Bourbon whiskey is more than just a drink. It’s a symbol of tradition, craftsmanship and American history. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or a curious newcomer, understanding what makes bourbon unique can deepen your appreciation for this iconic spirit. From its strict production rules to tips on selecting the perfect bottle, welcome to Bourbon 101, where you’ll everything you need to know about bourbon whiskey.
DISCLAIMER
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning Feast + West may receive commissions for purchases made through those links — at no cost to you. All opinions are our own. Please read our full disclosure for more information.
Everything You Need to Know about Bourbon
Welcome to Bourbon 101! Bourbon is one of my favorite spirits for cocktails. It’s complex, with layers of flavor that vary widely from bottle to bottle. But if you’re new to the world of whiskey, it can be daunting.
Today, I’m sharing a guide to bourbon for all your cocktail-making. These guides are designed to teach you about spirits, so you can know more about what you’re putting into your drinks and feel more confident choosing the right bottles.
Okay, ready to talk bourbon? Let’s get right into it!
What is bourbon?
Bourbon, or bourbon whiskey, is an American whiskey — an oak barrel-aged, distilled spirit made primarily from corn. The name is French.
Bourbon is well-known for being made in Kentucky, but it may be distilled anywhere in the United States where it is legal to distill spirits. Bourbon is seeing a big boom in the expansion of craft distilleries.
The United States and Canadian laws regulate that any product labeled ‘bourbon’ must be made in the U.S., but that’s just one of the laws that defines bourbon.
Bourbon vs. whiskey
While the terms are often used interchangeably, bourbon is a type of whiskey. There are many other types of whiskey, including scotch, Irish whiskey, Japanese whisky and rye.
The difference between them all is in the makeup of different types of grains. Bourbon must be made with corn. Specifically, bourbon must be made with 51 percent corn.
The other 49 percent is a grain mixture known as the ‘mash bill,’ usually a combination of barley, rye and wheat. Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels and bottled at 80 proof or more, which means it is 40 percent alcohol by volume. Also, bourbon may not have added color or flavoring so, for example, peanut butter whiskey is not a bourbon.
Bourbon laws
To be legally classified as bourbon, the spirit must adhere to five specific laws. These strict guidelines ensure bourbon maintains its integrity and distinctive character.
- Place of production: Bourbon can only be produced in the United States, though it is most commonly associated with Kentucky.
- Mash bill requirements: The grain mixture, also known as the mash bill, must contain at least 51% corn.
- Aging: Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels, which impart its distinctive flavor and color. Bourbon has no minimum aging requirement, but straight bourbon whiskey must age at least two years, and most are aged four to eight years or longer to develop flavor.
- Distillation proof limits: It must be distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume) and entered into the barrel for aging at no more than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume).
- No additives: Bourbon cannot contain any flavoring, coloring or additives. (That’s why cinnamon whiskey is never called “cinnamon bourbon.”) The only ingredients allowed are the grains, water and yeast, with the flavor coming entirely from the fermentation, distillation and aging process.
Single-barrel bourbon
If a bottle is labeled “single-barrel,” the bourbon has been bottled from just one barrel, so it’s very pure and therefore rare and more expensive. If it’s labeled as small-batch bourbon, it was bottled from a few select barrels. If it has neither label, lots of barrels were combined to make it.
Bourbon has no aging requirements, whereas straight bourbon must be distilled for at least two years. Some bourbons have age statements on the bottles, which tell you the age of the youngest bourbon in the bottle.
What it tastes like
Bourbon can taste dark, fruity, woody, spicy or floral. It can also nod to citrus, toffee, caramel, chocolate, coffee or vanilla flavors. The flavor of the bourbon can vary from bottle to bottle based on a number of factors. Variations in their mash bills, yeast strains, distillation techniques, barrel aging and environmental conditions can all contrinute.
The mash bill (the mix of grains like corn, rye, wheat, and barley) plays a significant role, with higher rye content adding spice and wheat adding sweetness.
The char level of the barrel, the length of aging and the climate of the aging warehouse also influence flavor, as do differences in water sources and the unique approaches taken by distillers.
favorite rocks glasses
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → How to drink bourbon
Glassware: Drinking straight bourbon? You’ll want a rocks glass. These short tumblers are designed to bring the aromas of whiskey closer to your nose as you sip.
Drink slowly: Smell it first. Pour it into the glass, then take a whiff. Swirl it around as you take a second sniff. Then, take a small sip of whiskey, and finally a regular sip. This allows your taste buds to adjust slightly before you take in this flavorful spirit.
Serving suggestions: Bourbon can be served neat (without any mixers or ice), diluted with water, on the rocks (over ice cubes) or mixed with soda and in cocktails. Bourbon is also used in cooking. (I love it in chocolate bourbon pecan pie at Thanksgiving!)
Ice: I like to use whiskey stones
or ice balls
when I drink mine on the rocks, rather than with regular ice, because it keeps the bourbon from getting too watery too quickly.
favorite ice molds
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → The best bourbons
There are many, many producers of bourbon in the United States. According to IBISWorld, there are 804 whiskey & bourbon distilleries businesses in the U.S. as of 2024, and 100 of them are in Kentucky according to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Popular and well-known brands include:
- Bulleit
- Four Roses
- Jim Beam
- Knob Creek
- Maker’s Mark
- Wild Turkey
- Woodford Reserve
- Buffalo Trace
- Angel’s Envy
- Elijah Craig
- Evan Williams
My favorites are many, but I love having these on my bar cart: Bulleit, Maker’s Mark, Old Forester, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, Angel’s Envy, Blanton’s, Four Roses, Old Grand-Dad.
Bourbon recipes
Bourbon cocktails reign aplenty! There are so many classic bourbon drinks to try and creative spins that take them a step further.
- Strong drinks: Spirit-forward drinks like the Manhattan, mint julep and old-fashioned are a great way to get to know bourbon.
- Creamy drinks: Eggnog and milk punch are delicious, creamy drinks starring bourbon. These are great at the holidays in particular.
- Mixed drinks: Bourbon can be mixed with ginger ale or Coke to make wonderful fizzy drinks. Or freeze it with tea and juices to make bourbon slush.
- Fruity drinks: Whiskey pairs well with fruit flavors. Try it in a classic whiskey sour, bourbon hot toddy or whiskey smash.
- Savory drinks: You can even enjoy whiskey in a savory drink like a Bloody Mary, also called the Bloody Derby.
National Bourbon Day
Celebrate this robust spirit on National Bourbon Day, held on June 14 each year.
Meghan @ Cake 'n' Knife says
Happy birthday month BFF! 🙂 I love the new column idea – so much fun!!
Susannah says
Thanks darling! You’re the best. 🙂
Anne @ Unique Gifter says
Not my favourite alcohol…. my spouse, on the other hand, lives for old fashioneds!
Susannah says
I love a good old-fashioned too! Bourbon is definitely an acquired taste. I have a few cocktails coming up this month that are a bit on the sweeter side so you might enjoy them!
Melissa says
Oh my goodness, a book club for booze. You are my hero.
Some other brands you might consider, incidentally: Willet (high proof, but not as hot as Bulleit), Prichard’s (incredibly smooth, a little caramel-y), Basil Hayden (what I drink if I can’t find Prichard’s), and Michter’s (outstanding at this price point). All of these make exceptional cocktails, but they also shine served neat.
I vote for bourbon every month! “Bourbon with Easter candy…” “Bourbon with grilling…” 😉
Okay, rye is good, too. Oooo bourye! Do bouryes!
Susannah says
This made me laugh out loud, Melissa. You are so funny. Yes, a book club for booze. I’m so glad you’re in! 😉
That is incredibly helpful. I definitely haven’t forayed into the finer bourbons yet, but I am definitely going to have to try some of these! Thank you so much for sharing these, friend!