The Bourbon Chapter: Celebrating National Bourbon Day

June is always an exciting month for whisky lovers, but this year it feels especially fitting that our June tasting box is dedicated to America's native spirit. As the FIFA World Cup kicks off across Mexico, Canada and the USA, the sporting world's attention turns to North America. With the United States playing host to many of the tournament's biggest matches, we thought there was no better time to celebrate one of the country's greatest exports Bourbon.

National Bourbon Day falls on 14th June, making this month's selection a tribute to the rich heritage, craftsmanship and innovation that have made bourbon one of the world's most popular whisky styles. Whether you're new to bourbon or already have a well-stocked whiskey shelf, this month's box offers an excellent journey through three distinct expressions that showcase just how diverse America's native spirit can be.

A Brief History of Bourbon

The origins of bourbon date back to the late 18th century when settlers moving westward into Kentucky began distilling surplus corn into whiskey. Kentucky quickly became the heartland of bourbon production thanks to its fertile farmland, abundant corn crops and naturally limestone-filtered water.

While the exact origin of the name "bourbon" remains debated, most historians believe it derives from Bourbon County, Kentucky, an important shipping region during the spirit's early development.

Over time bourbon evolved from a frontier spirit into a globally recognised whiskey category protected by law. In 1964, the United States Congress officially declared bourbon to be "a distinctive product of the United States," giving it a unique status similar to Scotch whisky in Scotland or Champagne in France.

What Makes Bourbon Bourbon?

Unlike many whisky styles, bourbon has a strict set of legal requirements:

• It must be produced in the United States.

• The grain recipe (mash bill) must contain at least 51% corn.

• It must be distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% ABV).

• It must enter the barrel at no more than 125 proof (62.5% ABV).

• It must be matured in brand-new charred American oak barrels.

• Nothing can be added except water to adjust bottling strength.

  
  

One of the most interesting rules is the requirement for new barrels. Unlike Scotch whisky producers, who can reuse casks multiple times, bourbon distillers may only use a new American oak barrel once for bourbon maturation. Once emptied, these barrels often begin a second life maturing Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, rum and even tequila.

A common misconception is that bourbon must be aged for a specific number of years. In reality, there is no minimum age requirement to be called bourbon. However, if a whiskey is labelled as "Straight Bourbon," it must be matured for at least two years. Any straight bourbon aged for less than four years must also carry an age statement.

Kentucky vs Tennessee Whiskey

Although many people group them together, Kentucky and Tennessee whiskey each have distinct characteristics.

Kentucky produces around 95% of the world's bourbon and is home to many of the industry's biggest names:

• Buffalo Trace

• Maker's Mark

• Wild Turkey

• Four Roses

• Woodford Reserve

• Heaven Hill

• Michter's

  
  

Kentucky bourbons often showcase rich caramel, vanilla, brown sugar and oak-forward flavours, with styles varying from wheated bourbons to high-rye expressions.

Tennessee Whiskey

Tennessee whiskey follows nearly all the same rules as bourbon but adds one important step known as the Lincoln County Process.

Before maturation, the new spirit is slowly filtered through charcoal made from sugar maple wood. This extra filtration helps create a smoother, softer profile while retaining the sweetness associated with bourbon. Major Tennessee producers include:

• Jack Daniel's

• George Dickel

• Uncle Nearest

• Nelson's Green Brier

  
  

Tennessee whiskies often display a slightly softer texture with gentle sweetness and subtle charcoal-influenced character.

The World's Most Expensive Bourbon

Bourbon collectors have helped create one of the most exciting secondary markets in the whisky world.

Some rare bottles regularly command five and six-figure sums, but the record-holder remains an ultra-rare bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle bourbon which sold for over $125,000 at auction. Meanwhile, certain releases from Pappy Van Winkle, Buffalo Trace's Antique Collection and limited Michter's bottlings frequently sell for many times their original retail price.

What makes these bottles so valuable is a combination of age, rarity, reputation and incredibly limited allocation.

This Month's Bourbons

Now for the main event. Our June tasting box features three outstanding bourbons that showcase different approaches to America's native spirit.

Ten Summers Bourbon 45% ABV

Leading this month's tasting is Ten Summers Bourbon, a Kentucky straight bourbon matured for over a decade. While many bourbons reach the market after four to six years, extended maturation allows the spirit to spend more time interacting with the heavily charred American oak barrel, developing greater depth, complexity and richness.

Produced in the heart of bourbon country, Ten Summers showcases many of the characteristics that have made Kentucky the undisputed home of bourbon. Expect a whiskey that balances mature oak influence with the sweetness of corn and the warming spice that bourbon lovers seek.

Its age statement is particularly noteworthy. With more than ten summers spent maturing in Kentucky's dramatic seasonal climate, the whiskey has experienced countless cycles of expansion and contraction within the barrel, drawing flavour from the oak and creating a deeper, more concentrated character.

Nose: Rich vanilla, caramelised sugar, toasted oak, honey and baking spices.

Palate: Toffee, butterscotch, roasted nuts and sweet corn, balanced by cinnamon and gentle oak spice.

Finish: Long and warming with lingering vanilla, charred oak and hints of dark caramel.

Food Pairing: Smoked brisket, Barbecue ribs, Pulled pork sliders, Pecan pie

The bourbon's mature oak character and caramel sweetness make it an excellent companion for rich barbecue dishes and classic Southern desserts.

Michter's US*1 Bourbon 45.7% ABV

Michter's has become one of the most respected names in American whiskey. Although its roots trace back to Pennsylvania's earliest whiskey-making traditions, the modern brand is firmly established in Kentucky and is renowned for its meticulous production standards.

Unlike many larger producers, Michter's creates its US*1 Bourbon in small batches typically containing no more than two dozen barrels, allowing greater control over consistency and quality.

Nose: Vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, milk chocolate and stone fruits.

Palate: Buttery caramel, brown sugar, baked apple, apricot and gentle rye spice.

Finish: Long and warming with lingering vanilla, oak and cocoa notes.

Food Pairing: Bourbon-glazed chicken wings, Aged cheddar, Apple crumble, Dark chocolate

The balance between sweetness and spice makes Michter's an incredibly versatile pairing bourbon.

Rabbit Hole Heigold 47.5% ABV

Founded in Louisville, Kentucky, Rabbit Hole has quickly established itself as one of bourbon's most innovative modern distilleries. Founder Kaveh Zamanian set out to create a portfolio that challenged convention while remaining rooted in bourbon tradition.

Heigold is named after Christian Heigold, a German immigrant and master stonemason who helped shape Louisville's architectural heritage. The bourbon itself stands out thanks to its high malted rye content, creating a wonderfully spicy and distinctive profile.

Nose: Caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, citrus zest and charred oak.

Palate: Butterscotch, citrus bursts, honey, black pepper and warming rye spice.

Finish: Long, slightly dry and spicy with lingering molasses, oak and pepper notes.

Finish: Cajun-spiced chicken, Chargrilled steak, Mature Gouda, Orange chocolate tart

The vibrant spice and citrus characteristics make Heigold a fantastic partner for richer savoury dishes.

Final Thoughts

This month's Bourbon Chapter tasting box offers a fantastic snapshot of modern American whiskey. From the approachable sweetness of Ten Summers, through the refined elegance of Michter's US*1, to the bold spice and innovation of Rabbit Hole Heigold, each dram tells a different story about what bourbon can be.

As football fans around the world gather to celebrate the start of the FIFA World Cup across North America, raise a glass to the spirit that has become synonymous with American craftsmanship.

Happy National Bourbon Day, and enjoy your journey through The Bourbon Chapter

Cheers to great whisky... and Bourbon