Even if you know very little about bourbon whiskey, you’re probably aware that its heart lies in Kentucky.
But did you know that even though 95% of all bourbon is made in the Blue Grass State, it can made anywhere in the United States (including Washington, DC and Puerto Rico) and still be considered a bourbon? That’s right, to be considered a bourbon, the whiskey must be made with a mash bill of at least 51% corn (secondary grains can be rye, wheat, barley, and others). There are a handful of other rules, but the one we’re more concerned with is based solely on geography.
As we briefly mentioned, most of the bourbon production takes place in Kentucky, there are countless noteworthy, award-winning bourbons coming out of states not well-known for the whiskey style.
Keep scrolling to see some of our favorites.
Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon (Wyoming)
You might not immediately think of Wyoming when you envision bourbon, but after one sip of Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon, you will. Matured for five years, this popular whiskey is known for its flavor profile featuring notes of caramelized sugar, vanilla beans, gentle spices, and charred oak.
Woodinville Straight Bourbon (Washington State)
If you’ve never tried Woodinville Straight Bourbon, what are you waiting for? This small batch bourbon begins with a mash bill of 72% corn, 22% rye, and 6% malted barley. Matured for five years in heavily charred oak barrels, it’s known for its flavors of dark chocolate, caramel candy, vanilla bean, and gentle spices.
FEW Straight Bourbon (Illinois)
This award-winning whiskey is made with a three-grain recipe that mixes sweet corn, spicy northern rye, and smooth malted barley. It’s matured for four years in charred Minnesota oak barrels, giving it a nuanced flavor palate of sweet corn, cinnamon sugar, oak, vanilla, and light spices.
Cedar Ridge Iowa Straight Bourbon (Iowa)
wn for its flavors of sweet corn, butterscotch, vanilla, ripe fruits, and oaky wood.
Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon (Texas)
If you only try one bourbon whiskey on this list, make it Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon. This 94-proof whiskey was matured for three years in the Texas heat. It’s known for its palate of cinnamon candy, fresh leather, honey, orange peels, caramel, vanilla, and candied nuts.
