Breaking Bourbon Traditions: A New Look at an American ClassicBourbon is one of America’s most iconic spirits, defined by a strict legal framework and shaped by cultural tradition. But like any established category, it can evolve. For those asking what is bourbon whiskey or wondering what makes a whiskey a bourbon, understanding the answer means looking at both its legal definition and its broader identity. It also means recognizing how distillers like those at Forbidden are beginning to reinterpret bourbon while still honoring its roots. What Makes a Whiskey a Bourbon? Bourbon whiskey must meet several legal requirements to earn its name: · It must be made in the United States. · Its mash bill (grain recipe) must contain at least 51% corn. · It must be distilled at no more than 160 proof. · It must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. · It must enter the barrel at 125 proof or lower and be bottled at no less than 80 proof. · It may not contain any added flavoring or coloring. These standards were codified in the 1960s but reflect production methods that go back much further. They serve to protect both the integrity of the product and the expectations of consumers. But while the definition of bourbon whiskey is clear, how bourbon should taste—or what it can become—is still open to interpretation. The Cultural Dimension of Bourbon Over time, bourbon has acquired a recognizable profile: bold, oak-forward, and often associated with tradition. Rye-heavy mash bills have dominated the category, giving many bourbons a spicy, dry finish. That approach has its place, but it can also limit what bourbon can express. In many cases, the focus on tradition has led to repetition; similar recipes, similar barrels, similar branding. At Forbidden, the goal has been to take what works within the legal definition of bourbon and approach it with more curiosity. What happens when you start with the rules but challenge the assumptions behind them? A Different Approach to Ingredients One key distinction in Forbidden’s Small Batch Select and Single Barrel Bourbon expressions is the mash bill itself. Instead of the typical high-rye content, these bourbons are made using a mix of white corn, white wheat, and barley—a combination that yields a softer, more layered flavor profile. Each grain serves a purpose: · White corn offers natural sweetness and a cleaner finish than traditional yellow corn. · White wheat contributes a smooth, round mouthfeel. · Barley adds depth, with nutty and slightly malty notes that support the other flavors. The grains used are also 100% food-grade, selected for their sensory quality rather than industrial yield. This level of ingredient selection helps shape a final product that’s both distinctive and true to the character of bourbon. How Production Techniques Influence Flavor Beyond the mash bill, Forbidden’s bourbon expressions also reflect careful attention to fermentation, distillation, and barrel aging. Barrels are toasted and charred to a specific profile tailored to this grain blend, helping develop complexity without overpowering subtle flavors. The result is a spirit that still meets the definition of what is bourbon whiskey but offers an experience that feels more refined. The flavor builds gradually: a smooth entry, followed by layers of caramel, soft oak, baking spice, and fruit notes. These are not flavors added artificially but developed naturally through grain selection, fermentation, and time in the barrel. Why Definitions Still Matter—And Why Interpretation Matters Too If you’ve ever asked what makes a whiskey a bourbon, the technical answer is easy to find. But the more interesting question is what that definition allows for—and how creative distillers can work within it to produce something that feels both familiar and new. Forbidden doesn’t reject bourbon’s heritage. It builds on it, using a foundation of established practices to support a different kind of expression—one rooted in thoughtful ingredient sourcing, careful blending, and a willingness to question assumptions. For drinkers interested in how the category is evolving, Small Batch Select and Single Barrel Bourbon offer a way to experience that evolution in the glass.