Where To Buy Premium Bourbon Whiskey Online

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is primarily made from corn and aged in charred oak barrels. It’s known for its distinct flavor profile, which includes notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and often a hint of spice. Here are some key points about bourbon:

1. Ingredients: Bourbon is made from a mixture of grains, with at least 51% of the grain mixture being corn. The remaining grains can include malted barley, rye, and wheat.
2. Distillation: Bourbon is distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume), and it’s entered into the barrels for aging at no more than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume).
3. Aging: One of the defining characteristics of bourbon is its aging process. It must be aged in new charred oak barrels. The aging process imparts flavors to the bourbon as it interacts with the wood and extracts compounds from it.
4. Charred Barrels: The charred oak barrels contribute to the color, flavor, and aroma of bourbon. The charring process caramelizes the wood sugars inside the barrels, which then interact with the aging spirit.
5. Geographic Origin: Bourbon is closely associated with the United States, particularly the state of Kentucky. While it doesn’t have to be made in Kentucky to be considered bourbon, a large portion of bourbon production does take place in this state.
6. Legal Regulations: To be labeled as “bourbon,” the spirit must meet certain legal requirements in the United States. These include the use of new charred oak barrels, a specific distillation process, and a minimum aging period of two years (though many bourbons are aged longer).
7. Flavor Profile: Bourbon often has a sweet and smooth flavor profile due to the influence of the corn and the aging process. However, there can be variations in flavor based on the specific grain blend used and the length of aging.
8. Cocktails: Bourbon is a popular base spirit for a variety of cocktails, including the classic Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and the Whiskey Sour.
9. Single Barrel vs. Small Batch: Bourbon can be produced as single barrel (each bottle comes from an individual barrel) or small batch (a blend of a relatively small number of barrels). These approaches can result in variations in flavor and character.

Why Is Bourbon So Expensive?

Bourbon can be expensive for several reasons, including production costs, aging time, demand, branding, and limited availability of certain bottlings. Here are some factors that contribute to the high cost of bourbon:

1. Production Costs: The production process for bourbon involves several steps, including sourcing high-quality grains, distillation, aging in new charred oak barrels, and often meticulous blending and quality control. These processes require investment in equipment, facilities, and skilled labor, which can drive up production costs.
2. Aging Time: Bourbon typically requires aging for a certain period to develop its desired flavors and characteristics. Longer aging can lead to better quality, but it also ties up the product for a significant amount of time, which has an opportunity cost. During this aging period, the producer cannot sell the product and has to store it, which incurs storage and maintenance costs.
3. Barrel Costs: The requirement for new charred oak barrels for aging contributes to the cost. These barrels are used only once for bourbon production, after which they might be repurposed for other spirits or products, but they are not reused for bourbon.
4. Limited Supply: Some bourbons are produced in limited quantities, often referred to as “limited editions” or “single barrel” releases. These limited supplies can drive up demand among collectors and enthusiasts, which can lead to higher prices on the market.
5. Quality and Reputation: High-end bourbons are often associated with quality, craftsmanship, and heritage. Brands with a strong reputation can command higher prices due to consumer perception of their value.
6. Taxes and Regulations: Depending on the region and country, there might be taxes, tariffs, and regulations that impact the production and sale of bourbon, contributing to its overall cost.
7. Packaging and Presentation: Premium bourbons often come in elaborate packaging, unique bottle designs, and premium labeling. These aspects contribute to the overall cost of the product.
8. Marketing and Branding: The cost of marketing, advertising, and branding can also play a role in the price of bourbon. Established brands with extensive marketing campaigns might factor these expenses into the product’s cost.
9. Trends and Demand: Increased demand for bourbon, especially for premium and rare offerings, can drive up prices. As bourbon gains popularity and becomes a sought-after spirit, the market dynamics can lead to price increases.
10. Secondary Market: In some cases, limited-edition or rare bourbons end up on the secondary market, where collectors and investors are willing to pay significantly higher prices. This can create a perception of scarcity and contribute to higher prices overall.

Bourbon is a type of whiskey. More specifically, it is a subtype of American whiskey. Whiskey, or whisky, is a broad category of distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. Different types of whiskey are produced in various regions around the world, each with its own regulations and characteristics.

What Kind Is Bourbon Whiskey?

Bourbon is a specific type of American whiskey that has its own distinct characteristics and legal requirements, as outlined by U.S. regulations. To be labeled as bourbon, a whiskey must meet certain criteria:

1. Grain Mix: Bourbon must be made from a mash bill (grain mixture) that contains at least 51% corn. The remaining portion of the mash bill can include other grains like malted barley, rye, and wheat.
2. Distillation: Bourbon must be distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume).
3. Aging: Bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels. There is no specific minimum aging requirement to be legally called “bourbon,” but to be labeled as “straight bourbon,” it must be aged for at least two years.
4. Barrel Entry Proof: Bourbon must be entered into the barrels for aging at no more than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume).
5. Bottling Proof: There are no specific requirements for the bottling proof of bourbon, but it’s common for bourbons to be bottled at various proof levels, often around 80 to 100 proof.
6. Geographic Origin: While bourbon doesn’t have to be produced exclusively in Kentucky to be considered bourbon, a significant amount of bourbon production does take place in Kentucky. The state has a historical association with bourbon production.
7. No Additives: Bourbon must not have any added flavorings, colors, or other additives, except for water.