master-cooks | How Bourbon Got Its Name

Bourbon, a distinct type of American whiskey, derives its name from Bourbon County in Kentucky. The county itself was named in honor of the French royal family, the House of Bourbon, to recognize France's support during the American Revolutionary War. In the late 18th century, settlers in the region began producing whiskey, taking advantage of the fertile land and abundant corn crops, which became a primary ingredient. As these early settlers shipped their whiskey down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, barrels were often marked with "Old Bourbon," referencing their county of origin. This designation became synonymous with the high-quality whiskey coming from the area. Over time, the name Bourbon started to refer not just to whiskey from Bourbon County but to a particular style of whiskey, characterized by its specific production methods and ingredients, such as at least 51% corn mash and aging in charred oak barrels. The strong association with Kentucky remains, as the state is still renowned for producing the vast majority of the world’s bourbon. Today, Bourbon stands as a symbol of American craftsmanship and tradition, with its name rooted in a blend of history and regional pride.

Bourbon may be named for a street in New Orleans

According to folklore, the whiskey from Bourbon County, Kentucky, found its way to New Orleans, where it gained such popularity that patrons started requesting "Bourbon County whiskey" by name, which was eventually shortened to just bourbon. In a similar vein, some suggest that Bourbon Street got its name when visitors to New Orleans, after sampling the Kentucky whiskey, began asking for "Bourbon Street whiskey."

While these narratives have a charming allure, the most plausible explanation relates to marketing. Even before bourbon whiskey existed, merchants had started using the name "Bourbon" on various products, such as sugar and coffee, hoping that the association with the renowned royal family would lend an air of sophistication. In the case of bourbon whiskey, leveraging the name of the French royal family would have been an effective strategy to appeal to New Orleans' significant French population. By the 1820s, advertisements for bourbon whiskey began to appear in newspapers, firmly establishing the name bourbon for Kentucky whiskey. So, prepare yourself the finest old-fashioned you've ever enjoyed and raise a glass to the House of Bourbon, the patrons of Bourbon Street in New Orleans, clever marketing, or the unknown individual who chose the name bourbon.

How Bourbon Got Its Name

Bourbon may be named for a street in New Orleans

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