If you’re not a whiskey expert, you might assume that all bourbon comes from Kentucky. It makes sense, right? Pretty much every bourbon distillery you hear about in the news or see on your liquor store shelf is distilled in the Bluegrass State. Well, about 95% of the bourbon whiskey produced is made in Kentucky, but not all of it. There are myriad well-made, balanced bourbons produced in states all over the US. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at some of those. Confused? Let me explain.
It sometimes feels like you need an advanced degree in whiskey-making to understand all the ins and outs of bourbon alone. If you go back about 20 years, I didn’t know all the pertinent information either. I learned it over time through research, visiting distilleries, and sampling a lot of bourbon whiskey. Keep scrolling as I take a deeper dive into what makes a bourbon.
What makes a bourbon whiskey?
There are a few rules and regulations surrounding the production of bourbon whiskey. First and foremost, to be considered a bourbon, the whiskey must be produced in the US (this includes DC and Puerto Rico). While a great deal of bourbon is produced in Kentucky, distilleries from Washington State to Florida are crafting award-winning expressions.
It also must be made with a mash bill of at least 51% corn (other ingredients include grains like rye, wheat, and barley). Many bourbons have a much higher corn content, giving them a reputation as a sweeter, more easy-drinking spirit than other whiskey varieties. Other rules include: it must be matured in new, charred barrels; be distilled to no more than 160 proof; enter the barrel at no more than 125 proof; be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof; and have no additives, coloring, or flavors. There’s no minimum aging period, but to be considered a “straight” bourbon, it must be matured for at least two years.
Value bourbons not from Kentucky
Now that you’ve been schooled on the rules of bourbon and understand that it can be made in other places besides Kentucky, it’s time to add some of these non-Kentucky bourbons to your home bar cart. The best part? There are many value expressions available from these far-flung bourbon producers. Keep scrolling to see them all.
Redemption High-Rye (Indiana)
If you enjoy a high-rye bourbon, you’re going to love Redemption High-Rye. This award-winning, 92-proof whiskey is made with a mash bill of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley, and it’s aged 2-3 years. The result is a multi-layered bourbon that begins with a nose of toasted vanilla beans, charred oak, cinnamon candy, and baking spices. Sipping it reveals notes of caramel corn, peppery rye, oak, and gentle spices. The finish is long, dry, and warm, culminating in a gentle blend of peppery spice and butterscotch sweetness. This is a great choice for a rainy day sipper or as the base for a spicy Old Fashioned.
Smooth Ambler Contradiction (West Virginia)
This award-winning bourbon comes from West Virginia, of all places. It begins with a mash bill of corn, wheat, and malted barley. It’s distilled using continuous column distillation and pot distillation. It’s a blend of straight whiskeys, with most aged over 9 years. This results in a surprisingly inexpensive, 100-proof whiskey that starts with aromas of raisins, orchard fruits, caramelized sugar, and oak. The palate is centered on notes of sweet corn, butterscotch, toasted vanilla beans, cocoa powder, oak, and peppery rye spice. The finish is long, warm, and ends with a dry mix of vanilla beans, charred wood, and cracked black pepper. It’s best to enjoy neat with a splash or two of water to open up the aromas and flavors.
Jimmy Red Straight Bourbon (South Carolina)
High Wire Spirits in Charleston, South Carolina, makes Jimmy Red Straight Bourbon from 100% Jimmy Red Corn, water, and yeast. It matures at least two years in new, charred American oak. The nose offers sweet corn, toasted vanilla, caramelized sugar, cinnamon, and baking spices. The palate highlights caramel corn, maple, cinnamon sugar, vanilla, toffee, and gentle spices. The warm, long finish combines caramel sweetness and charred wood. Sip neat or on the rocks on a cool evening.
Still Austin Straight Bourbon (Texas)
If you only purchase one of these non-Kentucky value bourbons, make it Still Austin Straight Bourbon. It begins with a 100% Texas-grown mash bill of 70% non-GMO white corn, 25% Elbon rye, and 5% wildfire malted barley. It’s matured in new, charred American oak barrels before being bottled at a potent 98.4-proof. This creates a nuanced whiskey that opens with aromas of raisins, honey, vanilla beans, sticky toffee, and charred oak. Sipping it brings notes of cinnamon candy, peppery rye spice, caramelized sugar, oak, and gentle spices. The finish is long, warm, and ends with a gentle mix of spice and sweetness. Like many high-proof whiskeys, this is best enjoyed neat with a splash of water.
