“All You Need to Know About The Smooth Spirit of Bourbon”.
As modern whiskey lovers, we often marvel at the rich and varied styles of this beautiful spirit. From subtle and smooth Scotches to bold and brash American Rye, there is something for everyone’s palate. Yet, one style of whiskey stands out among all the others – bourbon. There is something special about bourbon, it’s a spirit that has fluctuated in terms of popularity over time, but has settled in as a staple of the whiskey world today. Let us take a look at all the things you need to know about this smooth spirit of bourbon.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what truly makes a whiskey a bourbon. Bourbon whiskey is a type of American whiskey that is made with a mashbill, or recipe, which contains at least 51% corn and is typically aged in new oak barrels. The barrels can be white or charred barrels. The aging must take place in the United States, and it must also be bottled at 80 proof or higher in order to be legally considered a bourbon. As you can see, whiskey’s classification isn’t just about its origin, but also about its ingredients, aging, and proof.
Bourbon is made in many different regions across the United States, with the most prolific producers being in Kentucky. While it is certainly not required to be distilled and bottled in the Bluegrass State to be considered a bourbon, the state’s signature flavor profile has certainly earned it the nickname “bourbon capital of the world.” The bourbon made in Kentucky is known to be smooth, slightly sweet, with just a hint of that signature oak char that always seems to be in the mix.
Speaking of flavor profiles, it’s important to note that not all bourbons are created equal. Not only do different grains and recipes lend themselves to different taste profiles, barrel char and aging length also play an important part in the flavor of a final product. Most bourbons will feature sweet notes like vanilla, oak, and caramel, with a hint of spice from the charring. Depending on the aging process and barrel selection, other nuances and flavor complexities will come into play.
Bourbon has become the base for many popular cocktails, the Manhattan, old fashion, and the mint julep are some of the classics. However, bourbon can also be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in other craft cocktails. As with any whiskey, the most important part is to find a bourbon that you enjoy. There are so many different options to explore, so finding a style that fits your taste should be fun and easy.
Finally, we should touch on the rich history behind bourbon. The origins of bourbon trace back to the 18th century in the United States, where it was distilled and aged in Kentucky. The actual name “bourbon” is said to have been derived from Bourbon County, Kentucky, which was a historically prominent area where the spirit was made. Since its inception, bourbon has become a timeless American classic, with even Congress declaring it the “native spirit” of the United States in 1964.
Bourbon truly is a class all of its own, amongst the many other whiskey styles. Not only does it bring a distinct flavor profile to the craft, but also a rich history that many whiskey lovers find fascinating. So, next time you are looking for a smooth and flavorful whiskey, don’t forget about the classic spirit of bourbon.
“All You Need to Know About The Smooth Spirit of Bourbon”.