WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — FBI Director Kash Patel faces growing scrutiny after reports revealed that he has distributed personalized bottles of bourbon to FBI employees and civilians during official events and work trips.
The controversy centers on engraved bottles of Woodford Reserve bourbon that feature Patel’s name, title, and FBI-themed branding. According to current and former FBI and Department of Justice officials, Patel has handed out the bottles at government-related functions, including FBI events and international travel.
The bottles reportedly carry the inscription “Kash Patel FBI Director” along with an FBI shield and the stylized spelling “Ka$h.” Some also include Patel’s signature and the number “#9,” a reference to his position in FBI leadership history.
Several current and former FBI officials told reporters that they had never seen an FBI director distribute personally branded alcohol to staff or civilians. Many described the practice as unusual and troubling for an agency that traditionally maintains strict professional standards.
The FBI acknowledged that Patel gives away the bottles but defended the practice. An FBI spokesperson said senior bureau officials have exchanged commemorative gifts for years and argued that Patel follows ethics guidelines. The agency also said Patel personally pays for the gifts. However, the FBI did not provide details about the specific ethics rules involved or explain when the bottles were produced.
The reports also raised concerns about the transportation of the bourbon during official government travel. According to people familiar with the matter, Patel and members of his team transported cases of the whiskey aboard Department of Justice aircraft during work trips, including a February visit to Milan for Olympic-related events.
One bottle reportedly was left behind in a locker room during the trip. Officials also discussed Patel’s public appearance with members of the gold medal-winning U.S. men’s hockey team, where he was seen drinking beer during a celebration. Some FBI employees questioned whether transporting alcohol on government aircraft and distributing branded liquor during official business matched long-standing bureau norms.
Current and former agents said the bourbon gifts created discomfort inside the agency. Some employees reportedly worried that refusing a bottle or criticizing the practice could damage their careers.
One former agent described the situation as “demoralizing” and said staff feared loyalty tests within the bureau. Others said employees avoided reporting concerns because they feared retaliation. The issue reportedly intensified during a March training seminar at the FBI Academy in Quantico. The event included mixed martial arts instruction from Ultimate Fighting Championship athletes for FBI trainees and senior officials.
During the seminar, at least one bottle allegedly went missing. According to attorneys representing FBI employees, Patel became angry and threatened polygraph tests and possible prosecution over the disappearance. Kurt Siuzdak, a retired FBI agent who advises whistleblowers and employees, said multiple agents contacted him after the incident. He said employees worried the controversy could hurt their professional reputations.
“Street agents know that integrity is the most important thing for their jobs,” Siuzdak said. “Without integrity, you can’t testify.”
Siuzdak also said he advises some FBI employees to distance themselves from Patel because of the ongoing controversy.
A spokesperson for Woodford Reserve said the company did not know who ordered the engraved bottles. The distillery explained that customers can personalize bottles after purchase with names, logos, or messages. Patel’s appreciation for bourbon reportedly dates back to his earlier role in the first Trump administration. Reports previously stated that Patel and colleagues on the National Security Council kept bourbon available to celebrate successful hostage rescue operations.
