Bourbon
Bourbon: America’s Native Spirit
Bourbon is a true American classic, a whiskey with deep roots, bold character, and a smooth, flavorful finish. To be called bourbon, it has to be made in the U.S. and must contain at least 51% corn in its mash. It’s aged in brand new charred oak barrels, which is where it picks up that rich amber color and signature notes of vanilla, caramel, spice, and oak.
While Kentucky is often considered bourbon’s spiritual home, this iconic spirit can be crafted anywhere in the U.S., including by premium distillers right here in California. In fact, some of today’s best small-batch and craft bourbons are produced outside traditional regions, reflecting a modern take on a centuries-old tradition.
At Juicefly Spirits, we make it easy to explore the world of bourbon whiskey with fast, same-day delivery across Los Angeles. If you’re sipping it neat, stirring up an Old Fashioned, or experimenting with bourbon-based cocktails, you’ll find top-tier bottles ready to be delivered to your door.
What Are the Tasting Notes of Bourbon?
Bourbon is known for its naturally sweet, smooth flavor, even without any added sugar. Thanks to its high corn content and aging in new charred oak barrels, the most common tasting notes include caramel, vanilla, and oak. These core flavors give bourbon its signature richness and warmth, often layered with hints of brown sugar, honey, and toasted wood. Depending on the mash bill and how long it’s aged, you might also notice spice from rye (like cinnamon or clove), fruity notes like cherry or apple, or even nutty and earthy undertones.
How Is Bourbon Made?
Making bourbon is both a science and an art, a carefully regulated process that gives this iconic American spirit its distinct character. It all begins with the mash bill, which must contain at least 51% corn. The remaining grains usually include rye, wheat, or malted barley. Each adds its own twist: wheat brings a smooth, mellow finish, while rye adds a bit of spice and boldness.
The grains are milled, mixed with water, and cooked to release natural sugars. Once cooled, yeast is added to start fermentation, which converts the sugars into alcohol. This produces a low-proof liquid known as distiller’s beer. After fermentation, the mash is distilled, often in column stills, and refined into a clear spirit called white dog. It’s then poured into new, charred American oak barrels, where it slowly transforms into the bold, flavorful bourbon we know and love.
This is where bourbon truly develops its character. Although it must age for at least two years by law, many bourbons are aged longer to enhance flavor and complexity. Over time, the spirit takes on its rich amber color and draws out deep notes of vanilla, caramel, oak, and spice from the barrel. When the aging is done, the bourbon is filtered and usually diluted with water to reach the ideal proof, though some expressions, like barrel-proof bourbons, are bottled without dilution for a more intense flavor.
What Are The 5 Rules of Bourbon?
Every bottle of bourbon you enjoy follows a specific set of standards that define what makes it authentic. These five rules ensure consistency, quality, and the unmistakable flavor bourbon is known for:
-
Made in the United States: Bourbon must be produced and aged in the U.S., it’s legally recognized as a distinctive American spirit. While Kentucky remains the heartland of bourbon, it can be crafted anywhere in the country.
-
At least 51% corn in the mash bill: To qualify as bourbon, the grain mixture, or “mash bill”, must contain a minimum of 51% corn. The rest is typically made up of rye, wheat, or malted barley, giving each bourbon its own character and depth.
-
Distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% ABV): This keeps more of the natural grain flavors in the spirit, resulting in that warm, full-bodied taste bourbon fans love.
-
Aged in new, charred oak barrels at no more than 125 proof: The aging process is where bourbon gets its beautiful color and signature notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. By law, it must be aged in brand new charred oak barrels and entered into the barrel at 125 proof or lower.
-
Bottled at 80 proof or higher, with no additives: True bourbon contains nothing but the spirit itself, no added coloring, flavoring, or other spirits. It must be bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) or higher to meet legal standards.
What’s the Difference Between Whiskey, Scotch, and Bourbon?
All bourbon and Scotch are types of whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon or Scotch. The difference comes down to where they’re made, what grains are used, and how they’re aged.
Bourbon is an American whiskey, legally required to be made in the U.S. with a mash bill of at least 51% corn. It must be aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years, which gives it that rich amber color and signature notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
Scotch is whisky (spelled without the "e") made exclusively in Scotland. It’s typically made from malted barley and must be aged for at least three years. Scotch often has a smokier, earthier flavor profile, especially those from regions like Islay, and tends to be drier and more robust than bourbon.
Whiskey (with an “e”) is the broader category that includes both bourbon and other types of American, Canadian, and Irish whiskeys. Unlike bourbon, standard whiskey doesn’t always have strict grain requirements or aging rules, so its flavor and color can vary widely.
How to Drink Bourbon (and What to Pair It With)
There’s no one “right” way to drink bourbon, it all comes down to your taste and how you want to experience the spirit. Many bourbon drinkers start by sipping it neat (at room temperature) to fully appreciate its aroma and flavor. If you’re new to bourbon or exploring a higher-proof bottle, adding a splash of water or a large ice cube can help open up the flavors without overwhelming your palate.
Before taking a sip, take a moment to enjoy the aroma. Pour your bourbon into a proper glass (like a Glencairn or rocks glass), filling it about a quarter of the way. Let it rest for a few seconds, then raise the glass so your nose catches the full bouquet. Bourbon also shines in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or Mint Julep, where its richness balances beautifully with bitters, citrus, or herbal elements.
But the real magic? Pairing bourbon with the right foods. Fatty, rich bites and sweet treats can elevate your drinking experience from good to unforgettable.
Best Food Pairings with Bourbon
-
Fat is Your Friend: Bourbon loves fat. Think seared salmon, glazed ham, smoked brisket, or fried chicken. The richness coats your palate, softening the alcohol’s heat while bringing out bourbon’s deep caramel and spice notes. A bite of aged gouda or mild blue cheese with a sip of bourbon? Pure bliss.
-
Sweet + Smooth: Bourbon pairs beautifully with desserts that match its natural vanilla, toffee, and spice flavors. Try it with pound cake, bread pudding, crème brûlée, or even a classic pecan pie. Don’t sleep on candy either, milk chocolate, caramel-filled treats, or even nostalgic cookies from your local Latin market can surprise you.
-
Go Bold with High Proof: Higher-proof bourbons are perfect for pairing with bold, smoky dishes like BBQ ribs, brisket, or pulled pork. The heat of the spirit cuts through the fat while enhancing the smoky-sweet flavors in the food.
-
Skip the Heat: Spicy foods and high-proof bourbon? Not the best match. Chili peppers, jalapeños, or hot sauces tend to clash with bourbon’s warmth and can overwhelm your palate.
Bourbon Delivery in Los Angeles & Nationwide Shipping
Juicefly Spirits makes it easy to shop premium bourbon online and get it delivered fast. Explore our handpicked selection of the best bourbon brands, all available for same-day delivery in Los Angeles or nationwide shipping to your doorstep.
If you're in L.A., we’ll bring your bourbon straight to you, often within just 60 minutes. Our local delivery service covers popular areas like Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, and surrounding neighborhoods. Each order is packed with care by our in-house team, includes real-time tracking, and arrives safely and quickly.
Not based in Los Angeles? No problem. Juicefly offers nationwide shipping on all bourbon orders, shipped in secure, discreet packaging so your favorite bottle arrives ready to pour.
Please note: You must be 21 or older to order. Adult signature is required upon delivery.