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Bourbon is American whiskey distilled in the USA from a mash of at least 51% corn and matured in new, charred oak containers. Alongside Kentucky bourbons, this Jastin Off Licence shelf also holds Tennessee and Canadian whiskies, and we deliver your order across North Cyprus.
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What is bourbon?
US federal regulations (27 CFR 5.143) define bourbon with clear rules: the mash is at least 51% corn, it's distilled to no more than 80% ABV, enters the cask at no more than 62.5% ABV and is stored in new, charred oak containers. It's bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV and must be made in the USA. Whiskey aged under these conditions for at least two years can be called "straight bourbon". Most bourbon is made in Kentucky, but legally it can be produced in any US state.
The new, charred cask is the main source of bourbon's familiar vanilla, caramel and sweet spice notes. The second grain used alongside corn also shapes the character: rye gives a spicier profile, wheat a softer one. Maker's Mark is a well-known wheated bourbon, using red winter wheat instead of rye. Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve offer different takes on Kentucky.
Tennessee and Canadian whisky
Tennessee whiskey follows almost the same rules as bourbon; the difference is a step called the Lincoln County Process. The new-make spirit is filtered through a thick layer of sugar maple charcoal before it goes into the cask. A Tennessee law passed in 2013 makes this step compulsory for the name Tennessee Whiskey. Jack Daniel's Old No. 7, made in Lynchburg, is the best-known bottle of this style; Gentleman Jack is charcoal-mellowed twice. Honey, apple and cinnamon flavoured Tennessee products aren't whiskey but whiskey liqueurs, and are lower in alcohol.
Canadian whisky must be distilled in Canada and aged in small wooden barrels for at least three years. In Canada, "rye" is traditionally used as a name for Canadian whisky even when the recipe contains very little rye. Lot No. 40 Rye, made at the Hiram Walker distillery in Ontario, is a spicy example made entirely from rye.
How to serve it
Bourbon is enjoyed neat, over a single large ice cube or in cocktails. The Old Fashioned (sugar, bitters and orange peel), the Whiskey Sour (lemon and sugar) and the Manhattan (sweet vermouth and bitters) are classics made with bourbon or rye. Barbecue and smoked meats and caramel desserts pair well with bourbon. See our main whisky page for every style, or Irish whiskey for a lighter, triple-distilled alternative. Message us on WhatsApp for a current price.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between bourbon and Tennessee whiskey?
Both are made from a corn-led mash and matured in new, charred oak casks. Tennessee whiskey additionally goes through the Lincoln County Process: the new-make spirit is filtered through maple charcoal before it goes into the cask. Tennessee state law requires this step for the name Tennessee Whiskey.
Is Jack Daniel's a bourbon?
Jack Daniel's labels itself as Tennessee whiskey, not bourbon. Its corn-led recipe and use of new charred casks are the same as bourbon; the distinguishing step is charcoal filtering through maple before casking. That's why the producer and Tennessee law define it as a separate style.
Is bourbon only made in Kentucky?
No. Bourbon must be made in the USA, but there's no Kentucky requirement. Even so, most bourbon is produced in Kentucky and the state is synonymous with it. The words straight bourbon on the label show the whiskey has been aged for at least two years under the legal conditions.
Why is Canadian whisky called rye?
In Canada, rye has historically been used as a synonym for Canadian whisky, and the regulations treat the two terms as interchangeable. So a Canadian whisky labelled rye isn't necessarily rye-heavy. In the USA, by contrast, rye whiskey must contain at least 51% rye.
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