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Bourbon
What it is
Bourbon is a native macOS app for setting up separate environments, installing Windows software, and launching it through a managed runtime. Each environment, called a Bottle, keeps its own Windows files, settings, installed apps, and configuration. Bourbon guides users through creating a Bottle and choosing an installer without requiring a separate Wine installation. The installer picker accepts .exe, .msi, .bat, .zip, .rar, .7z, and .iso files, although archive results depend on the software inside. Bourbon manages BourbonWine and downloads the supported runtime when needed. Compatibility varies: some apps and games need extra setup or a different Bottle configuration, and some may not run. The FAQ supports Apple Silicon Macs with an M-series chip running macOS 14 Sonoma or later. Bourbon is free, and there is no free trial. Version 3.0 is described as a limited early-access release, with a download spot reserved after setup is completed in the app. Users can consult documentation, submit an in-app report, or seek community help in Discord.
For and against
For
- Keeps each Bottle's files and settings separate
- Does not require a separate Wine installation
- Supports multiple Windows installer formats
- Available at no cost
Against
- Supports Apple Silicon Macs only
- Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later
- Some Windows software may not run
- Version 3.0 is limited early access
The verdict
Bourbon provides a managed way to set up isolated environments for Windows software on supported Apple Silicon Macs. Compatibility can vary, and its 3.0 release is limited early access.
Who it suits
It may suit Apple Silicon Mac users who want separate environments for Windows apps or games. It is intended for users comfortable with compatibility varying by software and setup.
Plans and prices
Free
Available at no cost · Bourbon 3.0 early access is limited
Read 7 Oct 2026 · getbourbon.app
On the record
- Availability
- Bourbon 3.0 is described as a limited early-access release, and the download page says a spot is reserved after setup is completed in the app.getbourbon.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Bottles
- Each Bottle gives an app or game its own Windows files, settings, installed apps, and configuration.getbourbon.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- Windows app and game compatibility varies; some need extra setup or a different Bottle configuration, and some may not run.getbourbon.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Installer formats
- The installer picker accepts .exe, .msi, .bat, .zip, .rar, .7z, and .iso files, though whether archive contents work depends on the software inside.getbourbon.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The maker says submitted diagnostics redact email addresses, tokens, API keys, secrets, passwords, and Bourbon license tokens before storage.getbourbon.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Bourbon is a native macOS app for creating isolated environments, installing Windows software, and launching it through its managed runtime.getbourbon.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Report review
- The built-in bug report flow lets users review a report before submission and does not send reports silently.getbourbon.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Runtime
- Bourbon manages BourbonWine and downloads the supported runtime automatically when needed.getbourbon.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Setup
- Bourbon guides users through creating a Bottle and choosing a Windows installer without requiring a separate Wine installation.getbourbon.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- Users can consult documentation, submit an in-app report, or seek community help in the Bourbon Discord.getbourbon.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- System requirements
- The FAQ supports Apple Silicon Macs with an M-series chip running macOS 14 Sonoma or later.getbourbon.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Updates
- Bourbon uses Sparkle for app updates and also supports updating Homebrew installations with brew upgrade bourbon.getbourbon.app · read 7 Oct 2026
