Base spirit — American Whiskey
Bourbon
America’s native spirit
Made from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred American oak — the rules are strict, but the result is one of the world’s most approachable and versatile whiskeys. Warm, sweet, and brilliant in cocktails.
What is bourbon?
Bourbon is an American whiskey with a surprisingly strict set of legal requirements. The grain mash must contain at least 51% corn, it must be distilled to no more than 80% ABV, and it must be aged in brand new charred American white oak barrels — no reusing old casks. The result is a whiskey with a distinctively sweet, vanilla-led character that sets it apart from Scotch, Irish, or Japanese whisky.
While Kentucky produces around 95% of the world’s bourbon supply, it can legally be made anywhere in the United States. The limestone-filtered water and extreme seasonal temperature swings of Kentucky — cold winters pushing the spirit into the wood, hot summers drawing it back out — do a lot of the flavour work, which is why so many of the benchmark bottles still come from there.
Flavour profile
Bourbon is one of the most approachable whiskey styles, largely because the corn base and new oak ageing push it firmly toward sweetness. Even people who don’t usually enjoy whiskey often find something to like in a well-chosen bottle.
ABV by style
The main bourbon styles
All bourbon follows the same core rules, but the grain bill and production choices create noticeably different results in the glass.
High-Rye Bourbon
A higher proportion of rye in the grain bill (20–35%) gives a spicier, drier character — black pepper, dried herbs, and a more assertive finish. The backbone choice for stirred cocktails.
e.g. Bulleit, Four RosesWheated Bourbon
Wheat replaces rye in the grain bill, producing a softer, sweeter, creamier result. More approachable for sipping neat and beautiful in lighter whiskey cocktails.
e.g. Maker’s Mark, W.L. WellerStraight Bourbon
Aged for a minimum of two years. If aged less than four years, an age statement is required on the label. The quality benchmark for most commercial bottles you’ll find on shelves.
e.g. Wild Turkey 101, Evan WilliamsBottled in Bond
Must be aged at least four years, from a single distillery and season, and bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% ABV). A reliable government-backed quality mark dating back to 1897.
e.g. Old Grand-Dad BiB, Knob Creek BiBSmall Batch
Blended from a select number of barrels — though the term isn’t legally defined, so it varies by producer. Usually signals a more considered, premium expression.
e.g. Four Roses Small BatchSingle Barrel
Bottled from one individual cask, meaning each batch is slightly unique. More pronounced individual character — and proof that no two barrels are exactly alike.
e.g. Blanton’s, Four Roses Single BarrelThe grain bill
Every bourbon starts with a grain bill — the specific ratio of grains that gives each distillery’s whiskey its signature character. Corn is the constant; the rest is where the variation happens.
Quick facts
How it’s made: The grain mash is cooked, fermented using yeast (often with a sour mash starter from the previous batch), then distilled and aged in new charred oak. Most distilleries use column stills followed by a doubler or thumper to raise the proof.
Key producing regions: Kentucky accounts for around 95% of production. Texas, Colorado, and New York also produce notable bottles — though Tennessee whiskey (filtered through charcoal) typically doesn’t call itself bourbon.
The barrel rule: New charred American white oak only — no exceptions. The char acts as a filter and caramelises the wood sugars, which is where bourbon’s signature vanilla and caramel character comes from.
Age statements: No minimum for standard bourbon. Straight bourbon requires two years minimum. Any bottle aged under four years must show an age statement on the label.
Closest substitutes: Rye whiskey for most cocktails — drier and spicier but structurally similar. Tennessee whiskey is the closest flavour match if bourbon isn’t available.
Cocktails that use bourbon
Bourbon’s sweetness and structure make it one of the most cocktail-friendly spirits going. It plays well with citrus, bitter modifiers, and syrups alike.
Recommended bottles
A solid selection across different styles and price points — all easy to find in UK supermarkets, specialist spirits shops, or online.
Wild Turkey 101
High-Rye · 50.5%
High-proof and punchy with real backbone. One of the best value bottles on the market — gives cocktails serious character.
Maker’s Mark
Wheated · 45%
The wheated benchmark. Soft, sweet, and creamy with a signature red wax top. A brilliant all-rounder for cocktails and sipping alike.
Bulleit Bourbon
High-Rye · 45%
Dry and pleasingly spicy with a bold finish. One of the most popular cocktail bourbons for good reason — especially in an Old Fashioned.
Four Roses Small Batch
Small Batch · 45%
Lovely floral and fruit notes alongside classic caramel and vanilla. A blend of four of their ten bourbon recipes — consistently excellent.
Woodford Reserve
Distiller’s Select · 43.2%
The most widely available premium bourbon in the UK. Rich mouthfeel, good balance, and a go-to for Mint Juleps and Whiskey Sours.
Evan Williams Black
Straight · 43%
The best bourbon most people have never heard of. Sweet, smooth, and excellent value — now more widely available in the UK than it used to be.
Storage & shelf life
Bourbon keeps well once opened as long as you follow a few basic rules. The high alcohol content means spoilage isn’t a concern — but air and light can affect the flavour over time.
Temperature
Room temperature is ideal. Avoid anywhere with significant heat or temperature swings.
Light
Keep away from direct sunlight. A cupboard or dark shelf is perfect.
Position
Store upright, not on its side — the high alcohol can degrade the cork over time if they stay in contact.
Shelf life
Indefinitely if sealed. Once open, best within 1–2 years. Finish or decant once the bottle gets below a third full.