The Best Bourbon to Give as a Gift in the UK

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The Best Bourbon to Give as a Gift in the UK

The best bourbon gift matches the recipient's taste. Drinks House 247 suggests a smooth wheated bourbon such as Maker's Mark for newcomers, a classic like Woodford Reserve or Buffalo Trace for everyday enjoyment, and a single barrel such as Blanton's for an enthusiast. All are made from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak.

Bourbon has become one of the most popular whisky gifts in the UK, and for good reason. It is approachable, generous in flavour and has a strong sense of place. But the shelf can be confusing. This guide explains what makes a bourbon a bourbon, how the main styles differ, and which bottles make reliable gifts.

What makes a whiskey a bourbon?

Bourbon is an American whiskey defined by US law. To carry the name, it must:

Be made in the United States. Most comes from Kentucky, but it does not have to.
Be made from a grain recipe, called the mash bill, of at least 51% corn.
Be aged in new, charred oak containers.
Be distilled to no more than 80% ABV, go into the barrel at no more than 62.5% ABV, and be bottled at 40% ABV or more.
Contain nothing added except water to bring it to strength. No colouring or flavouring.

Bourbon labelled "straight" has been aged for at least two years. The new charred oak is why bourbon tastes of vanilla, caramel and toffee: every barrel is used only once, so the wood gives a lot of flavour.

Is Jack Daniel's a bourbon?

Not officially. Jack Daniel's is a Tennessee whiskey. It meets the bourbon rules but is also filtered through sugar maple charcoal before ageing, a step called the Lincoln County Process. The style is close, and many bourbon drinkers enjoy it too.

What are the main styles?

Style	Mash bill	Taste	Good gift for
Wheated	Corn plus wheat instead of rye	Soft, sweet, bready, gentle spice	Newcomers and anyone who finds whisky harsh
Traditional	Corn with a modest amount of rye	Caramel, vanilla, balanced spice	Most people; very versatile
High-rye	Corn with a larger share of rye	Spicier, drier, peppery	Fans of rye whiskey and Old Fashioneds
Single barrel	Any, bottled from one cask	Varies barrel to barrel; often richer	Enthusiasts and collectors
Bottled-in-bond or higher proof	Any	Bigger, bolder, more intense	Experienced whisky drinkers

Well-regarded bottles to consider

For a newcomer

Maker's Mark is the best-known wheated bourbon, recognisable by its hand-dipped red wax seal. It is soft and sweet, a friendly introduction to the category, and looks good as a gift.

For everyday enjoyment

Woodford Reserve is rich and balanced, with dried fruit, toffee and spice, and works neat or in an Old Fashioned. Buffalo Trace is a widely admired classic with caramel, vanilla and a hint of mint.

For an enthusiast

Blanton's is often credited as the first commercially released single-barrel bourbon. Its round bottle has a stopper topped with a horse and jockey, and each stopper shows one of eight poses, which collectors try to complete. Eagle Rare, aged ten years, offers depth and polish. Four Roses Single Barrel is a high-rye bottling with spice and fruit.

For a lover of bold flavour

Higher-strength bottlings, such as small-batch releases at around 50% ABV or more, deliver more intensity and can be softened with a few drops of water.

Availability of individual bottles changes, so check our bourbon collection for what is currently in stock.

How to choose for the person

Do they drink Scotch? A traditional or high-rye bourbon gives them something different but familiar.
Do they make cocktails? A bourbon at 45% ABV or above holds up well in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Do they drink mainly with mixers? A smooth, sweet bourbon works well with ginger ale or cola.
Are they a collector? A single barrel, a limited release or a bottle with a story, such as the Blanton's stoppers, suits them best.

Presentation and pairings

Bourbon pairs well with dark chocolate, pecans, and smoky barbecue flavours. A bottle with a pair of heavy-based tumblers, or alongside good chocolate, makes a complete gift. Some bourbons come in their own gift box; for others, a gift bag and a handwritten note make the difference.

How should it be served?

Neat or with a single large ice cube in a tumbler, at room temperature. A few drops of water can open up higher-strength bottles. For a classic cocktail, the Old Fashioned is the natural choice: bourbon, a little sugar syrup, two dashes of bitters and an orange twist over ice.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good bourbon to give as a gift?

Maker's Mark suits newcomers, Woodford Reserve or Buffalo Trace suit most whisky drinkers, and a single barrel such as Blanton's suits an enthusiast or collector.

What is the difference between bourbon and Scotch?

Bourbon is American, made from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak, giving vanilla and caramel sweetness. Scotch is made in Scotland, often from malted barley, and usually aged in used casks.

Is Jack Daniel's bourbon?

No. It is a Tennessee whiskey. It meets the bourbon rules but is also filtered through maple charcoal before ageing.

What is a wheated bourbon?

A bourbon that uses wheat instead of rye as its secondary grain, giving a softer, sweeter taste. Maker's Mark is the best-known example.

Choosing a bottle

Browse our bourbon whisky and wider whisky collection, or see how whisky delivery works across London and how to send a whiskey gift anywhere in the UK. For more on whisky styles, read the whisky regions of Scotland and Macallan 12 vs 18.

Deliveries are to over-18s only under our Challenge 25 policy. Please drink responsibly.