Bourbon

Flagship

Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana (MGP), Texas, New York, Colorado

Famous For

★

Old Fashioned

Spirit, sugar, bitters, ice. The first cocktail, and still the finest.

★

Whiskey Sour

Spirit, citrus, sugar. The template that taught the world to balance a drink.

◆

Mint Julep

Bourbon, mint, sugar, crushed ice. The Kentucky Derby in a silver cup.

ABV40-65%. Most expressions sit at 40-50%, with barrel proof releases often exceeding 60%.

Sub-styles

Wheated Bourbon High-Rye Bourbon Single Barrel Barrel Proof Small Batch Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon Kentucky Bourbon

Tasting Notes

Vanilla, caramel, oak, corn sweetness, baking spice, cinnamon, toffee, brown sugar, leather, dried fruit. Wheated bourbons lean soft and honeyed. High-rye bourbons push pepper and spice forward. Barrel proof concentrates everything — more heat, more oak, more reward for adding a drop of water.

Brand Guide

Well

Evan Williams, Jim Beam ($15-20)

Call

Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey 101, Maker's Mark ($25-35)

Premium

Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek, Four Roses Single Barrel ($40-55)

Top Shelf

Blanton's, Booker's, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof ($60-100+). Buffalo Trace is the bartender's best friend — affordable, universally liked, and always a talking point