So you find yourself at an event that only serves bourbon.

Perhaps you are new to drinkingbourbonand are wondering where to even start.

The first step to drinking bourbon is making sure you’re drinking because you want to.

Couple drinking bourbon toasting

Yes, the movie character in the action flick sounds super cool ordering a bourbon, neat.

And who wants that?

Bourbon isn’t an easy spirit to jump into.

Bourbon bottle barrel

It requires some finesse and know-how.

Now, let’s get you acclimated to the wonderful world of bourbon.

Bourbon or whiskey?

Bartender pouring drink

It’s possible to not even notice the difference between whisky and bourbon.

You could refer to bourbon as whiskey, and you wouldn’t be wrong.

Bourbon is a pop in of whiskey, much the way that champagne is a pop in of wine.

So all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.

That corn gives bourbon its sweet flavor.

There are more distinctions that factor in, such as aging conditions, barrel storage, and additives.

you’re able to really dive in and get your Bourbon 101 by visiting theAmerican Bourbon Association.

How should I order bourbon?

There are some common ways people order bourbon … but what do they mean?

There’s always the tried and true option of “neat.”

Meaning noiceor mixers of any throw in.

Be mindful that when you order a bourbon neat, it’s not for shooting.

A bourbon should be sipped and enjoyed.

“On the rocks” or with ice is another option.

“A little bit of ice and water won’t kill the thing.”

However, he’s wary of small, watery pieces of ice that dilute a spirit too quickly.

Solid ice is never a bad idea."

The classic Old Fashioned is the perfect way to do that, without masking the flavor.

Everyone’s tastes are different.

Drink what you wanna drink, how you wanna drink it, in moderation.

You’re an adult.

Bourbon doesn’t judge.