Bourbon: The Delicious History of America’s Favorite Whiskey.
Bourbon has been around for a long time, and its flavorful history has remained ever-present throughout the centuries. With its origins firmly rooted in Kentucky and Tennessee, the unique flavor of each individual bourbon whiskey has been crafted to meet the demands of whiskey aficionados across America. Beyond its abundance in the United States, the popularity of bourbon has been growing internationally in recent years, so let’s take the time to explore the fascinating backstory of this fine spirit.
First brewed in the late 1700s, Bourbon whiskey is named after the Bourbon County in Kentucky, although the exact origins of the drink remain a bit of a mystery. What we do know is that this particular type of whiskey is renowned for its distinct flavor and pleasantly sweet notes, as well as its higher levels of alcohol content. In a nod to history, the term “Kentucky Straight Bourbon whiskey” is used to designate a whisky that has been aged solely in new, charred white oak barrels for at least two years.
Historically, the main ingredients used to make a typical bourbon whiskey are corn, malted barley, and rye. Today, some bourbons contain wheat instead of rye, although the overall consensus is that rye is the original grain used. Other ingredients may be added to enhance the flavor, including yeast, water, and oak. The process to create the whiskey itself is divided among four main stages: mashing, fermentation, distillation, and aging.
Mashing is the process by which the grains are cooked and broken down. The resulting liquid is then sweetened with added sugar, before being placed in an oak barrel for fermentation. This process is important for the taste as it gives the bourbon its distinct sweetness and notes of oak.
The subsequent distillation process is key to enhance the alcohol content of the whiskey. Here, the fermented liquid is heated and cooled several times at varying temperatures and pressures, before being placed in an oak barrel to age. During this stage, important flavor characteristics begin to develop, giving no two bourbons the same flavor.
Lastly, the aging process occurs inside of a barrel, where the whiskey is stored for a certain number of years to allow the flavors to evolve and become more rounded with time. Some bourbons may take as little as a few months or as long as several decades to mature.
The final component that makes bourbon unique is the ‘angel’s share’: the amount of whiskey that evaporates while aging. Though this part of the process may seem counterintuitive, it’s actually crucial for further enhancing the flavor of the whiskey.
Bourbon is truly a unique product, crafted to provide a unique experience. While tasting bourbon for the first time can be a bit intimidating, the rewards for doing so are tremendous. Thanks to its flavorful history and process, bourbon has become one of the most renowned and sought-after whiskeys in the world. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced drinker, sip, explore and enjoy the delicious history of America’s favorite whiskey.