THE BOURBON EXCURSIONS BLOG > Bourbon Basics

Bourbon BasIcs

Start Here Before Anything Else

Everything starts with understanding what's actually in the glass. This category covers the fundamentals — what legally makes a whiskey a bourbon, how it's made from grain to barrel to bottle, what proof and age statements mean, and why Kentucky produces 95% of the world's supply. Whether you've never tried bourbon or you've been drinking it for years, these are the posts that make everything else click.

What Is Straight Bourbon Whiskey? (And Why the Label Matters)
The word 'Straight' on a bourbon label is not marketing — it's a legal requirement. Here's exactly what it means, why it matters, and how it fits into the full hierarchy of bourbon label designations.
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What Makes a Whiskey a Bourbon? The 6 Legal Rules Explained
Bourbon's rules are among the strictest of any whiskey category in the world. Here's exactly what each of the 6 legal requirements is, why it exists, and what it does to the liquid in your glass.
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What Is Bourbon? A Complete Beginner's Guide
Bourbon is American whiskey made from at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels. Here's everything a beginner needs to know — the legal rules, how it's made, how it tastes, and why Kentucky is the home of bourbon.
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