Bourbon Whiskey: What It Is, How It's Made & How to Drink It Right

Is Bourbon the first thing that comes to mind when someone asks you for a glass of whiskey? Or have you also ever found yourself staring at a bottle of bourbon, wondering what makes it so bloody special? You're in for a delicious treat. This amber liquid gold has been stealing hearts and sparking conversations for a long time now, and today we're diving deep into everything that makes bourbon the legend it is.

Whether you're a die-hard whisky fan or just getting started on your whiskey journey, bourbon's got something magical about it. That sweet, smooth character with hints of vanilla and oak? Absolutely heavenly. So grab a glass, settle in, maybe even order alcohol online, and let’s explore the wonderful world of America’s very own native spirit.

What Is Bourbon Whiskey?

An iconic American whiskey that is celebrated and enjoyed to the fullest in almost every part of the world. While we all know Bourbon is a style of whiskey, but all whiskies cannot be called Bourbon and it's serious, there are some pretty strict rules this beauty has to follow. It's a unique spirit that's deeply rooted in American tradition, particularly in Kentucky, though it can legally be made anywhere in the United States.

The name "bourbon" likely comes from Bourbon County in Kentucky, where this style of whiskey first gained popularity. Today, it has been recognised as America's original spirit on a global scale, and Congress has even labelled it as a "distinctive product of the United States".

Key Characteristics That Set Bourbon Apart

What makes bourbon different from other whiskeys? Here are the legal requirements and characteristics that define America’s pride:

• Must be made in the USA While Kentucky produces about 95% of the world's bourbon, it can be made anywhere in America.

• Mash bill must contain at least 51% corn The secret ingredient that gives bourbon its signature sweetness.

• Distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume)

• Placed into the barrel at no more than 125 proof (62.5% ABV)

• Aged in new, charred oak barrels No reusing barrels here, mate

• Bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% ABV)

• No added colouring or flavouring, What you savour is pure, authentic bourbon

History and Origin

The birth of this legendary whiskey happened around the 18th century when Scottish, Irish, and other European settlers brought their distilling knowledge to America. Kentucky, with its limestone-filtered water and exceptional climate, became the ideal home for whiskey production.

Many believe that Elijah Craig, a Baptist minister, invented the first bourbon in the 1780s, while its exact beginning is still controversial. Whether intentional or accidental, the charred barrel method changed the game and gave bourbon its unique flavour. By the 19th century, bourbon became recognised as the drink of choice in America, overcoming both Prohibition and world wars to become the iconic spirit it is today.

How Bourbon Is Made

The magic of bourbon happens through a carefully controlled process that's part science, part art. Let's break down each step of this fascinating journey from grain to glass.

Selecting the Mash Bill

The making of this popular spirit starts with a mash bill. The crafters combine at least 51% corn (mandatory according to legal restrictions) with other grains like wheat, rye, and malted barley. The corn adds sweetness, rye brings spice, wheat gives softness, and malted barley supports the whole with fermentation. Each  brand has its own distilling style and whisky-making ethics, so the ratios vary accordingly-  it's what makes their bourbon unique.

Milling and Cooking

This procedure, known as "mashing," converts the grain's starches into sugars. Different grains are added to the mixture at varying temperatures while it is prepared in huge cookers. The end product is a sweet, porridge-like material known as "mash."

Fermentation

The final product, called cooled mash, is now ready for the next step of fermentation, transferred into big tanks where yeast is added. This is where American charm begins to do the magic. After consuming the sugars, the yeast creates carbon dioxide and alcohol. This procedure, which usually takes three to five days, produces "distiller's beer" or "wash," a beer-like liquid with an alcohol content of eight to ten percent. To maintain consistency and regulate pH levels, many distilleries practice the "sour mash" method, which involves adding a small amount of wasted mash from an earlier batch.

Distillation

Generally, twice, the wash is distilled. First in a beer still or column still, then in a thumper or doubler. This method helps in refining the tastes and concentrates the alcohol. The distiller must carefully choose the "heart" of the run, removing the "tails" (which contain heavier compounds) and "heads" (which contain harsh alcohols). What comes from the still is referred to as "white dog" or "new make spirit."

Ageing in Charred Oak Barrels

New, charred American oak barrels containing the clear spirit are kept in warehouses known as "rickhouses." The bourbon draws aromas, colour, and character from the charred oak by expanding into the wood in the summer and contracting in the winter due to Kentucky's rapid fluctuations in temperatures.

Vanilla, caramel, and oak aromas are added while harsh flavours are filtered off by the charred wood. With the exception of "straight bourbon," which needs to be aged for at least two years, there is no minimum age requirement for bourbon; however, the majority of premium bourbons are aged for four to twelve years or longer.

Bottling

So, time to pick your bottle and have a good sip. After ageing is done, barrels are picked and often mixed together to make the flavour profile more consistent. Water is added to bring the bourbon to bottling proof (though some "barrel proof" bourbons skip this step). The bourbon is then filtered, bottled, and labeled, ready to make its way to your glass.

How to Drink and Serve Bourbon

There's no wrong way to enjoy bourbon, just buy whiskey online to grab best deals or run to your nearest store and follow these tips to get the most out of your experience:

• Neat – Pour it straight into a glass at room temperature to experience the full flavour profile.

• With water – A few drops of water can open up the flavors and reduce the burn.

• On the rocks – Ice chills and dilutes bourbon, making it smoother but potentially masking subtle flavours.

• Use proper glassware – A tulip-shaped glass or a rocks glass works best.

• Take your time – Smell it first, take small sips, let it sit in your mouth.

• Room temperature is ideal – Too cold and you'll miss the nuanced flavours.

• In cocktails – Classic options include Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or Whiskey Sour.

• Experiment – Try different bourbons at different proofs to find your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes bourbon different from whiskey?

Bourbon is a certain kind of whiskey with strict specifications: it must be produced in the United States, matured in brand-new charred oak barrels, have no flavourings, and most importantly, contain at least 51% corn. In terms of ingredients, production places, and ageing procedures, other whiskies (such as Scotch or Irish whisky) have different requirements.

2. Does bourbon taste better than whiskey?

It all depends on personal choices and enjoyment. Bourbon is sometimes sweeter and smoother due to the corn and charred barrel ageing, but some may find its caramel and vanilla notes more intriguing. Some may prefer smoky, peaty flavours of Scotch or the lighter character of Irish whiskey. It's all a subjective matter.

3. What's the best bourbon whiskey?

There isn't just one "best" bourbon; it all depends on your budget and preferences. Woodford Reserve, Maker's Mark, and Buffalo Trace are popular options for newbies. Try Blanton's, Pappy Van Winkle, or Eagle Rare for something unique. The bourbon that you like to drink is the best ever!

4. What does bourbon taste like?

Bourbon is famous for its signature sweet, rich flavours with notes of vanilla, caramel, oak, and sometimes hints of fruit, spice, or nuts. The use of more than 51% corn content delivers its natural sweetness, while the charred oak barrels add depth and complexity. The exact flavour profile varies by brand, but expect warm, smooth, slightly sweet notes with a smooth, satisfying finish.

There you have it everything you need to know about bourbon whiskey! From its unintentional beginnings in Kentucky to its status as America's own distinctive spirit, bourbon has earned its place in the hearts of whiskey lovers worldwide. Buy bourbon whiskey online right here with LiquorLoot and enjoy it your way. Whether you prefer it neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail, there's something incredibly satisfying about sipping a premium bourbon.

So next time you pour yourself a glass, you'll know exactly what went into making that beautiful amber liquid. Here's to good bourbon, good company, and the stories we share over a dram. Cheers!