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National Bourbon Heritage Month:
A Toast to America's Native Spirit
Every September, bourbon lovers across the country raise a glass for National Bourbon Heritage Month — a celebration of the one spirit that’s uniquely American, from its frontier origins to the modern renaissance filling shelves today. Here at Bottles & Barrels, our spirits stations are stocked with eight rotating bourbons at any given time, so September felt like the perfect month to dig into where this iconic American spirit actually came from.
What Is National Bourbon Heritage Month?
National Bourbon Heritage Month is a federally recognized observance that’s celebrated every September. Honoring bourbon’s place in American history and culture. It was established in 2007 when the U.S. Senate passed a resolution, introduced by a Kentucky Senator, designating September as National Bourbon Heritage Month. The resolution reinforced an earlier 1964 act of Congress that had declared bourbon “America’s Native Spirit” — officially recognizing it as the only spirit distinctive to the United States. Since then, distillers, bars, and retailers across the country have used the month to spotlight bourbon’s heritage through tastings, special releases, and educational events.
A Brief History of Bourbon
Bourbon’s roots stretch back to the late 1700s, when settlers — many of Scottish and Irish descent — brought distilling traditions with them into what is now Kentucky. Corn grew abundantly in the region’s fertile soil, and the area’s limestone-filtered water turned out to be ideally suited for whiskey production, giving early bourbon its smooth, naturally sweet character. By the 1800s, thousands of small family distilleries were operating across Kentucky, many run by farmers distilling surplus corn into whiskey as a practical, storable use for their crop.
The name “bourbon” is popularly said to come from Bourbon County, Kentucky, a shipping point stamped on barrels sent down the Mississippi River — though historians note the exact origin of the name is still debated, and some point instead to Bourbon Street in New Orleans, where the whiskey was often sold.
Through the 19th and early 20th centuries, bourbon became deeply woven into American commerce and culture — at times even used as a form of informal currency in frontier communities. Prohibition brought the industry to a near-standstill in the 1920s and 30s, but a handful of distilleries survived by producing “medicinal whiskey” under special license, keeping the tradition alive until repeal.
In 1964, Congress made bourbon’s American identity official, passing a resolution declaring it “a distinctive product of the United States” — a designation similar to how Champagne is protected in France. That act established the legal backbone still used today: to be called bourbon, a whiskey must be made in the United States, distilled from a mash of at least 51% corn, and aged in new, charred oak barrels.
What Legally Makes Bourbon, Bourbon
Bourbon isn’t just a marketing term — it’s a legally defined spirit. Under U.S. law, bourbon must meet several specific requirements:
- Made in the USA. Contrary to popular belief, bourbon doesn’t have to be made in Kentucky — it can legally be produced anywhere in the United States.
- At least 51% corn. The mash bill (grain recipe) must be majority corn, which is what gives bourbon its natural sweetness. The remainder is typically a mix of rye, wheat, or malted barley.
- New, charred oak barrels only. Every barrel must be brand new and charred on the inside — never reused from a previous batch. This step is where bourbon picks up its signature notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak.
- Proof limits at every stage. Bourbon must be distilled to no more than 160 proof, enter the barrel at no more than 125 proof, and be bottled at no less than 80 proof.
- No additives. Unlike some other spirits, bourbon can’t contain added coloring or flavoring — what’s in the bottle has to come from the grain, the water, and the barrel.
Whiskey that meets these rules and is aged at least two years can also carry the label “Straight Bourbon.”
Bourbon: By the Numbers
- 95% of the world’s bourbon supply is produced in Kentucky, even though bourbon can legally be made anywhere in the U.S.
- Bourbon has been distilled continuously since the 18th century, making it one of the oldest spirits categories in American history.
- The industry has grown from a handful of surviving Prohibition-era distilleries into a multi-billion-dollar export business, with bourbon now representing a majority of all U.S. distilled spirits sold abroad.
- September was chosen deliberately for the observance, aligning with the historic timing of the fall harvest and distilling season in Kentucky.
Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month at Bottles & Barrels
You don’t need a trip to Kentucky to explore what makes bourbon America’s native spirit. Our self-serve spirits stations rotate through eight bourbons at a time, so National Bourbon Heritage Month is the perfect excuse to taste a few side by side and find a new favorite. We are now featuring bourbon flights and a well stocked back bar on top of our self-serve stations. Stop in, open a tab, and toast to a spirit with over 200 years of American history behind it.
Bottles & Barrels Featured Bourbons:
J. Rieger 145.1 Proof Hazmat Barrel Pick
This Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey was aged 5 years and 11 months before being bottled at a massive Hazmat 145.1 proof (72.55% ABV).
Mash Bill:
56% Corn
30% Rye
14% Malted Barley
Barrel: #4237
Age: 5 Years, 11 Months
Proof: 145.1
ABV: 72.55%
Style: Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Selected By: Nebraska Bourbon Society × Bottles & Barrels
Flyover Barrel Proof B&B Pick
Owned and operated by Nebraska farmers, Flyover Whiskey was founded as a way for farmers across the country to share their hard-earned harvest with close friends and family; a personal whiskey made only from their grain.
This Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey was hand selected by Bottles & Barrels.
Mash Bill:
75% Corn
21% Rye
4% Malted Barley
Tasting Notes:
Sweet. Fruit, vanilla, and caramel layered with a smooth rye finish.
Proof: 119.8
ABV: 59.9%
Bardstown B&B Road Trip Rye Barrel Pick
Our first-ever barrel selection from Bardstown Bourbon Company and the first Bardstown Barrel Pick released in the state of Nebraska.
Selected from Rickhouse A, Floor 6, this exceptional 6-Year Rye was bottled at a bold 120.4 Proof and then elevated through a unique finishing process in a Toasted Cherry Wood & Oak Zebra Barrel. The result is a rye unlike any we’ve tasted before, combining classic rye spice with layers of dark fruit, baking spice, toasted oak, and a rich, lingering finish.
Barrel Details:
Age: 6 Years
Proof: 120.4
Rickhouse A, Floor 6
Finished in a Toasted Cherry Wood & Oak Zebra Barrel
First Bardstown Barrel Pick in Nebraska
J. Rieger Kansas City Whiskey
A blend of straight bourbon whiskey, light corn whiskey, and straight rye whiskey, all aged at least four years, as well as a small amount of 15-year-old oloroso sherry from the Williams & Humbert Bodega in Jerez, Spain.
Proof: 92
ABV: 46%
Loup River Straight Rye Whiskey
Loup River’s Straight Rye Whiskey delivers an unforgettable balance of spice and smoothness. The high rye content gives it a signature kick, complemented by deep notes of caramel, toasted oak, and a hint of dark fruit. Aged to perfection, it finishes with a warm, lingering spice that whiskey lovers crave. Whether sipped straight or enjoyed in a classic Manhattan, this rye is built for those who appreciate strength and character in every pour.
Proof: 90-100
ABV: 40-50%
Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon
A 6-year-old Missouri straight bourbon whiskey produced grain-to-glass at the historic Holladay Distillery in Weston, Missouri.
Mash Bill:
73% Corn
15% Rye
12% Malted Barley
Age: 6 Years
Proof: 100
ABV: 50%
Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond Soft Red Wheat
A 6-year-old wheated bourbon that swaps out the rye spice of the original recipe for a much softer, sweeter flavor profile. Produced grain-to-glass at the historic Holladay Distillery in Weston, Missoui.
Mash Bill:
73% Corn
15% Soft Red Wheat
12% Malted Barley
Age: 6 Years
Proof: 100
ABV: 50%
Peerless Toasted Rye Whiskey
A premium, barrel-proof craft spirit produced grain-to-glass by the Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for its “sweet mash” process, this expression undergoes a dual barreling method to create a highly complex, dessert-forward profile.
Proof: Barrel Proof, 107-109.4
ABV: 53.5% – 54.7%
Old Grand-Dad Bonded
A legendary, high-rye staple produced by James B. Beam Distilling Co. (Jim Beam) in Clermont, Kentucky. Famously featuring the likeness of distiller Basil Hayden on the label, this bottle is highly celebrated by bartenders and whiskey enthusiasts alike for its big, spicy punch and incredible value.
Mash Bill:
63% Corn
27% Rye
10% Malted Barley
Proof: 100
ABV: 50%
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon
A highly sought-after, sweet-forward release produced by the Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. It takes the distillery’s standard Small Batch bourbon and gives it a secondary finish in custom-toasted new oak barrels to amp up the dessert flavors.
Mash Bill:
78% Corn
10% Rye
12% Malted Barley
Age: 8-11 Years
Proof: 94
ABV: 47%
Peerless Toasted Bourbon
A highly acclaimed, barrel-proof whiskey crafted by the Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company in Louisville, Kentucky. Like its rye sibling, it is produced using a strict “sweet mash” process and undergoes a dual-barreling technique that has earned it massive praise in the whiskey world, including a 98-point Outstanding Gold medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition.
Proof: Barrel Proof, 107-111.8
ABV: 53.5% – 55.9%
Buzzard's Roost Double Oak Cigar Blend Bourbon
A specialized, limited-release whiskey crafted by the independent blenders at Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey in Louisville, Kentucky. It is specifically blended and barreled to complement the rich, smoky flavors of a fine cigar.
Mash Bill:
60% Corn
36% Rye
4% Malted Barley
Age: 6 Years
Proof: 105
ABV: 52.5%
Heaven Hill 7yr Bottled-in-Bond
A highly popular, classic release produced by Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. It serves as a spiritual successor to the distillery’s legendary, old 6-year-old regional bottle, but with an extra year of aging and a wider nationwide release.
Mash Bill:
78% Corn
10% Rye
12% Malted Barley
Age: 7 Years
Proof: 100
ABV: 50%
Ben Holladay Rickhouse Proof Soft Red Wheat
“Rickhouse Proof” is Ben Holladay’s term for barrel proof or cask strength.
Mash Bill:
73% Corn
15% Soft Red Wheat
12% Malted Barley
Age: 6 Years
Proof: 119-121.5
ABV: ~60%
Peerless Small Batch Bourbon
The flagship straight bourbon whiskey produced grain-to-glass by the Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company in Louisville, Kentucky. It serves as the baseline expression for the distillery, showing off their signature “sweet mash” process.
Proof: Barrel Proof, 107-111
ABV: 53.5% – 55.5%