Bourbon 101

We asked what you wanted to hear more about in our blogs and we listened. Here’s a breakdown of Bourbon as we call it Bourbon 101. Bourbon is one of the most popular spirits in the world, with a rich history and distinctive taste. It’s made from corn, rye, or wheat and aged in charred oak barrels. The color comes from the charred oak that’s used during aging. Bourbon has been around since the 1700s, but its popularity exploded after Prohibition ended in 1933, when it was first sold on a mass scale. Today there are more than 1,600 brands available!

What is Bourbon?

It’s not the first article about Bourbon, but it can also be a reference for those who want to learn more about this popular American whiskey. Bourbon is a type of whiskey distilled from the fermented mash of corn; usually at least 51% corn and aged in new charred white oak barrels. The resulting product has an amber color with a hint of sweetness, which makes it perfect for sipping on the rocks or in cocktails. Not much has been written about Bourbon since the creation of this classic spirit. The early history is a little hazy, but we do know that it was first distilled in Kentucky over 200 years ago and has been growing in popularity ever since. Some say its popularity stems from prohibition when saloons were outlawed and drinks were harder to come by. Others claim it began during World War II when soldiers stationed overseas craved something familiar; others still point out that bourbon’s origins lie somewhere between these two.

How it’s made?

Bourbon is a type of whiskey that must be distilled from at least 51% corn grain, and aged in new, charred oak barrels. It may also be made from any combination of grains including rye, wheat, and barley. Bourbon must be distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol) before being barreled for aging. Once it is ready to age, the bourbon goes into freshly-charred oak barrels where it will remain for at least four years. These barrels are filled with either 100% bourbon or a blend of new-make spirit and aged whiskey depending on the producer’s preference. The exact time period depends on certain factors such as location—higher temperatures lead to quicker evaporation—as well as climate conditions such as humidity levels during those years; however, generally speaking, we can expect our whiskey (bourbon included) to take anywhere from eight months up until two years before bottling after distillation has been completed.

Where does the color come from?

For the most part, the color of whiskey comes from the barrels it ages in. Specifically, it’s determined by what type of wood is used for those barrels. Most bourbons are aged in new charred oak barrels (also referred to as “white” or “neutral”), but some top-shelf labels use older casks made from other woods such as sherry or rum. The longer a bourbon spends aging inside these types of casks, the darker its color will become. This is because those woods tend to impart more flavor than others do. Conversely, this doesn’t mean that darker-colored bourbons are necessarily better than lighter ones—it’s just another factor that contributes to each bottling’s final flavor profile. In fact, if you’re looking for something easy on your palette and wallet while still getting high-quality results out of your liquor cabinet, consider buying a bottle with light coloring; these tend to be smoother sippers that won’t overpower aftertaste.

How should I drink it?

Bourbon is a versatile spirit, and the best way to drink it depends on your mood.

For cocktails: Use bourbon as a base for drinks that include bitters and fruit juices. Try mixing bourbon with sweet vermouth for an Old Fashioned or with Campari for a Manhattan.
Neat: Pour yourself a glass of bourbon neat (with no ice) straight from the bottle when you want to relax in front of the television or enjoy some quiet time by yourself.
On ice: Pour some water over your favorite brand of whiskey in an old-fashioned glass, then add one large cube (or two small ones) of ice before sipping away! This method is great if you’re not looking for anything too strong or intense—just remember not to fill up too much! It’s easy to get carried away with this type of drink!
With water: Many people enjoy adding water as they sip their whiskey because it helps tame its bite without diluting its flavor profile too much. You’ll need about three parts whiskey/bourbon per one part water (that ratio can vary depending on personal preference). This method is especially popular among those who prefer sweeter drinks like scotch but don’t want them so sweet that they lose all distinction between flavors; just be careful not overdo it since too much will kill any subtlety within seconds!

One of the most popular spirits in the world, with a rich history and distinctive taste.

Bourbon is a type of whiskey and one of the most popular spirits in the world, with a rich history and distinctive taste. It’s made from corn, rye, barley and other grain ingredients that are fermented into alcohol then distilled to create a clear liquid. This process makes it distinct from other types of whiskey like Scotch or Irish whiskey, which are made using malted barley as well as water. Bourbon’s distinct flavor comes from its aging process: after distillation, it must be aged in new charred-oak barrels before being bottled at no less than 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume). If it’s bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV), it can only be labeled “straight bourbon;” if not, then it must be labeled “blended bourbon.” The longer period in those oak casks gives bourbon its signature smoky flavors and darker coloration compared to some other whiskies that use sherry casks for aging instead (like Scotch). Bourbon is an amazing spirit, and I hope this post has helped you understand it a little better. If you enjoy learning about the history of things and trying new things, then bourbon might just be something that’s right up your alley! It’s certainly not for everyone—but if it sounds like something you want to try, go ahead and give it a go. You won’t regret it!

Check out the Bardstown Bourbon Club and a few of our favorites: