Bourbon whiskey

Bourbon (/bɜːrbən/) is a type of barrel-aged American whiskey made primarily from corn (maize). The name derives from the French Bourbon dynasty, although the precise source of inspiration is uncertain; contenders include Bourbon County in Kentucky and Bourbon Street in New Orleans, both of which are named after the dynasty.[1] The name bourbon may not have been used until the 1850s; the association with Bourbon County did not appear until the 1870s.[1]

Quick facts: Type, Country of origin , Region of orig... ▼

Bourbon

A selection of bourbons and Tennessee whiskeys at a liquor store
Type	American whiskey
Country of origin	United States
Region of origin	the American South, mainly Kentucky.
Introduced	18th century
Alcohol by volume	At least 40% bottled
Proof (US)	At least 80° bottled
Color	Amber, orange, red or brown
Ingredients	at least 51% corn
Related products	Corn whiskey, Straight whiskey, Tennessee whiskey

Bourbon has been distilled since the 18th century.[2] Although bourbon may be made anywhere in the United States, it is strongly associated with the American South in general, and with Kentucky in particular. As of 2014, distillers' wholesale market revenue for bourbon sold within the U.S. was about $2.7 billion, and bourbon made up about two thirds of the $1.6 billion of U.S. exports of distilled spirits.[3][4] According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, in 2018 U.S. distillers derived $3.6 billion in revenue from bourbon and Tennessee whiskey (a closely related spirit produced in the state of Tennessee).[5]

Bourbon was recognized in 1964 by the U.S. Congress as a "distinctive product of the United States". Bourbon sold in the U.S. must be produced in the country from at least 51% corn and stored in a new container of charred oak.[6]