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Read our privacy notice . Is there any spirit that triggers debates quite like bourbon? This American whiskey is well-loved for its rich, smoky, slightly sweet flavours but, with such a variety of bottles available, is often the starting point for heated arguments as to which really is the best bourbon. The spirit must be made in the United States and meet specific requirements to be called bourbon, including a mash bill of at least 51 per cent corn (the remainder made up from rye, wheat or barley) and two years or more spent ageing in new, charred oak barrels.
Other than those key essentials, bourbon varies hugely with bottles to suit all tastes and budgets. Whiskey snobs may loudly proclaim you can't get a good bottle of bourbon for less than £50, but they'd be wrong. Some of the best bourbons on the market come in at a lower price point, ensuring you're free to sip away on one on a casual Sunday rather than waiting for that extra special occasion to bring out your treasured bottle.
While the best bourbon comes down to personal preference, there are a few things you can keep in mind when choosing the next bottle for your bar cart . While the minimum is two years to be an 'official' bourbon, you'll find most budg.
