About Bourbon

Understanding Bourbon: Key Facts and Insights

Bourbon is widely recognized as American whiskey, but its definition is more complex, governed by specific legal standards. While many people think they know bourbon, there are intriguing nuances that set it apart.

Aging and Designations
A common misconception is that all bourbon must be aged. While it's true that "straight bourbon" must be aged for at least two years, the term "bourbon" itself doesn’t require aging. However, distillers typically age their bourbon for quality. "Bottled-in-bond" bourbons must be aged for a minimum of four years, ensuring a richer product.

Ingredients and Yeast
Bourbon's distinct flavor is influenced by its ingredients, particularly the yeast strain used in fermentation. Distilleries often keep their yeast strains secret; for instance, Four Roses employs five unique strains to maintain flavor consistency. Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 technically qualifies as bourbon, but it brands itself as Tennessee whiskey due to its unique charcoal filtering process.

Origin of the Name
The spirit’s name traces back to Bourbon County, Kentucky, named after the French royal family as a nod to their support during the American Revolution. While Kentucky produces a significant portion of bourbon, it isn't the exclusive birthplace; excellent bourbons are made in other states as well.

Aging Conditions
Bourbon’s flavor is also affected by barrel aging and atmospheric conditions. It is typically aged in rickhouses, where temperature variations influence the aging process. The "angel's share" refers to the portion of bourbon lost to evaporation, while the "devil's share" describes the bourbon absorbed into the barrel wood.

Bourbon's Comeback
After a decline in popularity through the late 20th century, bourbon has experienced a renaissance. Improved quality, innovative small-batch offerings, and international demand have revitalized the industry.

Medicinal Origins
Prohibition posed significant challenges, but a loophole allowed some distilleries to survive by selling medicinal whiskey. This practice helped sustain the bourbon industry until Prohibition ended in 1933.

Diverse Offerings
Many brands on liquor shelves come from a few major distilleries, such as Buffalo Trace and Jim Beam, which produce various labels. While Kentucky is synonymous with bourbon, its production spans across the U.S., with more barrels in the state than residents.

Natural Color
The amber color of bourbon comes solely from barrel aging; no artificial colorings are permitted. Young bourbons are lighter, while older ones exhibit deeper hues.

Terminology and Creativity
Bourbon production involves various terms like "white dog" (unaged bourbon) and "cutting" (diluting bourbon with water). The process allows for significant creativity, resulting in a wide array of flavor profiles, influenced by ingredient choices and distillation methods.

Grain Composition
Bourbon must contain at least 51% corn in its mash bill, often supplemented with rye or wheat and malted barley. The barley’s enzymes play a critical role in fermentation, making it essential for alcohol production.

In summary, bourbon is a rich and complex spirit, deeply rooted in American tradition, with a fascinating blend of history, ingredients, and production techniques that continue to evolve.