September is here, and that means it’s time to raise a glass to Bourbon Heritage Month, a global celebration of America’s “Native Spirit”. Recognised by the U.S. Senate in 2007, Bourbon Heritage Month honours the craftsmanship, history, and culture behind one of the world’s most iconic styles of whiskey.
At Barrel & Batch, we’re proud to join the festivities with a curated collection of premium Bourbons and ex-Bourbon cask single malts. Whether you’re a long-time collector or discovering your new favourite dram, this month is the perfect opportunity to explore limited releases, enjoy exclusive offers, and deepen your appreciation for Bourbon.
The Story Behind Bourbon Heritage Month
Bourbon has long been woven into America’s story, and in August 2007 the U.S. Senate officially declared September as Bourbon Heritage Month. The resolution acknowledged Bourbon as America’s “Native Spirit” and set the stage for an annual celebration of its cultural impact and enduring craft.
By definition, Bourbon must meet strict standards that protect quality and authenticity:
- Produced in the United States
- Made from a mash bill of at least 51% corn
- Distilled to no more than 80% ABV
- Aged in new, charred oak barrels
These rules keep standards high while giving distillers room to innovate with small-batch releases, single barrels, and distinctive finishing techniques.
Why Bourbon Deserves the Spotlight
- Rich history: Centuries of tradition guide how Bourbon is crafted and enjoyed.
- Flavour diversity: Expect everything from vanilla and caramel to bold spice and oak.
- Global influence: Ex-Bourbon casks shape the maturation of single malts around the world, carrying Bourbon’s signature notes to new regions.
Featured Bourbons at Barrel & Batch
To mark Bourbon Heritage Month, we’ve assembled a line-up that showcases the breadth and quality of the category:
- Michter’s US*1 Small Batch — refined small-batch Bourbon with caramel, spice and a silky finish.
- Woodford Reserve Batch Proof 124.7 — big, bold and complex; a collector’s favourite at cask strength.
- E.H. Taylor Single Barrel — layered and elegant, ideal for sipping neat.
- Eagle Rare Single Barrel — smooth and balanced, with honeyed vanilla and toasted oak.
- Buffalo Trace Single Barrel — a Kentucky classic delivering vanilla, toffee and baking spice.
- Penelope Architect & Penelope Barrel Strength — modern Bourbons that blend heritage with innovation.
- Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel — sweet smoke and toasted oak; brilliant in an Old Fashioned.
- Willett Pure Kentucky — deep oak, toffee and warm spice for those who like richness.
- STAGG Batch 24A — high-proof intensity for a long, powerful finish.
- Kings County Bourbon — a craft perspective on America’s native spirit with distinctive character.
Beyond Bourbon: The Influence of Ex-Bourbon Casks
Bourbon takes centre stage in September, yet its influence travels far beyond the United States. Distilleries worldwide mature single malts in ex-Bourbon barrels, layering in vanilla, coconut, spice and gentle oak. Explore these expressions to taste Bourbon’s impact across borders:
- Overeem — rich Tasmanian single malts, including cask strength releases with plush vanilla and oak.
- Bladnoch — elegant Lowland whisky with complexity and poise.
- Old Pulteney — maritime character enhanced by ex-Bourbon maturation.
- Glenglassaugh — coastal single malts offering creaminess, spice and tropical accents.
Flavour Profiles to Explore
Bourbon Heritage Month is the perfect time to compare styles and discover what suits your palate. Look for:
- Sweet & approachable: vanilla, honey and caramel — try Michter’s or Eagle Rare.
- Spiced & bold: cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and oak — explore E.H. Taylor or Elijah Craig.
- High-proof intensity: concentrated flavour and long finishes — STAGG or Overeem Cask Strength.
- Innovative finishes: layered complexity and modern textures — Penelope Architect and select single casks.
Bourbon in Cocktails
While many purists enjoy Bourbon neat, its versatility has inspired some of the world’s greatest cocktails:
- Old Fashioned — bitters, sugar and orange peel with a robust Bourbon like Elijah Craig or Woodford Reserve.
- Mint Julep — crushed ice, mint and syrup with a classic Kentucky Bourbon such as Four Roses or Buffalo Trace.
- Boulevardier — Bourbon, Campari and sweet vermouth; try with Penelope or Kings County for depth.
- Whiskey Sour — citrus-driven and silky when shaken; Michter’s is a superb base.
If you’re tasting cask strength releases such as STAGG or Overeem, add a few drops of water to open up layers of fruit, spice and oak.
How to Shop the Collection
Barrel & Batch makes it simple to explore and secure your Bourbon Heritage Month favourites:
- Special offers available throughout September.
- Exclusive single cask releases and limited allocations.
- Fast nationwide delivery across Australia.
- Flexible payment options such as Afterpay.
Use on-page filters to browse by brand, region, product style or ABV, and compare tasting notes to find the perfect bottle for your bar or a thoughtful gift for a fellow whisky lover.
Final Pour: Your Invitation to Celebrate
Bourbon Heritage Month is more than a date on the calendar. It is an invitation to immerse yourself in the heritage and innovation of America’s native spirit. From timeless names like Michter’s, Woodford Reserve and Four Roses to rare single casks from Overeem and Bladnoch, there has never been a better time to explore Bourbon and its influence.
Explore the collection today, take advantage of September-only pricing, and raise a glass with us to celebrate the craft, culture and flavour of Bourbon.