Bourbon
Bourbon is the unquestioned king of American whiskey, its production dating back to the 1700s. While bourbon is invariably associated with Kentucky, where 95 percent of all bourbon is produced today, in reality it can be produced anywhere in the U.S. (though only Kentucky Bourbon can include the name of the state on the label). By U.S. law, bourbon must be made from a mash of at least 51% corn; be aged in new, charred oak containers; distilled to no more than 160 proof, entered into barrel at no more than 125 proof, and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. Contrary to popular opinion, there’s no minimum aging requirement for bourbon, although straight bourbon must be aged for at least two years and cannot have added coloring. One of the most popular spirits in today’s drinking world, bourbon prices have been on the rise as stocks have dwindled — although massive investments in the industry promise to ease those supply pressures in coming years.
Top Bourbon Posts:
Tips, Tricks, and Advice on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Top 10 Bourbons Under $20
Buffalo Trace’s Single Oak Project
In 2026, consumers have been inundated with American whiskey releases bearing America 250 branding in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. For many producers, the formula has been fairly predictable: add an America 250 logo to the label, reference “1776-2026,” and attach a patriotic name. Numerous releases also direct…
Honey-finished whiskey (and other spirits) appears to be a full-on trend right now, with Green River the latest bourbon to get in on the fun. This expression is more straightforward that some, using a small amount of 100% local honey added directly to the barrel of its Kentucky bourbon, rather than attempting to finish the…
In today’s bourbon market, some discerning collectors chase age. Others chase proof. And if I had to guess, the center of that Venn diagram is pretty big, such that very old and very high-abv bourbon will turn a lot of heads. In April 2026, spirits giant Diageo announced a whiskey with stats so eye-popping, I…
There are plenty of people in the industry who can make whiskey. Far fewer have built a reputation on their ability to recognize exceptional whiskey when it reaches the glass. For years, Ed Bley earned the respect of enthusiasts not as a distiller, but as a selector. Through countless single barrels and private picks, he…
Last year Old Forester began releasing its President’s Choice whiskeys to retail for the first time, at least on a limited basis. The two whiskeys — a bourbon and a rye — are now making their return to the market for 2026. The formula hasn’t changed. These are all single barrel releases, including a collection…
It’s easy to criticize “grain-to-glass” as a designation, but by any definition, Nevada’s Frey Ranch certainly qualifies. The family owned and operated company grows its own grains, then malts, mashes, distills, ages, and bottles all whiskeys on site. They even create their own “peat” via a home-built bioreactor, which accelerates the decay of farm-sourced organic…
Drew Thorn spent more than a decade helping build Sagamore Spirit from an ambitious startup into a nationally recognized whiskey brand. As the company’s CEO, he played a pivotal role in guiding its growth and establishing its place in the modern rye whiskey market. From the beginning, Sagamore Spirit’s identity was rooted in the blending…
Bardstown Bourbon Co. has proven to be one of the more consistent producers of creative, cutting-edge American whiskeys. Nowhere in their generous portfolio is that more evident than the limited-edition Distillery Reserve Series, a thrice annual showcase of some the distillery’s boldest creations available exclusively at their Kentucky outposts and to members of their whiskey…
Texas-based Kooper Family Distilling recently rebranded, dropping the Family and simplifying to Koopers (no apostrophe). Sorry, fam! Labels have been revamped across the board, with Koopers branding much more prominent and consistent across the lineup. The brand is also ramping up production with all manner of special releases, one of which we look at below…
Your dad has worn the same belt for 10 years and hasn’t put on a tie since the Clinton administration, so why are you going to give him one of those tired old gifts for Father’s Day once again? Take it from a dad: Booze is well-known as the international currency of fatherly love. With…