What sets bourbon apart? Bourbon, a unique type of whiskey, is often compared to champagne in the world of wines. You might have come across the saying, ‘All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.’ It’s a fact that bourbon must be made in the United States, with Kentucky being a prominent producer. This unique aspect of bourbon production piques curiosity and sets it apart from other spirits.
Cocktail Provisions
According to the American Bourbon Association, bourbon is a whiskey that’s distilled from a natural blend of grains or mash, with at least 51 percent corn and no additives. This reliance on natural ingredients, particularly corn, is what gives bourbon its distinct sweetness. This emphasis on natural ingredients fosters a sense of connection to the traditional bourbon-making process.
Bourbon Recipes
Besides corn, the other grains used in bourbon-making include malted barley and rye or wheat. Kentucky bourbon makers credit the limestone spring water found in the area, giving bourbon its distinctive flavor.
The aging process is a crucial and meticulous step in bourbon production. Bourbon must be aged in a new, charred, oak barrel. This aging period, which can range from two to four years for most bourbons, and even longer for premium ones, is a testament to the craftsmanship involved. It’s this process that gives bourbon its rich color and much of its flavor, with the charred wood imparting caramelized sugars, adding a unique taste to the spirit.
Eat Your Bourbon
One of the unique aspects of bourbon production is the storage of its barrels. Bourbon barrels, typically made from American white oak, are stored on their side in multi-story warehouses called rick houses. This method allows air to flow through the barrel, and the wood expands and contracts with the changing seasons. The summer heat opens the wood’s pores, imparting flavor from the char and oak. Interestingly, barrels on the top floor may have a different taste than those on lower floors, adding to the complexity of bourbon’s flavor profile. The charred interior of the barrel also acts as a filter, removing impurities and mellowing the spirit.
Bourbon Bar
Bourbon Barrel Aged Set of 3 – Hot Sauce | Aged Worcestershire | Kentuckyaki
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The barrels can only be used once for bourbon. After their use in bourbon production, they find new life in various industries. Bourbon Barrel Foods, for instance, reuses the barrels for aging Bluegrass Soy Sauce and slow-smoking spices, infusing them with unique flavors. Many used bourbon barrels will end up across the United States for wine, beer, and even furniture-making or in the United Kingdom for brewing Scotch, showcasing the versatility and sustainability of these barrels.
National Bourbon Day is on June 14th – we are celebrating with a collection of Bourbon Provisions and Recipes. We’d love to hear about your favorite bourbon or any questions you have about bourbon production. And don’t forget to #eatyourbourbon!
