Contrary to popular belief bourbon doesn’t need to be made in Bourbon County, Kentucky. In fact, my favorite bourbon of the moment is produced just outside Austin, Texas. Any whiskey can be called a “bourbon” if it meets the following criteria:
Produced in the United States
Made from a mixture of grains that is at least 51% corn
Aged in new production charred oak barrels
Surprisingly, there is no aging requirement to be called a “bourbon.” However, the designation “Straight Bourbon” means that the alcohol has been aged in the barrel for a minimum of two years.
This list catalogs all of the whiskey from this region that we have reviewed so far, ordered by rating and price.