As a bourbon expert, importer, and exporter based in Lithuania but born and raised in Kentucky, I’ve spent my life immersed in the world of bourbon. Whether you’re in the rolling hills of the Bluegrass State or the old cobblestone streets of Vilnius, bourbon’s appeal is undeniable. One category, however, that consistently sparks debate is blended bourbon. But what exactly is blended bourbon, why is it controversial, and where does the idea of sourced bourbon fit into this conversation? More importantly, why should people across Europe give it a chance?
Blended Bourbon?
By definition, blended bourbon is a mix of at least 51% straight bourbon and other neutral spirits, flavouring agents, or additional bourbons. Straight bourbon must be aged for at least two years in new charred oak barrels and contain a mash bill that is at least 51% corn. Blended bourbon can include straight bourbons of various ages, or in some cases, additional grain spirits or neutral spirits.
The definition of blended bourbon is vague. TTB (the US federal agency in charge of labelling alcohol) specifies that this curious category of liquor must contain at least 51% straight bourbon whiskey. However, it doesn’t specify what the remaining 49% can be.
Blended bourbon, at its best, is all about balance—creating a harmony of flavours that brings out the best qualities of each bourbon included in the blend. While some blends may mix bourbons from different distilleries, others add neutral spirits to stretch the whiskey without necessarily enhancing its character.
Why is Blended Bourbon Controversial?
The controversy surrounding blended bourbon stems from tradition versus innovation. Bourbon purists argue that bourbon should be consumed in its purest form, with straight bourbon regarded as the highest expression. They view the addition of neutral spirits or other grains as diluting the authenticity and quality of the final product.
Blended bourbon often contains up to 49% neutral grain spirits, which can lessen the intensity and complexity bourbon aficionados cherish. For some, this feels like a cost-cutting measure, offering a product that is bourbon in name but not fully in spirit. This has created a divide between bourbon purists and those who appreciate the creativity and accessibility that blended bourbons offer.
What is “Sourced Bourbon”?
This brings us to sourced bourbon, which has become increasingly prominent in the bourbon industry, especially within the realm of blended bourbons. But what does it mean for a bourbon to be “sourced”? Simply put, sourced bourbon is bourbon that a company purchases from another distillery rather than distilling it themselves.
Sourced bourbon often plays a crucial role in the creation of blended bourbons, where distilleries and independent bottlers buy barrels of bourbon from various producers, then blend them to achieve unique flavour profiles. This practice has been especially common for new distilleries that don’t yet have aged whiskey of their own or brands that specialise in blending rather than distillation.
The controversy here mirrors that of blended bourbons—critics argue that sourcing bourbon undermines the authenticity of a brand, while proponents believe it allows for more innovation and consistency. Some of the best blended bourbons on the market today are built on the foundation of sourced whiskey, and when done right, the art of blending can elevate sourced bourbon to something truly special.
Notable Blended and Sourced Bourbons
While the category of blended bourbon remains divisive, there are some outstanding examples that showcase how sourcing and blending can result in exceptional whiskeys.
Here are a few to consider:
- Four Roses Small Batch Select
Though not technically a sourced bourbon, Four Roses is known for blending ten different bourbon recipes to create its signature flavour profiles. Each bourbon is distilled in-house, but the blending techniques result in a rich, complex bourbon with layers of spice, fruit, and oak. - High West American Prairie Bourbon
High West is one of the most famous names in the sourced bourbon game. They skillfully blend sourced bourbons from multiple distilleries to create their own distinct flavour profiles. American Prairie Bourbon, with its high-rye content, offers a spicy yet smooth drinking experience that has made it a favourite among bourbon fans. - Barrell Bourbon
Known for pushing the boundaries of blending, Barrell Craft Spirits exclusively focuses on creating unique, high-quality blended bourbons by sourcing barrels from multiple distilleries. Their offerings often highlight the richness and complexity of blending sourced whiskey. - Belle Meade Bourbon
Produced by Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, Belle Meade Bourbon is a sourced bourbon that blends multiple aged bourbons to create a full-bodied, well-rounded whiskey. It’s a prime example of how blending sourced bourbon can produce something that stands on its own merits. - The Bond Bourbon
Blended by the Brown Water Bourbon Company in Bardstown, KY, the Bond Bourbon is renowned for having the youngest ‘Master Blender’ in the WORLD – Logan Bechanan. The award-winning blends that they put together are nothing short of spectacular. These expressions (a 4-year called ‘The Bond’ and a 7-year called ‘The Bond Eternal’) punch way above their weight!
Why Should Europeans Give Blended and Sourced Bourbons a Chance?
For those in Europe, where Scotch and Irish whiskey are long-standing traditions, bourbon offers something distinctly American. Blended bourbon, particularly those that include sourced whiskeys, can deliver an exciting range of flavours that reflect the innovation of the U.S. whiskey market.
Blended bourbons tend to be more approachable, often boasting smoother, sweeter profiles than traditional straight bourbons. This makes them ideal for newcomers to bourbon or those seeking a whiskey that pairs well with food or cocktails.
The inclusion of sourced bourbons in these blends adds another layer of complexity. By combining bourbons from different distilleries, brands can create nuanced flavor experiences that vary from bottle to bottle—offering something new and intriguing with each release. Whether you’re sipping it neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, blended bourbon opens up a world of flavors that many European whiskey drinkers may not have experienced.
That being said, it’s crucial to know what’s hiding inside that bottle of bourbon—because you want to know what you’re actually paying for, correct? Sure, there are tons of budget-friendly blended bourbons out there, but comparing those to a 100% bottled-in-bond or straight Kentucky bourbon is like comparing apples to oranges… if the apples were made of gold and the oranges were, well, made from a slightly questionable fruit punch.
So what?
Blended and sourced bourbons may have their place, but when it comes to experiencing the true essence of bourbon, nothing compares to the authenticity of a genuine Kentucky straight bourbon. For European whiskey lovers, this is your chance to taste the rich heritage and craftsmanship that defines bourbon, not a diluted version with shortcuts. While blended bourbons may offer a milder experience, they often lack the bold character and complexity that make Kentucky bourbon world-renowned. So next time you’re in Lithuania, France, or anywhere else, steer towards a real Kentucky bourbon. You won’t just be trying a whiskey—you’ll be savouring a legacy.
