotism long after the nation’s Semiquincentennial celebrations conclude.