Bourbon

Buy Bourbon Online – Allocated, Rare & Premium Kentucky Bourbon

Bourbon is America's native spirit — distilled from at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak, and produced with no shortcuts. Wooden Cork carries one of the most comprehensive bourbon selections available online, from everyday bottles to the most allocated expressions in American whiskey. Every bottle ships nationwide with adult-signature delivery in 1–7 days.

What Makes Bourbon Bourbon

By law, bourbon must be produced in the United States from a mash containing at least 51% corn, distilled to no more than 160 proof, entered into new charred oak barrels at no more than 125 proof, and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. There is no minimum age requirement for straight bourbon, though straight bourbon aged less than four years must carry an age statement. Kentucky produces over 95% of the world's bourbon supply — the limestone-filtered water, warm summers, and cold winters create ideal aging conditions.

The Buffalo Trace Distillery Portfolio

The Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky produces the most coveted portfolio in American whiskey. The flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon is the approachable entry point. Blanton's Single Barrel — the original single barrel bourbon — comes in Original, Gold, Black, and Straight From The Barrel. W.L. Weller is the wheated bourbon lineup — Special Reserve, 12 Year, Antique 107, Full Proof, and CYPB. Eagle Rare is aged a minimum of 10 years. At the top sit the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and Pappy Van Winkle — the most recognized allocated bourbon in the world.

Other Top Bourbon Distilleries

Maker's Mark pioneered the wheated bourbon style with its signature red wax seal — smooth, approachable, and consistently excellent. Woodford Reserve is triple-distilled in copper pot stills at one of Kentucky's most historic distilleries and is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. Four Roses produces 10 distinct bourbon recipes from two mashbills and five yeast strains, offering complexity unmatched in the category. Knob Creek and Elijah Craig represent Heaven Hill's premium tier. Colonel E.H. Taylor honors Buffalo Trace's most historically significant figure. Willett Family Estate produces some of the most sought-after single barrel releases in the craft segment.

Wheated vs. High-Rye Bourbon

The secondary grain in a bourbon's mashbill — after corn — defines its character. Wheated bourbons replace rye with wheat, producing a softer, sweeter, and more approachable spirit. Maker's Mark, the Weller lineup, and Pappy Van Winkle are all wheated. High-rye bourbons use more rye than typical, adding spice, dryness, and complexity. Four Roses, Knob Creek, and Buffalo Trace itself all lean high-rye. Understanding this distinction helps identify which expressions will suit your palate — and connects bourbon directly to straight rye whiskey, which takes that spice profile even further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does bourbon have to be made in Kentucky?

No — bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States. The legal requirements specify it must be produced in the U.S. from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak, but there is no Kentucky requirement. That said, Kentucky produces over 95% of the world's bourbon due to its ideal climate and limestone water.

What is the difference between bourbon and rye whiskey?

Bourbon requires at least 51% corn and produces a sweeter, fuller-bodied spirit with caramel and vanilla notes. Rye whiskey requires at least 51% rye grain, producing a spicier, drier character. Both must be aged in new charred oak containers.

What is allocated bourbon?

Allocated bourbon is produced in limited quantities that distilleries distribute to select retailers in small allotments. Because consumer demand far exceeds supply — particularly for bottles like Pappy Van Winkle, Blanton's, and the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection — allocated bourbon is rarely found at retail price and commands significant premiums on the secondary market.

What is bottled-in-bond bourbon?

Bottled-in-bond is a designation established by the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. It requires the bourbon to be: the product of one distillation season at one distillery, aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof. It's one of the oldest quality guarantees in American whiskey.

Do you offer gift wrapping for bourbon?

Yes — gift wrapping, gift boxes, and personalized engraving are available on select bottles at checkout. Browse our rare and allocated collection for the most coveted bourbon gift options.