Bourbon whiskey (/ ˈbɜːrbən /; also simply bourbon) is a barrel-aged American whiskey made primarily from corn (maize).
Are you ready to try the best bourbons? In 1964, Congress declared bourbon the only native spirit in America. Invented in Kentucky in 1789, this drink has become one of the staples of US culture. And nowhere is it as cherished as in the Bluegrass State.
From a bottled-in-bond revivalist in Northern Kentucky to a Wyoming small batch shaped by mountain climate, this year’s winners reflect both tradition and experimentation. So, here are the world’s best bourbons from the World Whiskies Awards 2026, and everything you need to know about them.
The 10 Best Bourbons of 2026: A Gentleman's Definitive Ranking We tasted over 100 bottles to find the ten bourbons that define excellence in 2026. Some are old friends; others are new arrivals. All of them earned their place.
Designated “America’s Native Spirit” by a 1964 Congressional resolution, bourbon is nearly as old as the U.S. itself, with origins that date to the American Revolution, and likely further. The primarily corn-based whiskey has since become the stuff of songs, legends, and plenty of cocktails.
By definition, bourbon is at least 51 percent corn, produced in the United States, and has aged for some time in new, charred oak barrels (there is no minimum defined time unless it is labeled...
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey with specific legal requirements. According to U.S. law, bourbon must be made in the United States, contain at least 51% corn in its mash bill (the mix of grains used for fermentation), and be aged in new, charred oak barrels.