The Origins of the Word “Bourbon”

Unpacking the Theories, Myths, and One Very Fancy French Family

Let’s get one thing straight: bourbon is America’s native spirit—but its name? That’s got just a little bit of French flair. You’ve sipped it, swirled it, maybe even bragged about your tasting notes—but have you ever stopped to ask: Why the heck is it called “bourbon” in the first place?

Buckle up, because the story behind the name is part history, part mystery, and 100% deliciously confusing.

✨ Theory 1: Bourbon County, Kentucky – The Front-Runner

Ah yes, Bourbon County—the MVP of naming theories. In the late 1700s, this Kentucky county was part of a vast area known as Old Bourbon, named to honor—you guessed it—the French royal House of Bourbon for their support during the American Revolution. (Thanks, France! We’ll repay you in whiskey.)

Whiskey from this region was shipped in barrels labeled “Old Bourbon” down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans. The name stuck, and before long, “bourbon” became shorthand for that particular style of sweet, corn-heavy whiskey.

TL;DR: It’s like putting your hometown on your resume and suddenly everyone assumes you’re an expert.

🥃 Theory 2: Bourbon Street, New Orleans – The Plot Twist

Wait—what if “bourbon” got its name from Bourbon Street in New Orleans, not the county in Kentucky? Sounds suspicious, but there’s a twist: whiskey shipped to New Orleans was often sold (and sipped) right there on Bourbon Street. So some claim the drink was named after the destination, not the origin.

It’s kind of like if you started calling all tacos “Bourbon Street Crunchwraps” because that’s where you first tried one. A stretch? Maybe. But also kind of poetic.

👑 Theory 3: The Bourbon Dynasty – Très Royal

Let’s not forget the House of Bourbon, one of Europe’s fanciest families. With kings all over France and Spain, the Bourbon name was already synonymous with royalty, luxury, and powdered wigs.

Early American settlers had a habit of naming things after European VIPs (see: Louis-iana, Versailles, and every other "Château" in the South), so it’s likely both Bourbon County and Bourbon Street got their names from the French crown.

Which means, indirectly, your favorite pour is named after a bunch of monarchs in silk breeches. You’re drinking royalty, darling.

📜 The Real Answer? All of the Above-ish.

The truth is, we don’t know for certain. Historians love to argue about it over, well, bourbon. What we do know is this: the name stuck because it stood for something distinct—sweet, oaky whiskey with a Southern soul and a legacy all its own.

Whether it came from the barrels, the street signs, or a royal decree, “bourbon” became more than a name. It became a promise of flavor, craftsmanship, and maybe a little rebellion.

🥂 Final Sip: Call It What You Want—Just Pour Another

At Left Bank, we don’t mind a little mystery. As long as there’s bourbon in the glass and good stories to tell, we’re happy. So next time you swirl that amber beauty, raise a toast to Bourbon County, Bourbon Street, the Bourbon kings—and to bourbon itself, the spirit that put the "cheers" in American history.

It’s not just a name—it’s a vibe. And it tastes like victory. 🥃👑