BORN ON THE AMERICAN FRONTIER
★American Heritage★
In the late 1700s, bourbon was shaped by farmers and immigrants who distilled what they had—mostly corn.
Kentucky became the heartland of bourbon due to its ideal climate and limestone-rich water.
No single person invented bourbon; it evolved into an American original.
Bourbon is defined by law, enriched by tradition, and loved for its rich, bold character.
Every bourbon brand has its own vibe, thanks to differences in:
- Grains used
- Barrels selected
- Aging styles
These variations mean no two bourbons taste the same, making exploration fun and unique.
BORN IN THE USA
★What is Bourbon?★
It’s made mostly from corn and aged in fresh charred oak barrels, giving it that signature warm, caramel-vanilla richness.
By law, it has to be made in the U.S.—but Kentucky is still the spiritual home. Over 90% of the world’s bourbon comes from there.
RULES FOR BOURBON
★The Rules★
- Must be made in the USA
- Made from at least 51% corn
- Distilled to no more than 160 proof
- Aged in new charred oak barrels
- No additives or coloring
- Bottled at a minimum 80 proof
- No minimum aging—unless it’s called “straight bourbon”, then it’s aged at least 2 years
Types of Bourbon
★Quick Definitions★
Straight Bourbon – Aged at least 2 years. Classic and uncut.
Wheated Bourbon – Uses wheat instead of rye. Softer, smoother flavor. Think Maker’s Mark.
High-Rye Bourbon – Uses more rye in the mash. Spicier, bolder flavor—like Bulleit.
Single Barrel/Small Batch – Hand-selected, often richer or more nuanced. Each bottle is a little different.
Bottled-in-Bond – A mark of quality: 100 proof, aged at least 4 years, from one distillery.
★MUST-TRY BOURBONS
FROM THE WHISKYX★
Bardstown Bourbon Company
Bardstown Bourbon Company is a modern distillery located in the heart of Kentucky's bourbon country. Known for its innovative approach, the company produces a range of bourbons, including the Discovery Series, Collaborative Series, and Origin Series, each reflecting a commitment to quality and creativity. Their state-of-the-art facility combines traditional bourbon-making techniques with contemporary design, offering a unique experience for visitors and bourbon enthusiasts alike.
Four Roses Bourbon
Four Roses Bourbon has been crafting distinctive bourbons since 1888. Utilizing two mash bills and five proprietary yeast strains, they create ten unique bourbon recipes, resulting in a range of expressions like the smooth Four Roses Bourbon, the balanced Small Batch, and the robust Single Barrel. Their commitment to quality and consistency has made them a staple in the bourbon community.
Green River Bourbon Whiskey
Green River Distilling Co., established in 1885, is Kentucky's 10th oldest distillery. Revived in 2022, Green River produces bourbon on its original Owensboro site, honoring its rich heritage. Known as "The Whiskey Without Regrets," their expressions reflect a commitment to quality and tradition, offering a taste of authentic Kentucky bourbon history.
Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey
Horse Soldier Bourbon is crafted by American veterans and pays tribute to their legacy. Each bottle is molded using steel recovered from the World Trade Center, symbolizing resilience and commitment. Their range includes Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Small Batch, and Barrel Strength expressions, each offering unique tasting notes and a story of courage and craftsmanship.
Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey
Jim Beam is one of the most iconic names in bourbon, with a history dating back to 1795. Produced in Clermont, Kentucky, Jim Beam offers a range of bourbons known for their smoothness and rich flavor. Their portfolio includes the classic Jim Beam Original, as well as premium expressions like Jim Beam Black and Devil's Cut, each reflecting generations of craftsmanship.
Larceny Bourbon Whiskey
Larceny Bourbon is inspired by the legacy of John E. Fitzgerald and his penchant for fine bourbon. Made with a wheated mash bill, Larceny offers a smoother, sweeter taste profile. Their expressions, including Larceny Small Batch and Barrel Proof, reflect a commitment to quality and a nod to bourbon's rich history.
Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky
Maker's Mark is renowned for its handcrafted approach to bourbon, featuring a signature red wax seal on each bottle. Using a soft red winter wheat mash bill, their bourbon offers a smooth, full-bodied flavor. The distillery, located in Loretto, Kentucky, emphasizes sustainability and tradition, inviting visitors to experience their unique production process firsthand.
New Riff Bourbon Whiskey
New Riff Distilling, based in Newport, Kentucky, combines traditional bourbon-making methods with a focus on innovation. Their lineup includes Bottled- in-Bond Bourbon and Rye, emphasizing transparency and quality. With a commitment to full transparency, they provide detailed information about their mash bills, aging, and production processes, inviting enthusiasts to explore their "new riff" on bourbon.
Whiskey Row Bourbon
Crafted by industry legend Steve Thompson at the Kentucky Artisan Distillery, Whiskey Row Bourbon pays homage to Louisville's historic Main Street, known as "Whiskey Row." This bourbon blends diverse mash bills to recreate pre-Prohibition flavors, offering notes of brown spice, smoke, leather, and rye bread. Aged a minimum of four years in new charred oak barrels and non-chill filtered, it reflects a commitment to quality and tradition. Each batch is a blend of 8–10 barrels, showcasing the rich heritage of Kentucky bourbon.
★DISCOVER MORE★
