Bourbon is an American whiskey style known for a corn-led mash bill and maturation in new charred oak containers. Those rules help create familiar notes of caramel, vanilla and oak, but the category is far more varied than one flavor profile.
What shapes bourbon flavor?
Mash bill: More rye usually adds pepper and spice, while wheat often creates a softer impression. Proof: Higher-proof bourbon can deliver greater intensity and may benefit from a few drops of water. Age and barrel: Time in new charred oak contributes color, vanilla, toast and tannin, although older does not automatically mean better.
How to choose a bottle
- For beginners: seek a balanced 90-proof bottle with clear caramel and fruit notes.
- For cocktails: choose enough proof and spice to stand up to dilution.
- For sipping: look for a flavor profile you enjoy rather than chasing age alone.
- For gifts: presentation matters, but availability and the recipient’s taste matter more.
How to drink bourbon
Try it neat first, then with water or ice. Bourbon also works in classics such as the Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Whiskey Sour.
Browse our bourbon collection or compare it with other bottles in the whiskey collection.
