Bourbon

Bourbon is America's distinctive corn-based whiskey, known for flavours that can range from vanilla, caramel and sweet spice to toasted oak, dark fruit and richer, more powerful styles. By law, bourbon must be made in the United States from a mash containing at least 51% corn and matured in new charred oak containers.

At Spy, our Bourbon selection focuses on distinctive bottles from carefully chosen producers, from approachable everyday pours to characterful small-batch and single-barrel releases. Expect plenty of classic Bourbon richness, but also fascinating differences in mash bill, maturation, strength and individual distillery style.

  • Blanton's Gold

    Blanton's Gold Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon

    Blanton's Gold Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon

    70cl | ABV: 51.5%

    £126.95
    £126.95
  • Michter's bourbon whiskey bottle on a white background

    Michter's US*1 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon

    Michter's US*1 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon

    70cl | ABV: 45.7%

    £62.95
    £62.95
  • Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage

    Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage

    Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage

    70cl | ABV: 43.3%

    £55.95
    £55.95
  • Rowans Creek Straight Kentucky Bourbon

    Rowans Creek Straight Kentucky Bourbon

    Rowans Creek Straight Kentucky Bourbon

    70cl | ABV: 50.1%

    £64.95
    £64.95
  • Jack Daniels Miniature Tennessee Whiskey Bottle on a White Background

    Jack Daniels Miniature

    Jack Daniels Miniature

    £2.95
    £2.95
  • Blanton's Original Bourbon Whiskey Bottle on a White Background

    Blanton's Bourbon Single Barrel

    Blanton's Bourbon Single Barrel

    70cl | ABV: 46.5%

    £103.95
    £103.95
  • Elijah Craig Small Batch

    Elijah Craig Small Batch

    Elijah Craig Small Batch

    70cl | ABV: 47.0%

    £46.95
    £44.95 £46.95
  • Jack Daniels Old No.7 Tennessee Whiskey Bottle on a White Background

    Jack Daniels Old No.7

    Jack Daniels Old No.7

    75cl | ABV: 40.0%

    £26.45
    £26.45
  • Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select Tennessee Whiskey Bottle on a White Background

    Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select

    Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select

    70cl | ABV: 47.0%

    £48.95
    £48.95
  • Willett's Pot Still Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon

    Willett Pot Still

    Sold out

    Willett Pot Still

    70cl | ABV: 47.0%

    £85.95
    £85.95
    Sold out
  • Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack

    Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack

    Sold out

    Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack

    70cl | ABV: 40.0%

    £38.95
    £38.95
    Sold out

Bourbon Buying Guide

Bourbon can vary considerably in flavour and character despite the rules that define the category. The proportion of corn and other grains in the mash bill, the distillery's production methods, maturation, barrel selection and bottling strength can all influence the finished whiskey. Understanding these differences makes it much easier to find a Bourbon that suits your taste.

Which style of Bourbon should you choose?

Classic Bourbon often combines caramel, vanilla, sweet spice and oak. Bourbons with a higher proportion of rye in the mash bill can show more peppery spice and structure, while wheated Bourbons can have a softer, rounder character. Older or higher-strength bottlings may offer greater concentration, oak influence and intensity.

Small batch, single barrel and barrel strength

Small-batch Bourbon is typically created by combining a selected number of barrels, although the term itself does not have one universal legal definition. Single-barrel Bourbon comes from an individual barrel, so character can vary between releases. Barrel-strength or cask-strength Bourbon is bottled at or close to the strength at which it leaves the barrel, offering a more powerful and concentrated style.

Look beyond the biggest Bourbon brands

The best-known Bourbon names represent only part of the category. Exploring different producers, mash bills, barrel selections and bottling strengths can reveal striking differences in flavour and texture. For curious whiskey drinkers, Bourbon offers far more diversity than its familiar sweet and vanilla-led reputation might suggest.

Bourbon FAQs

What makes a whiskey Bourbon?

Bourbon must be produced in the United States from a grain mixture containing at least 51% corn. It must be distilled to no more than 160 proof, entered into new charred oak containers at no more than 125 proof and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. Bourbon must also be produced without the addition of colouring or flavouring materials.

Does Bourbon have to be made in Kentucky?

No. Kentucky is the state most closely associated with Bourbon and produces many famous examples, but Bourbon can legally be made elsewhere in the United States provided it meets the requirements of the category.

What is the difference between Bourbon and rye whiskey?

The principal difference is the grain recipe. Bourbon must contain at least 51% corn, while American rye whiskey must contain at least 51% rye. Bourbon often shows sweeter caramel and vanilla characteristics, while rye can be drier and spicier, although individual bottles vary considerably.

What is straight Bourbon?

Straight Bourbon is Bourbon that has been aged for at least two years and meets the additional requirements for straight whiskey. If it has been aged for less than four years, its age must be stated on the label.

Explore more distinctive American and world whisky

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