Spoiler so was playing the Pavel mission DLC and near the end i heard 2 bandits talking about Bourbon, Their conversation explained that he indeed survived the events of the dry mission in 2033 and he could possibly be making a return in the next game as mentor to Artyom's son or a companion of Artyom's.
I'm very surprised to see that something as important as that conversation in-game hasn't been posted here so long after the release. Well done, I must say! Unfortunately, I agree with Komodo; it's very unlikely, and the conversation was most probably simply because 4A changed their mind and want him to be alive. Though, I must admit that your assumption about Bourbon making a return, is possible
Which conversation is that about Bourbon? is the screaming angry soldier? i think it would be interesting to see Bourbon again, and know how did he survived
