“Sipping and Savoring: A Guide to Explore the Rich History of Bourbon”.
Bourbon whiskey has long been a staple output of American distilleries, and with good reason. Dating back to the 18th century, bourbon has left an indelible mark on American culture and has been sipped and savored by generations of whiskey lovers. But how exactly did bourbon come to be? What makes this particular whiskey truly special? Read on to discover the story behind one of the country’s oldest and most storied spirits.
Bourbon has its origins in the American colonies, where whiskey was first distilled by early settlers in the late 1700s. In Kentucky in particular, settlers began experimenting with new whiskey recipes, leading to the creation of a distinctive product that soon came to be known as ‘Bourbon’. This new whiskey was made with a base of at least 51% corn, giving it its signature sweet and mellow flavor. The remaining grain mix included wheat and rye, as well as other grains such as oats, barley, and even spelt.
Bourbon was created in the smoky depths of the American frontier and was one of the first American whiskey varieties. Hostile Indian raids and primitive infrastructure made it difficult to export the spirit, and so it was instead consumed and enjoyed locally. This changed in 1794, however, when Congress passed the Whiskey Excise Tax. This tax imposed heavy fines on anyone who wished to produce or distribute whiskey, leading to a huge decline in the production of bourbon and other whiskey varieties.
Despite this, whiskey production – including bourbon – continued to thrive in certain parts of the country. Kentucky became known as the home of bourbon whiskey and its popularity slowly began to grow. By the mid-1800s, bourbon had become so popular that it gained the official sanction of Congress, which declared bourbon to be “America’s Native Spirit” in 1964.
So what makes bourbon so special? For starters, whiskey connoisseurs will tell you that authentic bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels for at least two years. This aging process is part of what gives bourbon its unique flavor, as well as its distinctive red-golden hue. Additionally, for a whiskey to be classified as ‘bourbon’, it must be made of at least 51% corn and distilled to a maximum of 160 proof. The ingredients must also be free of any artificial additives, making bourbon a genuinely all-natural product.
Another unique aspect of bourbon is its “angel’s share”. This refers to the small amount of whiskey that evaporates during the aging process. As the barrels are heated and cooled in the aging warehouse, some of the spirit will escape right out of the barrel, taking its place in the nearby atmosphere.
The rich and complex flavor of bourbon has been appreciated by whiskey connoisseurs for centuries. Bourbon is classified into various categories based on the age of the whiskey and the type of cask it has been aged in. Blended bourbon, for example, is a mix of two or more straight bourbon whiskeys, while single barrel bourbon is bourbon from just one cask. Single barrel bourbon tends to be more expensive than blended varieties and is usually of a higher quality.
Once you’ve chosen a bourbon that meets your standards, one of the best ways to savor all its many flavors is to try a few different whiskey cocktails. Classic cocktails such as old fashioneds and manhattans, as well as more modern recipes like Kentucky mules, all make delicious use of bourbon’s deep, mellow flavors.
At the end of the day, it’s the unique story behind bourbon that gives this whiskey its real charm. For centuries, bourbon has been crafted in the depths of the American frontier, developing its unique flavor and identity that is still being appreciated today. From its arduous beginnings to its place of prominence on today’s cocktail menu, bourbon remains one of the oldest and most beloved American spirits.
“Sipping and Savoring: A Guide to Explore the Rich History of Bourbon”.