What is the bourbon family tree?

The bourbon family tree originated in France and first gained significant influence with Louis XIV. The House of Bourbon ruled France for over two centuries, until the French Revolution in 1789. A branch of the Bourbon family then migrated to Spain and established the House of Bourbon-Spain, which still exists today with King Felipe VI as the current monarch.

In the 18th century, a descendant of the House of Bourbon-Spain, Louis Philippe Joseph, Duke of Orleans, migrated to the United States and changed his name to Louis Philippe Joseph, Duke of Orleans, and became known as "Philippe." Philippe's son Louis, who was born in Kentucky, became a prominent politician and businessman and is known as the "Father of Bourbonnais."

Louis's distillery became wildly successful, and his brand of whiskey eventually became known as bourbon. Many people credit Louis for creating the classic bourbon taste, which is made from at least 51% corn and aged in charred oak barrels.

Today, the bourbon industry is booming, and there are many brands with different flavors and styles of bourbon to explore. But it all started with the bourbon family tree and their pioneering spirit in the early years of America.