Discover why bourbon is America’s favourite whiskey.

Whether you like it neat, in a Manhattan or slathered on your sticky ribs, bourbon is an all-American spirit with plenty of versatility. Invented in 1789 by Kentucky distiller, Elijah Craig – also known as The Father of Bourbon – bourbon's secret lay in the barrel-charring process, which creates the distinctly smooth and rich flavours that have made this spirit an enduring classic.

Pour yourself a glass (or perhaps a bourbon on the rocks) and find out more below.

1. Bourbon can only be made in the United States

May the 4th holds a special place in the hearts of Jedis around the world, but for bourbon lovers, it’s the day (in 1964) when the U.S Congress declared bourbon whiskey to be a “distinctive product of the United States", meaning a product with the name 'bourbon' can only be made in America. Fifty-seven years on, it proudly remains the country’s one and only native spirit, and continues to surge in popularity among curious new drinkers and long-time fans.

2. Bourbon has to tick six golden rules

There are a few rules that distillers need to abide by for their product to be legally deemed bourbon: it must be made in the United States and aged in new, charred white oak barrels; have at least 51% corn and be distilled at less than 160 proof (80% alcohol), and put into a barrel at less than 125 proof with no artificial colouring or flavouring.

3. Kentucky is the home of bourbon

The Bluegrass State is home to many things: horse racing, fried chicken and, of course, its world-famous bourbon. You can make bourbon anywhere in the United States, but a massive 95% of it comes from Kentucky. Why? Well, there are a few choice reasons. Firstly, its fertile ground makes it the perfect place to grow corn, which is the main grain in bourbon. Secondly, its mild temperature swings provide the ideal conditions for the bourbon to develop its unique characteristics within the barrel, and lastly, the state's legendary limestone-filtered water is said to be the secret to the taste of their legendary whiskey.

4. A barrel can only be used once for bourbon

According to the rules, bourbon, legally, must be aged in a brand new, charred white oak barrel in order to be called straight bourbon whiskey. This means a barrel can only be used once for bourbon. So what happens to all of these barrels, you may ask? Well, they get shipped off to faraway places to age Scotch, tequila, craft beer, coffee, tea, maple syrup and even fish sauce. It's a long and diverse list!

5. Bourbon is incredibly versatile

From an Old Fashioned to a Mint Julep (the official drink of the Kentucky Derby) and a Manhattan, bourbon makes the perfect foundation for a wide range of cocktails thanks to its silky smooth flavours and primary notes of vanilla, oak and caramel. These sweet and smoky notes are also ideal for sauces, glazes and, more famously, desserts. The golden rule? Don’t cook with something you wouldn’t drink.