Bourbon

Bourbon is perhaps America’s most famous whiskey style, a spirit defined by law, shaped by tradition, and beloved worldwide for its rich, full-bodied character. Recognised as a distinctive product of the United States, bourbon must meet strict legal requirements: it must be made from a mash bill containing at least 51% corn, distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% ABV), entered into new, charred oak barrels at no more than 125 proof (62.5% ABV), and matured in those barrels. It must be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% ABV), and if labelled “straight bourbon,” it must be aged for at least two years.

The history of bourbon

The origins of bourbon lie in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when settlers, many of Scots-Irish, English, and German descent, brought distilling knowledge to Kentucky and surrounding states. The region’s fertile soil, ideal climate for corn cultivation, and abundant limestone-filtered water provided the perfect conditions for whiskey-making. While there are various theories about the name’s origin, one widely held belief links it to Bourbon County, Kentucky, a major whiskey shipping hub in the early 1800s.

A grain led whiskey

Bourbon’s signature sweetness and depth come from its high corn content, balanced by secondary grains. Rye in the mash bill lends spice and a peppery edge, while wheat produces a softer, rounder flavour profile. Malted barley is usually present in smaller quantities to aid fermentation. Distillers may use column stills, pot stills, or a combination, but the use of new, charred American oak barrels is universal. The charring caramelises sugars in the wood, imparting notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak while helping develop the spirit’s deep amber colour.

Maturation plays a major role in bourbon’s flavour. Hot summers and cold winters in Kentucky and other producing states cause the whiskey to expand and contract in the barrel, drawing flavour from the charred wood more rapidly than in cooler climates. Younger bourbons often highlight fresh grain, sweet corn, and bright oak notes, while older expressions gain layers of dried fruit, spice, tobacco, and leather.

Bourbon styles

Bourbon styles vary widely. High-rye bourbons from producers like Four Roses or Old Forester offer bolder spice and structure. Wheated bourbons, such as Maker’s Mark and the sought-after Pappy Van Winkle, have a softer, sweeter profile. Single barrel bourbons deliver the unique character of an individual cask, while small batch releases blend a select number of barrels for a balanced, distinctive flavour. Barrel proof or cask strength bottlings are bottled without dilution, providing intense flavour and higher alcohol content for those who enjoy a robust pour.

Beyond sipping neat or over ice, bourbon is a cornerstone of classic cocktails. It forms the base of the Old Fashioned, Mint Julep, Boulevardier, and Whiskey Sour, and works equally well in creative modern serves.

Our bourbon selection showcases the breadth of the category, from well-known Kentucky heritage brands to craft distillers across the U.S. producing innovative mash bills and finishes and even the occasional independent bottler. Whether you’re looking for a versatile bottle for cocktails, a smooth, approachable pour, or a rare, age-statement collector’s release, each bourbon in our range is chosen for quality, authenticity, and the ability to represent America’s native spirit at its best.