Bourbons

What Is Bourbon?

Ah, Bourbon! Bourbon drinks are so delicious and versatile, and are perfect for sophisticated fireside sipping, or for shaking into fun and playful cocktails! This fantastic liquor is enjoyed by many of us, yet still, a lot of people find themselves asking 'what is bourbon?' Well, if you find yourself pondering this question, fear not! We are here to help, and we can dive into the world of bourbon together.

Bourbon is a type of whiskey, that is produced only in The United States of America. This distilled liquor is barrel-aged, which means that this spirit is matured and left to rest inside charred-oak wooden barrels.

Bourbon is made from primarily fermented corn mash, and for legal reasons for a bourbon to be allowed to call itself 'bourbon', it must be made up of at least 51% corn mash. Bourbon has a delicious flavor, and a unique flavor profile of caramel, vanilla, spices, and oak. Are you wondering how to drink bourbon? Bourbon is great to sip alone, mix with juice or soft drinks for a mixed drink, and is also great for cocktails. Bourbon is used in many different cocktails, such as an Old Fashioned, or a Mint Julep.

How Is It Made?

So, if you are contemplating your favorite bourbon drinks and wondering what is bourbon and what is bourbon made from? Then let's find out! As said before, bourbon is made from a fermented corn mash. When we say 'mash' we mean the mixture of grains used, that the end product is distilled from. The majority of the mash is corn (usually around 70% on average), but also rye, wheat, and barley grains can be used. Wheat adds to the smoothness of the end spirit.

These raw grains undergo a milling process, and the resultant product then undergoes a procedure of heating, cooking, and cooling. Freshwater is used, to allow the starch in the grain to be cooked, and the sugar extracted. The fermentation process is encouraged by the addition of yeast. In this fermentation, the yeast converts sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide and takes around 3 days.

This fermented mash is then distilled at 125 proof or less. Column stills are generally used for the distillation process. Bourbon is then stored to age and mature in oak barrels, which are used in order to create this delicious charred-oak-infused flavor. Bourbon tends to be stored for between 2 to 4 years.

Where Does It Come From?

What is bourbon made from and where does it originate? So, bourbon is an American type of whiskey, traditionally associated with the 'Bluegrass State' of Kentucky. A staggering 95% of the world's bourbon is made in Kentucky! Bourbon can be made anywhere in America, but legally it must be made only in the USA. In 1964, Congress declared bourbon to be 'America's Native Spirit'. Therefore, according to US trade legislation, bourbon can technically be made anywhere but must be produced in America to be legally allowed to label itself as 'bourbon'.

Previously, it was produced in many places, including Scotland and Brooklyn, but these days it is mostly only made in Kentucky. But that doesn't stop this fantastic liquor from being enjoyed all over the world!

What Does It Taste Like?

There is of course a difference in flavors and tastes between different bourbon brands, but generally, the flavors found in bourbon are sweeter than whiskey. These flavors include vanilla, caramel, and oak. One bourbon lover has tried to answer this question by breaking bourbon down into 4 different categories. These include being: 1. Cinnamon forward, 2. Caramel forward, 3. Grain forward and 4. Nutmeg forward.

How to drink bourbon? Bourbon has a great smoothness to it as well, which makes it perfect for mixing in many famous and well-loved cocktails. These include a Bourbon Sour, a Boulevardier, a Kentucky Mule, a Bourbon Sidecar, or a Bourbon Manhattan. These fantastic cocktails are such great flavor combinations and allow the glory of Bourbon to shine through. We highly recommend giving them a try today!

Which Are Some of the Best Bourbon Brands to Try?

When exploring the best bourbons, it's all about finding the perfect balance of flavor, craftsmanship, and heritage. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to American whiskey, these celebrated bourbon brands represent the best of the category - each with its own signature taste and story.

1. Buffalo Trace - The Balanced Classic

Produced at one of America's oldest continuously operating distilleries, Buffalo Trace delivers a harmonious mix of caramel sweetness, dark fruit, and oak spice. Revered for its consistency and value, it's a benchmark bourbon - perfect for sipping neat or crafting classic cocktails.

2. W.L. Weller - The Wheated Icon

Often referred to as the "thinking person's bourbon," W.L. Weller pioneered the use of wheat instead of rye in its mash bill. The result? A soft, rounded, and exceptionally smooth whiskey. Expressions like Weller 12 Year are adored for their deep caramel and vanilla notes with a velvety finish.

3. Michter's - The Small-Batch Artisan

Michter's represents the pinnacle of small-batch bourbon craftsmanship. Known for its rich, full-bodied flavor and meticulous aging process, every bottle delivers layered notes of toffee, spice, and oak. Its Michter's 10 Year and 20 Year releases are among the most collectible bourbons in the world.

4. Blanton's - The Original Single Barrel

Blanton's holds a special place in bourbon history as the world's first single-barrel bourbon. Each bottle is drawn from a single cask, offering a distinctive flavor profile with notes of honey, cinnamon, and caramel. The Blanton's Gold Edition is especially prized for its smooth, sweet depth and elegant balance.

5. Pappy Van Winkle - The Legendary Rarity

Few bourbons have achieved the mythical status of Pappy Van Winkle. Aged for up to 23 years, this ultra-premium bourbon delivers unparalleled richness - think toffee, oak, dried fruit, and a hint of tobacco. It's rare, collectible, and widely considered the holy grail of bourbon.

6. Maker's Mark - The Everyday Favorite

Recognized instantly by its red wax seal, Maker's Mark is known for its soft, sweet, and approachable flavor. Using red winter wheat in place of rye, it delivers notes of vanilla, honey, and gentle spice - making it one of the best bourbons for beginners and casual drinkers alike.

7. Colonel E.H. Taylor - The Bottled-in-Bond Pioneer

A tribute to one of bourbon's founding fathers, Colonel E.H. Taylor embodies the Bottled-in-Bond tradition. Expect bold caramel, dark fruit, and toasted oak notes. Each batch is carefully crafted at Buffalo Trace Distillery, representing timeless American whiskey excellence.

8. Elijah Craig 12 - The Small Batch Masterpiece

Often credited as the "Father of Bourbon," Elijah Craig introduced the use of charred oak barrels to whiskey-making. The Elijah Craig 12-Year-Old Small Batch offers rich flavors of brown sugar, spice, and vanilla, finishing long and warm - an excellent value for its age and quality.

9. Eagle Rare - The Refined Sipper

From the makers of Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare 10-Year-Old is celebrated for its maturity and depth. Its flavor profile combines cocoa, toffee, and dark fruit with a smooth, oaky backbone. A sophisticated bourbon that's both accessible and collectible.

10. Wild Turkey - The Bold Traditionalist

A true Kentucky original, Wild Turkey stands out for its high-rye recipe and robust character. The Wild Turkey 101 and Rare Breed expressions deliver spice, caramel, and oak in perfect harmony - a must-have for anyone who appreciates bold, full-flavored bourbon.

How to Choose the Right Bourbon for You?

If you're deciding which bourbon to buy online, here's a quick guide:

• For Smoothness: W.L. Weller, Maker's Mark

• For Bold, Spicy Flavors: Wild Turkey, Colonel E.H. Taylor

• For Collectors: Pappy Van Winkle, Blanton's, Michter's

• For Everyday Sipping: Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Elijah Craig

What Is The Difference Between Whiskey and Bourbon?

All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. The way that bourbon is different from other whiskeys is based on the way that bourbon is made and aged, with bourbon having stricter production rules. So, bourbon must be made from a minimum of 51% corn mash, but typically is made from around 70% corn mash. This corn content gives it a fabulous sweetness.

Also, bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels. Bourbon also has strict ABV rules. For example, bourbon mash must be distilled at 80% ABV and aged in barrels until 62.5% or less. It then must be bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV. Whiskey, on the other hand, doesn't have as strict rules on distillation, or the aging process.

Is Bourbon a Hard Liquor?

When we talk of 'hard liquor', people are often referring to a drink that is a distilled spirit made through distilling grains, vegetables, or fruits. On the other hand, other alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine are made via fermentation. So yes, bourbon is a hard liquor. Other hard liquors include gin, rum, brandy, tequila, or vodka.

Does Bourbon Get You Drunk?

Yes, bourbon will indeed get you drunk! With a minimum ABV of 40%, and some brands going a lot higher than this, drinking bourbon will definitely get you drunk if you have enough of it. The average person will get drunk after 4 shots, which is approximately 120ml to 180ml. Of course, your size and body weight can affect this also.

Plus, how much you have (or haven't) eaten that day will affect how drunk you get too. So, always remember to drink sensibly and in moderation, to avoid getting dangerously drunk. Drink a lot of water too, to stay hydrated and avoid horrible hangovers!

Is Bourbon Stronger Than Whiskey?

Bourbon is a type of whiskey, and some bourbons can be stronger than some whiskeys. For example, this Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon has an ABV of 56.4%, which can be higher than some generic whiskeys, which tend to have an ABV of 40%. Of course, it all depends on the bourbon and on the whiskey.

Is Bourbon Stronger Than Vodka?

It depends on which definition of 'stronger' you use. So, for alcoholic content, depending on the brand, whiskey and vodka can have different or the same ABV content. If we are looking at 'stronger' in terms of flavor, then bourbon does tend to have a stronger flavor than vodka and the flavor is more distinct, whereas vodka tends to have a more neutral flavor.

Is Bourbon Healthy?

Bourbon does tend to be healthier than other alcohols such as wine and beer, as it has a low-calorie content (approximately 100 calories per shot), little sugar, and no carbs. Of course, this is if bourbon is drunk neat, as adding mixers such as juice or soda tends to increase the sugar content of the drink. So, sip your bourbon straight! Also, always remember that any alcohol consumed in excess will be unhealthy, and therefore alcohol must always be consumed in moderation.