‘Bourbon: A Brief History of America’s Drink of Choice.’
America is a nation renowned for many things; baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and bourbon, to name a few. Aged in oak barrels and associated with the great south, bourbon has had a unique and colorful history throughout the years. In this blog, we’ll explore the origins, production and cultural influence of this iconic spirit.
Bourbon as we know it today first originated in the late 1700s in the state of Kentucky. A Scots-Irish immigrant by the name of Elijah Craig first began distilling whiskey in the area and eventually, his whiskey made its way to New Orleans where it became quite popular. As word spread, other distillers began attempting to recreate the whiskey and the style known simply as “Bourbon” was born. The name comes from the county in Kentucky where most of the distilleries were established.
As the country continued to expand, so did the popularity of the whiskey. By the mid 19th century, bourbon had become a true symbol of American culture. Its popularity peaked during the 1920s and 30s and has remained popular ever since.
Though often referred to as an American style whiskey, bourbon is actually made around the world with different interpretations that differ from country to country. In order for a spirit to be considered a “bourbon” in the US, it must adhere to certain requirements. To name a few; the spirit must be made from a mash of at least 51% corn, new white oak barrels are used for aging, the spirit must be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof, and it must not contain any added flavors.
Bourbon culture continues to be popular and widespread in the United States today. There are now numerous festivals and events dedicated to the spirits and many establishments host special tasting evenings. With over 10 million 9-liter cases of bourbon sold in the US annually, it’s safe to say that this spirit still has plenty of charm and appeal – a testament to the fascinating history that it holds.
No matter who you are and where you come from, it’s hard to deny the allure of the iconic American spirit that is bourbon. The spirit’s rich and colorful history continues to make it a beloved classic throughout the country and around the world.