Bourbon will go bad and get corked just like wine. Makers, Bookers, Woodford, etc...all have this problem. I stored some Bookers specifically made for me just like wine (tilted), for 3 years, and it still got corked, and stored another bottle upright on a shelf out of the light and it also went bad. I've had some really high quality bourbons go bad that I was "saving" for a special occasion. The lesson learned is, don't save it! lol. There are some good articles on line about this issue.
It was a gift to you,drink it.
Lake Norman, N.C./New Britain, CT.
An Khe 66-67