Bourbon
Filters
What is Bourbon Whiskey?
Bourbon whiskey is an American whiskey made from a grain mash that contains at least 51% corn. This high corn content gives bourbon its characteristic sweetness and fuller flavor compared to other whiskies. It is aged in new, charred oak barrels, which impart rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak to the bourbon liquor. Originating in Kentucky, Kentucky bourbon whiskey is renowned worldwide for its quality and tradition. The combination of specific ingredients and aging processes distinguishes bourbon within the broader whiskey category, offering a unique tasting experience cherished by enthusiasts.
What are Some Popular Bourbon Cocktails?
Bourbon's rich and versatile flavor profile makes it an excellent base for a variety of classic cocktails. Here are some popular bourbon cocktails:
- Old Fashioned: A timeless drink mixing bourbon whiskey with sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus.
- Mint Julep: A refreshing blend of bourbon, sugar, and fresh mint, famously associated with the Kentucky Derby.
- Whiskey Sour: Combines bourbon with lemon juice and simple syrup for a perfect balance of sweet and sour.
- Manhattan: Traditionally made with rye, but also delicious with bourbon, it mixes whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
Bourbon's depth of flavor enhances both simple and complex cocktails, making it a favorite among mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
What are the Most Popular Bourbon Brands?
Several bourbon brands have gained popularity for their quality and distinctive flavors. Here are some renowned bourbon whiskey producers:
- Buffalo Trace: Known for its rich and complex Kentucky bourbon whiskey offerings.
- Maker's Mark: Famous for its hand-dipped red wax seal and smooth, full-flavored bourbon.
- Woodford Reserve: Renowned for its premium small-batch bourbon with a balanced and deep flavor.
- Wild Turkey: Offers bold and robust bourbons, including the popular Wild Turkey 101.
- Knob Creek: Part of the Jim Beam family, providing full-bodied, aged bourbons bottled at a higher proof.
These brands exemplify the diversity and richness found in bourbon liquor, each offering unique expressions of this classic American spirit.
Can You Drink Bourbon Straight?
Absolutely, bourbon can be enjoyed straight, also known as neat, allowing you to fully appreciate its complex flavors and aromas. Sipping bourbon whiskey neat highlights its smooth and rich taste, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak coming to the forefront. Many enthusiasts prefer it this way to experience the full depth of the bourbon liquor. Alternatively, adding a splash of water can open up the flavors and soften the alcohol's edge. Some enjoy bourbon on the rocks, where ice slightly dilutes the spirit as it melts. Whether neat, with water, or on ice, bourbon offers a versatile tasting experience.
How Long Should Bourbon Be Aged For?
Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels, which play a crucial role in developing its flavor and color. There is no minimum aging requirement for regular bourbon; however, it cannot be aged for less than the period necessary for it to acquire the taste, aroma, and characteristics generally attributed to bourbon whiskey. Straight bourbon must be aged for at least two years. Many premium Kentucky bourbon whiskeys are aged between 4 to 10 years, allowing them to develop richer and more complex flavors. Longer aging periods enhance the sweetness and introduce deeper notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
What is the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey?
Bourbon is a specific type of whiskey with distinct regulations. While whiskey is a broader category encompassing various styles produced worldwide, bourbon whiskey must be made in the United States from a grain mash containing at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels. This gives bourbon its characteristic sweet and rich flavor profile. Other whiskies, such as rye or Scotch, use different grains and production methods. Rye whiskey, for instance, is made primarily from rye grain and tends to be spicier. Scotch whisky, typically produced in Scotland from malted barley, often has a smoky flavor due to the use of peat in the malting process. In essence, all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.
Broken Barrel California Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Corbin Cash 4 Year Old Sour Mash Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Wathen's Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Hirsch 'The Horizon' Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Smooth Ambler Contradiction Bourbon
Oak & Eden Cabernet Steeped Oak Bourbon & Vine Whiskey
Hillrock Solera Aged Napa Cabernet Finish Bourbon Whiskey
Penelope Toasted Series Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Penelope 'Architect' Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Kentucky Owl 'The Wiseman' Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Daviess County Cabernet Sauvignon Finish Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Milam & Greene Triple Cask Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Bib & Tucker 6 Year Old Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
Cooperstown Canton Football Bourbon Whiskey
Buzzard's Roost Char #1 Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Old Elk Armagnac Cask Finish Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Cyrus Noble Small Batch Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
Smoke Wagon 'Uncut The Younger' Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Weed 'Oak Cellars' Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Freeland Spirits Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey
Blackened x Wes Henderson Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
2XO The Tribute Blend Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Pinhook Flagship Bourbon 2024
Hirsch 'The Bivouac' Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Old Fitzgerald 11 Year Old Bottled in Bond Fall 2021 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Wattie Boone 1776 Small Batch Bourbon
Garrison Brothers Honeydew 'Hye Hive' Single Barrel Cask Strength Texas Straight Bourbon
Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection 'Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Made With Peated Malt)'
Bulleit Bourbon Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (1.75L)
291 Barrel Proof Single Barrel Colorado Bourbon Whiskey
Bhakta 2014 Armagnac Cask Finish Bourbon Whiskey
Angel's Envy Bourbon (375ml)
Bozeman Spirits Montana 1889 Bourbon
Legent Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 15-Pack (50ml)
Knob Creek 9 Year Small Batch 100 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (375ml)
George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 2024 Release
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Uncut and Unfiltered Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series 6 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Laws Four Grain Cognac Finish Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Lucky Seven Workhorse Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Bluegrass 'Toasted Oak' Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Woodford Reserve 'Holiday' Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Liter)
Angel's Envy Cask Strength Bourbon
- Featured
- Best selling
- Alphabetically, A-Z
- Alphabetically, Z-A
- Price, low to high
- Price, high to low
- Date, old to new
- Date, new to old