Bourbon
Bourbon is a free native macOS app for creating isolated environments, installing Windows software, and launching it through a managed runtime.
What Bourbon is
Bourbon is a free native macOS app for creating isolated environments, installing Windows software, and launching it through a managed runtime. Each environment, called a Bottle, has its own Windows files, settings, installed apps, and configuration. Bourbon guides users through creating a Bottle and choosing an installer, without needing a separate Wine installation. Its 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 or 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. Version 3.0 is a limited early-access release, and setup in the app is required to reserve a download spot. Users can consult documentation, submit an in-app report, or seek community help in Discord.
Good
- Each Bottle keeps its own configuration and files.
- No separate Wine installation is required.
- Accepts several Windows installer and archive formats.
- Bug reports can be reviewed before submission.
Watch out
- Supports Apple Silicon Macs only.
- Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
- Some Windows software may not run.
- Bourbon 3.0 early access is limited.
Who it suits
Bourbon may suit Apple Silicon Mac users who want separate environments for Windows software. It is aimed at users prepared for varying compatibility and a limited early-access release.
Verdict
Bourbon organizes Windows apps and games into separate Bottles on supported Apple Silicon Macs. Its early-access status and variable compatibility are important considerations before setting it up.
Plans and prices
From Bourbon's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Available at no cost · Bourbon 3.0 early access is limited |
The facts
Each one read from Bourbon's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- 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.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Bottles
- Each Bottle gives an app or game its own Windows files, settings, installed apps, and configuration.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- Windows app and game compatibility varies; some need extra setup or a different Bottle configuration, and some may not run.checked 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.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The maker says submitted diagnostics redact email addresses, tokens, API keys, secrets, passwords, and Bourbon license tokens before storage.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Bourbon is a native macOS app for creating isolated environments, installing Windows software, and launching it through its managed runtime.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Report review
- The built-in bug report flow lets users review a report before submission and does not send reports silently.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Runtime
- Bourbon manages BourbonWine and downloads the supported runtime automatically when needed.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Setup
- Bourbon guides users through creating a Bottle and choosing a Windows installer without requiring a separate Wine installation.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- Users can consult documentation, submit an in-app report, or seek community help in the Bourbon Discord.checked 7 Oct 2026
- System requirements
- The FAQ supports Apple Silicon Macs with an M-series chip running macOS 14 Sonoma or later.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Updates
- Bourbon uses Sparkle for app updates and also supports updating Homebrew installations with brew upgrade bourbon.checked 7 Oct 2026
