Bourbon Basics

• Bourbon doesn't have to come from Kentucky. Bourbon must be produced in the United States, but it can legally be made in any state. Kentucky just happens to be its spiritual and commercial home.
• Bourbon… It’s the law. Bourbon must be made from a mash containing at least 51% corn, distilled to no more than 160 proof, put into new charred oak containers at no more than 125 proof, and ultimately bottled at a minimum of 80 proof.
• Bourbon and aging. There's no minimum aging period for something simply labeled bourbon. But to be called straight bourbon, it has to spend at least two years in new charred oak.
• One and done. Bourbon's new-charred-oak requirement means a barrel can't be reused for another batch of bourbon. That's why used bourbon barrels have a thriving second career aging Scotch, beer, rum, and other products.
• Bluegrass proud:
  • Kentucky is currently sitting on an astonishing amount of whiskey. The latest industry report says 17.1 million barrels of spirits are aging in Kentucky, including 16.1 million barrels of bourbon.
  • The state's distilling industry now has an estimated $10.6 billion economic impact, supports nearly 24,000 jobs, and generates roughly $372 million annually in state and local taxes.
  • Kentucky distilling production has increased 566% since 2000.
  • According to the latest KDA figures, 84% of the corn used to make bourbon is purchased from Kentucky farm families.

Our Love Affair with Bourbon

The corn-heavy mash tends to give bourbon an inherent sweetness. The charred new oak adds the flavors people associate with bourbon — vanilla, caramel, toasted wood, spice, smoke and sometimes dark fruit. Different mash bills shift those characteristics: more rye generally brings spice; wheat tends to soften the whiskey; corn emphasizes sweetness.

And unlike some spirits, you don't have to be a whiskey geek to find an entry point. A $25–$35 bottle can make an excellent cocktail, while collectors can disappear down a rabbit hole of single barrels, bottled-in-bond, barrel proof, wheated bourbon, high-rye mash bills, limited releases, and allocated bottles.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to be a bourbon expert to partake of and enjoy bourbon, whether you drink it neat, on-the-rocks, with a splash of water, as a highball or a special bourbon cocktail.

The Party Source IS Your Bourbon Headquarters

Hands down, The Party Source is home to the most extensive selection of bourbon in the region. Whether you’re a newbie who wants to learn about bourbon, you’re looking for a new release, or you want the best possible value on your everyday pour, WE HAVE YOU COVERED.

Explore exclusive private barrel selections, iconic Kentucky distilleries, emerging producers from across America, and curated collections organized by style, proof, and flavor profile.

The Party Source is the winner of Cincinnati’s Best Bourbon Selection and is an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

We also offer in-store pickup, curbside pickup, and local delivery! Delivery in Northern Kentucky requires a $35.00 minimum and a $5.00 delivery fee. We can have curbside/in-store pickup ready in as little as 2 hours. All customers receive an email/text notification when their order is ready for pickup. We also offer same-day delivery, with orders ready in as little as 2 hours. CONTACT US FOR DETAILS.

Stop by The Party Source and celebrate National Bourbon Heritage Month with our team.