<P> Bourbon whiskey / bɜːrbən / is a type of American whiskey, a barrel - aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn . The name is derived from the French Bourbon dynasty, although it is unclear precisely what inspired the whiskey's name (contenders include Bourbon County in Kentucky and Bourbon Street in New Orleans). Bourbon has been distilled since the 18th century . The use of the term "bourbon" for the whiskey has been traced to the 1820s, and the term began to be used consistently in Kentucky in the 1870s . While bourbon may be made anywhere in the United States, it is strongly associated with the American South, and with Kentucky in particular . As of 2014, the distillers' wholesale market revenue for bourbon sold within the U.S. is about $2.7 billion, and bourbon makes up about two - thirds of the $1.6 billion of U.S. exports of distilled spirits . </P> <P> The origin of bourbon is not well documented . There are many conflicting legends and claims, some more credible than others . For example, the invention of bourbon is often attributed to Elijah Craig, a Baptist minister and distiller credited with many Kentucky firsts (e.g., fulling mill, paper mill, ropewalk) who is also said to have been the first to age the product in charred oak casks, a process which gives bourbon its reddish color and distinctive taste . Across the county line in Bourbon County, an early distiller named Jacob Spears is credited with being the first to label his product as Bourbon whiskey . Spears' home, Stone Castle, warehouse and spring house survive; one can drive by the Spears' home on Clay - Kiser Road . </P>

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