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Bourbon & Whiskey
Bourbon is where most of our whiskey conversations start. We carry a working mix of everyday bourbons alongside ryes, American single malts and the occasional allocated release — and we're glad to talk through what's actually different before you buy.
Buying guide
What the terms on the label actually mean
Bourbon vs. rye
Bourbon's mash bill must be at least 51% corn, which tends to make it sweeter and rounder. Rye must be at least 51% rye grain, usually bringing more spice and a drier finish. Neither is better — it's what you're in the mood for.
Proof
Proof is twice the alcohol percentage — an 80-proof bottle is 40% ABV. Higher-proof bottles taste more intense and are often opened up with a splash of water or an ice cube.
Age statements
An age statement tells you the youngest whiskey in the bottle, not an average. No age statement doesn't automatically mean young — plenty of respected bottlings simply don't state one.
Wheated bourbon
Wheated bourbons swap the usual rye in the mash bill for wheat, producing a softer, less spicy profile. A good starting point if rye-forward bourbons taste too sharp to you.
Bottled-in-bond
A federally regulated category: one distiller, one distilling season, aged at least 4 years in a bonded warehouse, bottled at exactly 100 proof. A real quality signal, not a marketing term.
Barrel proof
Bottled without dilution, straight from the barrel — stronger and more concentrated. Ask us before buying one as a gift for someone new to whiskey.
Common questions
Do you carry allocated bourbon?
Sometimes. Allocated bottles arrive unpredictably and in small quantities — see our Barrel Picks & Allocated page for how we handle requests and notifications.
Can you special order a bottle you don't carry?
Often, yes. We'll check what our distributors can actually get and tell you honestly whether it's possible. Call us or use the contact form.
What's a good starter bourbon?
[Add staff recommendation] Tell us what you already like to drink and we'll point you toward something approachable in your price range.
What cigar goes with bourbon?
Match intensity to intensity, and consider a bourbon-barrel cigar from our humidor. Ask and we'll suggest a pairing.