A Comprehensive Guide to US and Export Bourbon Batches: The Differences and How to Identify Them

Bourbon, a distinctively American spirit, has captivated palates worldwide with its rich history and unique flavor profile. While bourbon is deeply rooted in American culture, its global appeal has surged in recent years. This article delves into the growing popularity of bourbon in international markets and explores the differences between US bourbon releases and those released to export markets.

Bourbon's Rise in Global Popularity

The international appreciation for bourbon has surged in recent years. According to recent data, over $161 million worth of bourbon was exported from the United States in the first six months of 2021 alone. Japan stands out as the largest importer, accounting for over $34 million in bourbon imports during that period. Other significant markets include Australia, Canada, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom. This widespread international demand highlights bourbon's evolving status as a global spirit. This growing demand highlights bourbon’s evolution from a regional specialty to a global phenomenon.

Differences Between Export and Domestic Bourbon Releases

While bourbon must meet strict criteria to earn its name, the batches intended for domestic consumption and those destined for export markets often exhibit notable differences. These variations can include bottle size, alcohol percentage, and limited edition status, among other factors.

Bottle Size

One of the most noticeable differences between domestic and export bourbon releases is the bottle size. In the United States, spirits are typically sold in standard sizes, with 750mL being the most common. Internationally, however, the most prevalent bottle size is often 700mL (70cl). This difference is primarily due to regulations set by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in the U.S., which dictate the allowed bottle sizes for domestic sales. As a result, American distilleries often produce smaller bottles specifically for export to these markets. For example, Blanton’s limited edition La Maison du Whisky collection, released exclusively to the French market, is produced in the European standard 700ml bottle size. 

However, in 2020, the TTB updated its regulations on bottle sizes for wine and spirits. This amendment introduced four new permitted sizes for distilled spirits: 700mL, 720mL, 900mL, and 1.8L, allowing distilleries to release bourbon whiskeys to the US market in the same size as export markets. This enables producers to manufacture or source only one single bottle size. As a result, many brands have begun releasing products to the domestic market in the standardized 700ml size. For example, the Jack Daniel’s Bonded Series, launched in 2022, was released to both domestic and export markets in 700ml and 1L bottle sizes, as opposed to the traditional 750ml bottle. 

Whilst this change does have the disadvantage of reducing the amount of whiskey in each bottle, there are some upsides from a consumer standpoint. In particular, the shift to 700ml bottles means that more bottles are able to be produced from the same limited run of barrels. For example, the 2021 release of Michter’s 20 Year Old, which only had a 687-bottle run, would have yielded 730 bottles had it been produced in 700ml bottles. As a result, consumers have a greater chance of obtaining a bottle, especially when it comes to limited edition bottles.

Batch Numbers 

Batch numbers serve as a key differentiator between domestic and export bourbon releases. For instance, Booker's bourbon uses distinct batch numbering to distinguish between its U.S. and international products. A prime example is Booker's 2023-01 for domestic markets, contrasted with Booker's 2023-01E for export markets. This “E” denotes an export version, ensuring that consumers and collectors can easily identify the market for which the batch was intended. Similarly, Michter's batches have a unique designated that can be used to discern between US and export batches. The Michter's 20 Limited Release Small Batch 2022 designation for export releases (European, Japanese and Australian markets) is an "L" at the beginning of the batch number. Batch 22H2517 of Michter's 2022 20 Year is the US-release 750ml outrun of 592 bottles, while Batch L22H2515 is the export-release 700ml outrun of 530 bottles. The differentiation in batch numbers helps enthusiasts track and collect specific releases, catering to both local and global bourbon aficionados.

Alcohol Percentage

Another significant difference between domestic and export bourbon releases is the alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage. In the US, bourbons are often bottled at higher proof levels, reflecting a domestic preference for stronger, more robust spirits. Commonly, bourbons intended for American consumers might range from 90 proof (45% ABV) to over 100 proof (50% ABV) or higher, particularly in special editions and small-batch releases.

For export markets, however, distilleries often opt for slightly lower ABV levels for a number of reasons. Firstly, in many countries, consumers tend to favor smoother, less intense spirits, leading producers to bottle export batches at around 80 proof (40% ABV) or 86 proof (43% ABV). This adjustment helps ensure that the bourbon is well-received in markets where high-proof spirits might be less popular. 

Another key factor is the alcohol tax in foreign markets. Many countries have a higher alcohol tax rate than the United States, which has a significant impact on profitability. As a result, some distillers have opted to release lower proof expressions to export markets to cater to tax regulations. For example, in 2017, Wild Turkey released Master’s Keep 1894, a limited edition 90 proof bourbon released exclusively to the Australian market. Despite being Wild Turkey’s biggest export market, Australia has one of the highest alcohol tax rates in the world. Due to Australia’s high tax rate, Wild Turkey likely opted to release this Australian exclusive release at a lower proof compared to their staple 101 proof. 

Can a bourbon be export only?

Simply put, yes. While it's rare for a bourbon whiskey to be exclusively made for export markets - it does happen. There have been countless examples of this phenomenon over the years, particularly in Asian markets where the market appetite is for different degrees of proof and caters for specific styles. So which bourbons are export only? The best example of export only releases can be seen in Blanton's Black Label Single Barrel, Blanton's Takara Red Single Barrel and Blanton's Special Reserve Single Barrel Bourbons. All of these releases are inaccessible in US retail markets, and can only be found when re-imported into the US.

Understanding the differences between domestic and export bourbon releases enhances the appreciation for this storied spirit and aids collectors and enthusiasts in making informed purchases. The variations in bottle size, bath number and alcohol percentage reflect the adaptability and global appeal of bourbon. As bourbon continues to capture the hearts of drinkers worldwide, recognizing these distinctions ensures that enthusiasts can enjoy the best of what this beloved American whiskey has to offer, whether at home or abroad.