Bourbon the surname of a branch of the royal family of France. The Bourbons ruled France from 1589, when Henry IV succeeded to the throne, until the monarchy was overthrown in 1848, and reached the peak of their power under Louis XIV in the late 17th century. Members of this family have also been kings of Spain (1700–1931, and since 1975).

bourbon American whiskey made by distilling fermented maize mash. Sour mash bourbon is made from mash that has yeast left in it from a previous fermentation.