Bourbon whiskey

Bourbon is a distinct type of American whiskey, a barrel-aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn. Its origins are deeply rooted in the late 18th century in the United States, specifically in the Bourbon County region of Kentucky. By law, to be labeled as 'Bourbon,' the spirit must be produced in the United States, distilled to no more than 160 proof, and aged in new, charred oak containers.

While the term Bourbon refers to a category of spirit rather than a single brand, it is recognized globally as a unique product of America. Major production hubs remain centered in Kentucky and Tennessee, though craft distilleries have emerged across all 50 states. Ownership of major Bourbon brands is often held by global spirits conglomerates based in the United States, Japan, and Europe.