Furthur Bourbon 750ML

Furthur Bourbon 750ML is a 101 proof (50.5% ABV) high rye bourbon blended from 3- and 5-year-old stocks distilled at MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. This non-chill filtered expression draws its name and cultural identity from Ken Kesey's legendary 1939 school bus "Further," with a portion of proceeds funding the ongoing restoration of that iconic vehicle.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50.5% (101 Proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Indiana / Bottled in Pembroke, Kentucky  |  Blend of 3 & 5 Year Bourbon  |  Distillery: MGP

Production & Heritage

Furthur Bourbon is distilled at MGP of Indiana, one of the most prolific contract distilleries in North American whiskey. The mashbill runs 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley — placing it firmly in the high rye bourbon category. The blend marries 3-year and 5-year-old bourbon aged in newly #4 charred 53-gallon American oak barrels, then bottled without chill filtration in Pembroke, Kentucky. That aggressive char level and the decision to skip chill filtration allow more barrel-derived oils, fatty acids, and flavor compounds to remain in the final spirit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens full-bodied, carrying toasted oak and a thread of vanilla sweetness. Underneath, the high rye grain bill contributes a dry, peppery edge that pushes through the sweeter barrel notes.

Taste: Entry is mild and approachable despite the 101 proof, with vanilla and caramel from the charred oak arriving first. At mid-palate the rye asserts itself with baking spice and a faint herbaceous quality. A slight burn builds toward the back, reminding you of the bottling strength.

Finish: The finish lingers with dry oak tannins and residual rye spice. It tapers gradually, leaving a warm, peppery impression that reflects the non-chill filtered character.

How to Drink Furthur Bourbon

At 101 proof and non-chill filtered, Furthur performs well neat or with a splash of water to open up the oak and vanilla layers. A single large ice cube tempers the heat without diluting it too quickly. Three cocktails worth considering: a Boulevardier, where the high rye backbone stands up against Campari and sweet vermouth; a classic Old Fashioned, where the vanilla and oak notes pair naturally with bitters and a citrus peel; and a Whiskey Sour, where the 101 proof punches through lemon and simple syrup without losing its identity.

Best For

• Grateful Dead and Merry Pranksters fans seeking a spirit tied to counterculture history
• High rye bourbon enthusiasts exploring MGP-distilled expressions
• Bourbon drinkers who prefer non-chill filtered, full-proof bottlings
• Gift-giving to someone who values both the story behind a bottle and what's inside it

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Furthur Bourbon taste like? Furthur Bourbon leads with vanilla and toasted oak sweetness before the 36% rye mashbill drives baking spice and black pepper through the mid-palate. The finish is lingering and warmly tannic with dry oak and residual spice.

How does Furthur Bourbon compare to Wild Turkey 101? Both are bottled at 101 proof, but Furthur uses a significantly higher rye percentage (36% vs. Wild Turkey's estimated 13%) and blends younger 3- and 5-year stocks, while Wild Turkey 101 typically contains older bourbon from the distillery's own Lawrenceburg, Kentucky rickhouses. Wild Turkey 101 tends toward a deeper caramel and citrus profile, whereas Furthur leans spicier and lighter in body.

Is Furthur Bourbon good for sipping neat? Yes — the non-chill filtered bottling retains texture and complexity that reward neat sipping, and the 101 proof delivers flavor without being punishingly hot. A few drops of water can soften the burn if desired.

Where is Furthur Bourbon made? Furthur Bourbon is distilled at MGP's facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, one of the largest and most respected contract distilleries in the United States. The bourbon is then bottled in Pembroke, Kentucky.

What foods pair well with Furthur Bourbon? Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the rye spice complements charred, fatty meat; aged cheddar, which echoes the bourbon's oak-driven nuttiness; dark chocolate, whose bitterness balances the vanilla sweetness; pecan pie, which mirrors the caramel and toasted grain notes; and grilled stone fruit, where caramelized sugars meet the bourbon's barrel char.

What sizes does Furthur Bourbon come in? Furthur Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Furthur Bourbon worth the price? Furthur Bourbon positions itself in the premium tier, priced above many widely available 100-proof bourbons. Part of its value proposition is the cultural connection to Ken Kesey's bus and the fact that proceeds help fund the vehicle's restoration, so buyers should weigh both the liquid quality and the story behind the brand.

Why Furthur Bourbon?

What sets Furthur apart from the crowded field of MGP-sourced bourbons is the specific combination of a 36% rye mashbill, the blending of two distinct age stocks, and a commitment to non-chill filtration at a full 101 proof. That trifecta produces a spicier, more textured pour than many sourced bourbons in a similar price range. The connection to Ken Kesey's "Further" bus gives the brand a genuine cultural anchor rather than a manufactured backstory — and the fact that bottle sales directly fund the bus's preservation adds a tangible layer of purpose. For drinkers who value provenance, transparency about sourcing, and a high rye profile with real backbone, Furthur delivers a distinct point of view in the category.