“The Definitive Guide to Bourbon: An Introduction to the Iconic American Whiskey.”
For centuries, bourbon has been the iconic American whiskey. It has a unique history –– from the invention of the unique sour mash process to the resurgence of traditional craft distilling, bourbon has evolved its reputation to become one of the most popular liquors across the globe. From the classic mint julep to a contemporary classic Manhattan, bourbon is an essential ingredient to any bar’s collection. But, to understand the spirit, you must first understand its history.
Bourbon dates back to the 18th century when settlers first arrived in what is now known as Kentucky. As the settlers spread out across the East coast, they started to distill whiskey from the grain of their surrounding area, with the unique sour mash process responsible for creating the unique, mellow taste of bourbon. This process involves the addition of older mash to new whiskey during the creation process, allowing the derived alcohol to retain the smooth and mellow taste that makes bourbon so special.
The sweetness of the corn and wheat used in the original mash gave the new whiskey a distinctive flavor, and thus the whiskey received its name – “bourbon”, a nod to the area of what is now Kentucky. By the late 1800s, bourbon’s popularity grew and production flourished thanks to the Excerpt War, which stimulated the business of distilleries.
Though bourbon-making practices have been around since the beginning of the spirit, it wasn’t until 1964 that Congress declared bourbon as America’s only native spirit, thus legalizing it and setting the standards for it production. And the standards for producing bourbon are specific – for something to be labeled as a bourbon, it must consist of at least 51% of corn, come from new charred oak barrels and be aged for a minimum of two years. Bourbon can also only be produced in the United States.
These regulations ensure a certain level of consistency and quality control when it comes to creating bourbon. This, and the unique flavor it produces, is why customers love it, and why it is so sought after. Bourbon can be enjoyed neat, with ice, or mixed into a wide variety of cocktails, giving customers the ability to create and enjoy increasingly inventive and delicious drinks.
And while yes, whiskey is undoubtedly native to America, the traditional craft of whiskey distilling spans all of the United States and even beyond. Many distilleries have popped up not just in Kentucky but in other states like Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina as well. Each area offers a distinct flavor profile to their whiskey and bourbons, allowing customers to explore the different flavors and diversity of the spirit.
It is clear to see why bourbon is a truly iconic spirit. From its long and illustrious history to its craft of modern-day distilling, it is one of the most renowned liquors in the world. Whether you are an experienced connoisseur or just getting started, it is essential to understand the history, regulation, and culture of good bourbon, so you can enjoy it to its fullest.