If you’ve ever stood in front of the whisky aisle wondering whether to grab a bottle of bourbon or Scotch, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions for newcomers is: “Is bourbon the same as whiskey?” The short answer? All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Let’s break that down in a clear, simple way so you can confidently choose your next bottle, whether you’re sipping neat, mixing a cocktail, or buying a gift. And if you’re looking to explore bourbon options yourself, The Bourbon Family is one of the best places online to browse, learn, and shop. What Is Whiskey? Whiskey is a broad term for a distilled spirit made from fermented grain mash and aged in wooden barrels. It’s produced all over the world—Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Japan, and Canada all have their own unique styles. There are many types of whiskey, including: So, think of whiskey as the overall family—and bourbon as one member of that family. What Makes Bourbon Different? Bourbon is a specific type of American whiskey that must follow strict legal requirements. According to U.S. law, for a whiskey to be called bourbon, it must: So what does that mean for flavour? Bourbon tends to be sweeter and smoother than other types of whiskey, thanks to the high corn content. Common flavour notes include: Popular brands like Buffalo Trace and Maker’s Mark deliver classic bourbon profiles and are great starting points if you’re new to the category. You can find both and more at The Bourbon Family. How Does Bourbon Compare to Other Whiskeys? Type Main Grain Origin Flavour Notes Barrel Type Bourbon 51%+ corn United States Sweet, vanilla, caramel, oak New, charred oak Scotch Malted barley Scotland Peat (some), malt, dried fruit Used oak (often ex-bourbon) Irish Whiskey Barley/mixed Ireland Light, smooth, fruity Used oak barrels Rye Whiskey 51%+ rye U.S./Canada Spicy, bold, peppery New or used barrels Tennessee Whiskey 51%+ corn Tennessee, USA Similar to bourbon but charcoal-filtered New, charred oak As you can see, each whiskey type brings its own unique characteristics. Bourbon stands out for its sweetness, smooth mouthfeel, and mixability. Common Myths About Bourbon Bourbon has to come from Kentucky Not true. While 95% of bourbon is made in Kentucky, it can be produced anywhere in the U.S. (and still be legally called bourbon). Bourbon is stronger than Scotch Not necessarily. Strength depends on the bottling proof, not the category. Both can range from 40% ABV to over 60% in cask-strength editions. You must drink bourbon neat Also false. While bourbon is beautiful sipped straight, it’s also excellent in cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, or Mint Julep. Many budget-friendly bourbons from The Bourbon Family are perfect for mixing. How to Choose a Good Bourbon as a Beginner If you’re new to bourbon, start with these tips: You’ll also find detailed tasting notes and customer reviews on their product pages to help you decide. Best Bourbons to Try from The Bourbon Family Here are a few top picks you can buy directly from The Bourbon Family: Each bottle is linked directly, so you can click and purchase easily. Delivery is available across the UK and EU. Final Thoughts So—bourbon or whiskey?That depends on your taste. But if you enjoy smooth, sweet, and bold flavours, bourbon is a fantastic place to start. And now that you know what sets bourbon apart, you can explore confidently. Whether you’re after a beginner-friendly bottle or a rare collector’s edition, The Bourbon Family offers one of the best selections online. Explore their full range, discover tasting notes, and grab your next favourite bottle—all from the comfort of home. Cheers to your bourbon journey! Let me know if you’d like a downloadable PDF version, a matching infographic, or social media captions to promote this post.

Bourbon doesn’t have to be expense these ten Bourbons Under £40/$50 deliver robust flavour and versatility, whether you’re sipping neat or mixing up cocktails. Each one is available (at time of writing) from The Bourbon Family just click the bottle name to go straight there. 1. Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Why It’s Great:Consistently lauded as the best value bourbon under $50. It’s smooth, balanced, and versatile—think vanilla, caramel and a touch of rye spice—great for cocktails or neat bourbons.com+5liquor.com+5drinkhacker.com+5. Sip or Mix? Both. Ideal for an Old Fashioned or highball, but just as satisfying on the rocks. 2. Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Why It’s Great:A high-proof (50.5%) bourbon with a bold character—notes of burnt sugar, cinnamon and warm oak, it’s a classic workhorse en.wikipedia.org+2liquor.com+2breakingbourbon.com+2. Sip or Mix? Both, but especially sturdy in cocktails. 3. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Why It’s Great:Premium small-batch bourbon with honeyed vanilla, butterscotch and gentle spice. Jim Beam’s go‑to for Mint Juleps at the Derby simplyrecipes.com. Sip or Mix? Both. Exceptional neat or in refined cocktails. 4. Maker’s Mark 46 Why It’s Great:An enhanced version of the classic Maker’s Mark with extra oak from French oak staves—richer and deeper, but still sweet and silky mybartender.com+10thewhiskeyshelf.com+10foodandwine.com+10. Sip or Mix? Best sipped neat, but lovely in sweeter cocktails. 5. Four Roses Small Batch Why It’s Great:A blend of Four Roses’ recipes for a complex pour of bright fruit, cinnamon and light oak. Award-winning and under $50 gq.com+2brostrick.com+2bourbons.com+2. Sip or Mix? Both. Fruity enough to sip, yet layered for cocktails. 6. Elijah Craig Small Batch Why It’s Great:Aged bourbon (around 8–12 years) with rich caramel, oak and spice—deep and textured for the price . Sip or Mix? Sip confidently; also stands up in stirred cocktails. 7. Larceny Small Batch Why It’s Great:A wheated bourbon with honeyed sweetness—vanilla, stone fruit and gentle spice, often cited as an excellent wheated pour under $30 mybartender.com+15thewhiskeyshelf.com+15wineenthusiast.com+15. Sip or Mix? Best neat, but light enough for versatile use. 8. Old Forester 100 Proof Why It’s Great:One of the first bottled-in-bond bourbons, delivering spicy oak, toasted nuts, and baking spice at elevated proof—great value uproxx.com+5liquor.com+5foodandwine.com+5. Sip or Mix? Both—ideal for a rich Manhattan or enjoyed neat. 9. Rowan’s Creek Bourbon Why It’s Great:This small-batch bourbon from Willett brings playful spice, dark chocolate, molasses—a favourite with bartenders and award-winners . Sip or Mix? Primarily for sipping, but shines in stirred drinks. 10. Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond Why It’s Great:A budget powerhouse—at ~£20, it offers substantial dark-roast, sweet flavours at high proof, with bottled-in-bond authenticity . Sip or Mix? Mixes beautifully, but neat drinking is a treat. Why These Make the Cut How to Choose: Sip or Mix? Preference Look for… Examples Sipping neat Higher proof, complex ageing, smooth finish Woodford Reserve, Elijah Craig, Maker’s 46 Mixing or cocktails Bold flavours, spices, proof to balance sweet/citrus Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey 101, Old Forester 100 Budget-friendly Great taste for lower price Evan Williams, Larceny Wheated profile Softer, sweeter bourbon without rye bite Maker’s 46, Larceny Why Buy from The Bourbon Family? Top Tips Before You Buy Your Perfect Pour: Which One Will It Be? A Note on Prices All above bottles are under £40 at The Bourbon Family at time of writing. Prices fluctuate, so check link pages and use the site’s alerts for best deals. Cheers to Great Bourbon! Good bourbon needn’t break the bank. Whether you’re a newcomer wanting to explore or a seasoned sipper hunting for value, these ten bottles offer reliably excellent flavour and character well under £40. Dive into The Bourbon Family, click your bottle, and raise a glass to good taste without overspend. Disclaimer: Prices and availability accurate as of July 2025. Please check the store before purchasing. Cheers! 🥃 Sources Ask ChatGPT

Over the past decade, bourbon has gained a growing fanbase in the UK. Whisky lovers are branching out from traditional Scotch and seeking the sweet, oaky complexity of Kentucky’s finest. But if you’ve tried to get your hands on a bottle of Buffalo Trace or Pappy Van Winkle recently, you’ll know it isn’t always easy—or cheap. So why is bourbon more expensive and harder to come by in the UK than in the United States? And while we’re at it, what exactly does “straight bourbon” mean? Where can you buy it online in Europe, and how should you store a good bottle once opened? Let’s answer all of that, starting with the big one: Why is Bourbon So Expensive and Rare in the UK? There are a few solid reasons behind this: 1. Importing Bourbon Isn’t Cheap Bourbon, by definition, must be made in the United States—specifically with at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels. That means every bottle you see on UK shelves has been imported. Shipping, taxes, import duties, customs handling, storage fees, and retailer mark-ups all stack on top of the base price. These costs are passed directly to UK consumers. 2. High Demand Meets Limited Allocation Popular American bourbons—such as W.L. Weller, Eagle Rare, and Blanton’s—have global cult followings. But the distilleries often prioritise the domestic U.S. market, meaning only limited stock is allocated overseas. So in the UK, supply is low and demand is high. Basic economics takes over: higher demand with tight supply means higher prices and lower availability. 3. UK Alcohol Distribution Is Complex Unlike in the U.S., where distribution is handled through large-scale wholesalers, the UK system for niche spirits can be fragmented. Many specialist bourbons never make it to supermarkets or high-street retailers. Instead, they’re available only through boutique importers or trusted online platforms. One of the best online stores to explore is The Bourbon Family. They specialise in rare and collectable bourbons, including exclusive bottles often not found elsewhere in the UK or EU. What Does “Straight Bourbon” Actually Mean? The term “straight bourbon” is a legal classification defined by U.S. regulations. It ensures the spirit meets strict quality standards: If the bourbon is aged less than four years, the label must include its age. Otherwise, straight bourbon must be bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV. So, when you see “straight bourbon” on the label, it guarantees you’re getting a pure, unadulterated spirit made using traditional techniques. A great example is Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, available at The Bourbon Family. It’s smooth, well-balanced, and excellent value—perfect for both beginners and experienced bourbon drinkers. Can You Buy Bourbon Online in the UK or Europe? Yes—and with many high-street shops offering limited choice, the best way to buy bourbon in the UK and across Europe is online. One of the most reliable and well-stocked websites for UK and EU buyers is: 👉 TheBourbonFamily.com This site caters specifically to bourbon enthusiasts. It offers a wide range of bottles—from classics to rare finds—delivered safely to your door. Their customer service is excellent, and they frequently update their stock with fresh arrivals. Here are some top bottles worth exploring on their site: The Bourbon Family also offers pre-orders, limited editions, and a “Best Sellers” page for those who want to spot trending bottles quickly. If you’re shopping from within the EU, the site offers international shipping and VAT-inclusive pricing where applicable—making the whole experience smoother than dealing with U.S. websites. How to Store Opened Bourbon (And How Long It Lasts) Once you’ve invested in a bottle of fine bourbon, you’ll want to look after it properly—especially if it’s a premium or limited release. Here’s how to keep your bourbon in top condition: ✅ Storage Tips 🕒 How Long Does Opened Bourbon Last? To make the most of your bourbon investment, enjoy it within a reasonable timeframe—and savour every pour. Final Thoughts Bourbon’s rising popularity in the UK is no surprise—it’s rich, versatile, and steeped in tradition. But with higher prices, limited stock, and complicated distribution, getting your hands on a good bottle can be challenging. Here’s the simple solution: So, whether you’re just starting your bourbon journey or searching for your next rare find, there’s never been a better time to explore America’s native spirit—from the comfort of your UK home.