What is Bourbon?

Definition:

Bourbon is a distinctively American whiskey distilled from at least 51% corn and aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years.

Characteristics:

* Color: Amber to dark amber
* Aroma: Sweet corn, caramel, vanilla, oak
* Flavor: Complex and smooth, with notes of corn sweetness, caramel, oak spice, and vanilla
* Proof: 80-125 proof (40-62.5% alcohol by volume)

History:

Bourbon originated in Kentucky in the 18th century. Its name is derived from Bourbon County, Kentucky, which was named after the French royal family, the House of Bourbon. Early settlers brought their distilling knowledge from Europe, using corn as the primary ingredient due to its abundance in the region.

Production Process:

1. Mashing: Corn, malted barley, and water are combined in a mash tun to create a fermentable liquid.
2. Fermentation: Yeast is added to the mash, which converts the sugars into alcohol.
3. Distillation: The fermented liquid, known as "beer," is distilled twice to remove impurities and concentrate the alcohol.
4. Aging: The distilled spirit is aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. The charring process gives bourbon its distinctive amber color and flavor profile.
5. Bottling: Once aged, the bourbon is diluted to proof and bottled.

Types of Bourbon:

* Straight Bourbon: Aged for a minimum of two years in charred oak barrels.
* Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon: Aged for a minimum of four years in bonded warehouses under government supervision.
* Single-Barrel Bourbon: Bottled from a single barrel, providing a unique flavor profile.
* Small Batch Bourbon: Blended from a small number of barrels, creating a consistent and balanced flavor.

Regions:

* Kentucky: The heart of bourbon production, with distilleries concentrated in the Bluegrass Region.
* Tennessee: Home to distilleries that use the Lincoln County Process, which includes filtering the bourbon through charcoal before aging.
* Indiana: Known for its small batch and single-barrel bourbons.

Uses:

* Neat: Sipped on its own as a sipping whiskey.
* Cocktails: Used as the base for classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour.
* Cooking: Adds flavor to sauces, marinades, and desserts.