Bourbon

Bourbon is an American whiskey distilled from a mash with at least 51% corn, amber to deep caramel in color. It shows vanilla, caramel, and charred oak notes with a smooth, warming finish; it works in cocktails, deglazes and pan sauces, and flavors glazes, batters, and desserts; common bottlings range from 80 to 100 proof with small-batch and single-barrel styles.

Developed in Kentucky and neighboring states, it spread across the United States under regulations requiring aging in new charred oak barrels and production in the U.S. It underpins classic American cocktails and features in Southern and barbecue cooking.