The origins of bourbon are steeped in American history and folklore, with many colourful stories tracing its roots to various individuals and regions in the late 18th century. While no one person can be definitively credited as the inventor of bourbon, Elijah Craig—a Baptist minister and distiller in Kentucky—is frequently named as a pioneering figure. Craig is often said to have been the first to age whiskey in charred oak barrels, a defining characteristic of bourbon. Although historical evidence supporting this story is thin, it remains a widely accepted legend in bourbon lore.

Bourbon’s journey began when settlers in Kentucky, particularly Scots-Irish immigrants, started making whiskey using the corn readily available in the region. Unlike other whiskeys, which were typically made with rye, bourbon’s unique flavour came from its corn-heavy mash bill, which by law today must contain at least 51% corn. Early distillers also found that aging their whiskey in charred oak barrels softened its taste, adding a characteristic caramel colour and distinct notes of vanilla and spice.

In 1964, the U.S. Congress officially declared bourbon to be a “distinctive product of the United States,” cementing its place as America’s native spirit. Today, bourbon is one of the country’s most beloved exports, rooted in Kentucky’s limestone-filtered water and rich heritage of craftsmanship. Although bourbon’s precise origin story may be lost to time, its enduring legacy is a testament to generations of American distillers.