Bourbon

A spirit with a rock and roll reputation, bourbon is America’s answer to Scotch whisky. With its own set of rules and regulations, as well as an instantly recognisable flavour profile, bourbon whiskey is a uniquely stateside creation. 95% of all bourbon comes from Kentucky aka The BlueGrass State, but it can be made anywhere in the United States. Legally, to be labelled as “bourbon whiskey”, each batch must be made from a mash of at least 51% corn. The liquor is then aged in new oak barrels that have had a lick of flame applied to the inside. It’s this barrel aging in charred oak that gives bourbon those distinct warm notes of vanilla, spice, oak and caramel.

A little like with Scottish whisky, bourbon is aged for varying amounts of time, resulting in all kinds of different styles. Straight bourbons like Jack Daniels are aged for a minimum of two years. Any bourbon aged for less than four years will have an age statement on the label. But that’s by no means the whole story. Explore our shop and find the right bourbon for you.