Bourbon

The American Whiskey That Defined a Category

By law, bourbon must be made in the USA, distilled from at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, and bottled at 80 proof or higher. No additives, no coloring — just grain, water, yeast, and time. What changes everything is the mash bill: the other 49%. Wheated bourbons run softer and sweeter; high-rye bourbons bring spice and bite.

Bourbon by Style

Allocated & Rare

The most sought-after bourbons in America — bottles distilleries can only make in tiny quantities, allocated to retailers a few at a time. Aged longer, released annually, often impossible to find at retail. Pappy Van Winkle, Weller, EH Taylor, Stagg. Hunting a specific label? Browse our dedicated Blanton's hub (every label, Green to Straight from the Barrel) and Eagle Rare hub (10 Year to Double Eagle).

Craft & Small Batch

Bourbon made in limited quantities — typically blended from just a handful of barrels rather than thousands. Independent distilleries focused on quality over scale. Smoke Wagon, Stellum, Barrell, Widow Jane.

Cask Strength

Bottled straight from the barrel with no water added — typically 110–140 proof versus the standard 80–100. The barrel's full character intact: richer, more intense, longer finish. Booker's, Stagg, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof.

Single Barrel

Bottled from one individual barrel rather than blended from hundreds. Every barrel ages differently — position in the warehouse, airflow, evaporation — so every bottling tastes a little different. Blanton's, Eagle Rare, Four Roses Single Barrel.

Bottled-in-Bond

America's original whiskey authenticity guarantee, written into law in 1897: one distillery, one distilling season, aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, bottled at exactly 100 proof. Henry McKenna 10, Old Forester 1897, EH Taylor.

Cask Finished

Bourbon that gets a second maturation in a different barrel — port, sherry, rum, wine, or cognac casks — adding new layers of fruit, spice, or richness. Angel's Envy, Penelope Cooper Series, Jefferson's Ocean.

Bourbon FAQ

What is bourbon whiskey?

Bourbon is an American whiskey made from at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, distilled to no more than 160 proof, and entered into the barrel at no more than 125 proof. While bourbon can be made anywhere in the U.S., over 95% comes from Kentucky. Want to go deeper? Explore our Whiskey courses on Spirit Academy.

What is the difference between bourbon and whiskey?

All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Bourbon must meet specific legal requirements: made in the U.S., at least 51% corn mash bill, aged in new charred oak barrels, and bottled at 80 proof or higher. Other whiskeys like scotch, rye, or Irish whiskey have different grain requirements, aging rules, and regional origins.

What are wheated vs. high-rye bourbons?

Wheated bourbons (like Maker's Mark and Weller) use wheat for a softer, sweeter profile. High-rye bourbons (like Bulleit and Four Roses Single Barrel) pack more spice and bite. Browse both styles — including single barrel picks, barrel-proof releases, and bottled-in-bond expressions from Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey, Heaven Hill, and more.

Can I buy Pappy Van Winkle or E.H. Taylor online?

Yes — TIPXY lists allocated and limited bourbon bottles like Pappy Van Winkle, E.H. Taylor, Weller, and Blanton's when available from our licensed retail partners nationwide. Stock is limited, so check back often.

Does TIPXY ship bourbon to my state?

TIPXY ships to most U.S. states through licensed retailers. Orders over $149 qualify for free shipping; orders between $100–$149 ship for $8.99.

How should I store bourbon?

Store bourbon upright in a cool, dark place away from sunlight. The high alcohol content can degrade the cork if stored on its side. An opened bottle stays good for 1–2 years.

Go Deeper

Read Bourbon 101: What Makes Bourbon, Bourbon on Spirit Academy, mix a Chocolate Walnut Old Fashioned, or browse the best small batch bourbons on the blog.