Whether you consider yourself a wine enthusiast, a whiskey specialist, or a sake scholar, chances are you enjoy your beverage in a vessel designated to enhance its pleasantry. Or perhaps you’re one of those who is amused by the aesthetic without giving worry as to why your proclivity for the finer things is effortless and needs no further education.

Whatever scale you may tip toward, your drinkware should serve as an assurance for both libation and conversation. Think of it as the modern-day heirloom piece—something you gift to friends on milestone celebrations or hand down to generations for their personal collection. What holds your drink of choice is as important as the drink itself. Sara Kathryn Hopple is a ceramicist in Montgomery, Alabama, who is molding this theory to life through her luxury stoneware company, Esqué Creates. She was kind enough to welcome Bourbon+ into her home to share her story and witness her gallery firsthand.

The front door opens, and Hopple appears—tall, stylish, and with a radiant smile. Inside, she exudes hospitality in the form of a freshly made pot of coffee and a cozy blanket. “The name Esqué is a playful nod to my initials, SK, for Sara Kathryn,” she says. “While I’m not from the South originally, I have a very Southern name, which I’ve grown to love since moving from California to Alabama in 2011.

Before pottery, Hopple excelled in the healthcare system, managing multiple medical practices. “Working in healthcare allowed me to have a unique opportunity to impact people’s lives—even from a management perspective—by ensuring patients received the best care at every touchpoint,” she says. “This experience shaped how I now approach my creative process, infusing intentionality and care into every detail.

She first explored ceramics in high school and decided to revisit her artistic side again in 2021 with local pottery classes as a part-time creative outlet. “It quickly became an obsession, and in May 2023, I left my corporate job to pursue pottery full-time,” she says.

“My mom and I used to go to Goodwill and The Salvation Army and pretend we were treasure hunting.” Hopple points to a perched saucer with a rust-colored sun and brown border in the epicenter of her built-ins. It’s displayed in a way that draws your attention, as if for deliberate conversation. “You see that chipped plate there? She and I found that together when we were treasure hunting years ago,” Hopple says. “My mom, thankfully, kept all of my early pieces, which feel like treasures now.”

Hopple then guides us to her studio and pulls from the display shelf something from her newest collection, which is precisely why I’m here. “I typically find inspiration from what I can see is missing from a market,” she says. “For example, I created my line of rocks glasses because I selfishly wanted a practical piece of that caliber for my own home. The weight and texture of my stoneware add a sensory dimension to the whiskey-drinking experience. Not to mention, ceramic retains temperature well, helping maintain the coolness of your whiskey without altering its flavor. Whether it’s rocks glasses, or other functional pieces for your home, my goal is to create something that people want to share with each other, just as you would share a favorite whiskey or bourbon.

“In addition to my rocks glasses, I currently offer fun pieces like my scalloped matchstick holders, nesting bowls, or 50s coffee mugs—which are heart-shaped and nest in a circle when you have a complete set.” She glances toward the cup of coffee, still in my hand. The ‘aha’ moment registers, and I realize that I’ve been enjoying an Esqué Creates original all along. Hopple emphasizes that each piece is unique with its own character and imperfec- tions, ensuring no two are exactly alike—perfect for those who appreciate fine whiskey and thoughtful craftsmanship.

As our time with Hopple draws to a close, I find myself with one resounding takeaway: When purchasing from a company like Esqué Creates, you’re not just buying a vessel for your whiskey; you’re investing in a piece of art, a richer drinking experience, and the support of a small business.

“My customers keep me motivated,” says Hopple. “Every piece that I make is crafted with care and intention. It means so much to know that I get to be a placeholder in people’s lives through my products. It’s like they get to hold a piece of my heart in their hands. I feel that a lot of the mass-producing entities don’t give as much thought to who the recipient is.”

Photos by April Bageley