Bourbon Basics

New to bourbon? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re just getting started or want to sharpen your palate, Bourbon Basics breaks it all down — no snobbery, just straight-up knowledge.

Learn what makes bourbon bourbon, how to taste it like a pro, and the terms every enthusiast should know. From mash bills to barrel proof, we’ll help you sip with confidence.

Start your bourbon journey here — one pour at a time.

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Old Bottles, Big Stories: The Magic of Dusty Bourbon Finds

There’s a special kind of thrill that comes from cracking open a bottle that’s older than you are. The cork...

Masters of the Mash: The Legends Who Shaped Bourbon

When you pour a glass of bourbon, it’s easy to focus on the label, the proof, or the color in...

Single Barrel, Singular Experience: The Art of Store Picks

If you’ve been in the bourbon world for any amount of time, you’ve probably seen the words “Private Selection” or...

Coast to Coast: The Rise of America’s New Bourbon Trail

For generations, Kentucky has been the heart and soul of bourbon. The limestone water, the rolling hills, the rickhouses sweating...

Smoke and Oak: Why Bourbon and BBQ Belong Together

There are few things more American than bourbon and barbecue. Both are born from patience, fire, craftsmanship, and a deep...

Proof and Perception: Why Strength Isn’t Everything

There’s a saying in the bourbon world: “If it burns, it’s working.”But here’s the truth — that’s not always the...

Raising the Bar: The Women Redefining Bourbon

For a long time, bourbon was branded as “a man’s drink.” The imagery was rugged — men in flannel shirts,...

Raising Spirits, Raising Funds: When Bourbon Meets Giving Back

There’s something special about bourbon people. Sure, we love the chase — the thrill of a new bottle, the hunt...

Developing Your Bourbon Palate: The Science Behind Every Sip

If you’ve ever poured a glass of bourbon and thought, “Whoa, that’s strong!”—only to revisit it a few months later...

Full Proof, Full Flavor? Not Always — Here’s Why

There’s a certain thrill that comes with opening a barrel proof bourbon. You see that big number on the label...

Kentucky Legends: The Distilleries that Defined Bourbon

When you think about bourbon, one word comes to mind: Kentucky. Sure, you can make bourbon anywhere in the U.S.,...

Pour With Purpose: How Bourbon Enthusiasts Are Giving Back

One of the things I love most about bourbon is that it’s never just about what’s in the glass. Bourbon...

What Makes a Bourbon “Allocated”? (And Why Can’t You Ever Find It?)

Let’s talk about a word that haunts bourbon lovers like a ghost at a bottle shop: allocated. You’ve heard it...

Welcome to the Pour: A Beginner’s Guide to Bourbon Without the BS

So you’ve decided to enter the world of bourbon. First of all—good choice. Whether it was a friend’s bottle of...

What the Heck Is a Bourbon Barrel Pick—and Why You Should Care

Alright folks, let’s talk about something that gets bourbon nerds (like me) real fired up—barrel picks. You might’ve heard the...

The Art and Science of Bourbon Distillation

Bourbon isn’t just a drink—it’s a finely tuned balance of art, science, and tradition that starts in the still and...

Welcome to the World of Bourbon—You’re Gonna Love It Here!

Stepping into the world of bourbon is kind of like joining a secret club—one filled with history, flavor, and some...

What Exactly Does a Master Bourbon Distiller Do?

Alright, let’s cut through the smoke and oak-scented mystery and talk about what it really means to be a Master...

How to Taste Bourbon Without Overthinking It

Alright, let’s talk bourbon tasting. If you’re expecting white gloves and snobbery, you’re in the wrong place. Bourbon isn’t about...