What is Bourbon Whiskey?

The history of Bourbon is a little hazy and undocumented, with legends tending to make up most of it depending on which county and which person you feel deserves the greatest claim. However, it is now well established and associated with the Southern States, Kentucky and Tennessee in particular, lauded for its rural origins.

It wasn't until 1964 that Congress gave it recognition in its own right as Bourbon, despite being around since the 1800s. It's boom really came after WWII where it became a major export and domestic product thanks to American soldiers getting introduced to whisky and the economic boom. And now, it is here to stay with whiskey lovers across the globe tuning to Bourbon to try something different from beloved Scotch.

There are a few distinct requirements that make Bourbon, Bourbon. Most key is that it must be produced in the US, a minimum of 51% corn, and barrel-aged in new, charred oak. There is no minimum ageing period but generally the higher the price, the longer the ageing period. However, the sub-category Straight Bourbon must be aged for a minimum of two years.