CrossOver From $6.17/mo · Free plan 9.0 Visit Bourbon
getbourbon.app
What it is
Bourbon is a native macOS app for creating isolated environments, installing Windows software, and launching it through a managed runtime. Each Bottle keeps its own Windows files, settings, installed applications, and configuration, so separate programs can use separate environments. The setup flow guides users through creating a Bottle and selecting an installer without requiring a separate Wine installation. Supported picker formats include.exe,.msi,.bat,.zip,.rar,.7z, and.iso, although archive results depend on the software inside. Bourbon manages BourbonWine and downloads the supported runtime when needed. Compatibility varies: some Windows applications or games need additional setup or another 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 3.0 is a limited early-access release, and setup must be completed in the app to reserve a download spot. Documentation, in-app reports, and Discord community help are available. The Free plan costs nothing.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Bourbon is a native macOS app for creating isolated environments, installing Windows software, and launching it through its managed runtime.Read 7 Oct 2026 · getbourbon.app
- Privacy
- The maker says submitted diagnostics redact email addresses, tokens, API keys, secrets, passwords, and Bourbon license tokens before storage.Read 7 Oct 2026 · getbourbon.app
- Support
- Users can consult documentation, submit an in-app report, or seek community help in the Bourbon Discord.Read 7 Oct 2026 · getbourbon.app
- 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.Read 7 Oct 2026 · getbourbon.app
- Bottles
- Each Bottle gives an app or game its own Windows files, settings, installed apps, and configuration.Read 7 Oct 2026 · getbourbon.app
- Compatibility
- Windows app and game compatibility varies; some need extra setup or a different Bottle configuration, and some may not run.Read 7 Oct 2026 · getbourbon.app
- 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.Read 7 Oct 2026 · getbourbon.app
- Report review
- The built-in bug report flow lets users review a report before submission and does not send reports silently.Read 7 Oct 2026 · getbourbon.app
- Runtime
- Bourbon manages BourbonWine and downloads the supported runtime automatically when needed.Read 7 Oct 2026 · getbourbon.app
- Setup
- Bourbon guides users through creating a Bottle and choosing a Windows installer without requiring a separate Wine installation.Read 7 Oct 2026 · getbourbon.app
- System requirements
- The FAQ supports Apple Silicon Macs with an M-series chip running macOS 14 Sonoma or later.Read 7 Oct 2026 · getbourbon.app
- Updates
- Bourbon uses Sparkle for app updates and also supports updating Homebrew installations with brew upgrade bourbon.Read 7 Oct 2026 · getbourbon.app
Plans and prices
Free Free Available at no cost · Bourbon 3.0 early access is limited Read 7 Oct 2026 · getbourbon.app
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Separate files and settings per Bottle
- No separate Wine installation required
- Supports several Windows installer formats
- Managed runtime downloads automatically
- Bug reports reviewed before submission
Limits
- Apple Silicon Macs only
- Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later
- Windows compatibility varies
- Version 3.0 has limited early access
Who it suits
Bourbon suits Apple Silicon Mac users on macOS 14 Sonoma or later who need separate environments for Windows applications or games.
Verdict
Bourbon offers a focused way to organize Windows software on supported Apple silicon Macs. Its free early-access status and variable compatibility are important constraints before setup.
Where Specifiction places it
- Windows Compatibility Layers#5 of 267.7