Bourbon doesn’t have to hail from Kentucky, any more than hamburgers have to come from Hamburg. After driving that point home, Forbes.com’s George Koutsakis flags 10 of the best bourbons crafted outside the Bluegrass State.

Smokin’ aces

We’d like to get to know Balcones Distilling’s Texas Blue Corn Bourbon, which “delivers vanilla, chocolate, and a touch of smoke alongside its intense 65% ABV,” Koutsakis says.

Out of upstate New York, Iron Smoke Distillery’s Straight Bourbon uses applewood-smoked grain. The result: “A must try for those who are delving into bourbon but have a hard time with the sweetness found in most expressions.” Sold.