I am traveling through Kentucky. The home of bluegrass, horse racing, and, of course, bourbon.
There is something about bourbon that I truly enjoy. I have tried other distilled spirits but I just don't like vodka, gin, or scotch. Yes, tequila is enjoyable in the summer. Bourbon, however, just has a flavor and refinement to it. Its a man's drink - only sexier when a woman drinks it. Bourbon is a not a fru-fru drink to be mixed at sorority houses and the most I would ever mix it with is a cola. I like a manhattan cocktail but prefer it over ice with a little water.
Bourbon is distinctively an American spirit with 96% percent of it being made in the state of Kentucky. In fact, in 1964, Congress declared bourbon to be a "distinctive product of the United States". In order for it to be considered bourbon in America it needs to meet these guidelines (cut and pasted from wikipedia):
Produced in the United States
Made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn
Aged in new, charred oak barrels (adds color and flavor)
Distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof (80% alcohol by volume)
Entered into the barrel for aging at no more than 125 proof
Bottled (like other whiskeys) at 80 proof or more (40% alcohol by volume)
It amazes me with the patience that goes into making alcohol. Once the alcohol goes into the barrels the barrels go into massive buildings that can store 40,000 barrels and then sit there for over two years. Imagine trying a new recipe and having to wait for two years before you know how to tweak it.
I have been visiting distilleries on what is called the Great American Bourbon Trail. Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, Knob Creek, Four Roses, Bulleit, and many others dot the state. Each offers a tour, each with their own "flavor". Maker's takes you through the actual production factory, Evan Williams is in downtown Louisville and is a more of a show. Bulleit is oddly located in a warehouse district near Louisville and is only unique because the owner happens to be there on the grounds and will come out of the office to say hello.
The best part of the tours is the taste testing of course. The distillers put out their product line for sample - full bottles in the gift shop for a competitive fee. If you pay attention to the tour guide you can detect the different aromas and hints of flavors within the alcohol. I paid enough attention to know that I like some more than others because the other 49% can be a variation of different ingredients and those make each bourbon unique. I have only been to three but I hope to add two more before I come home. Maker's Mark is still my favorite so far.
So - cheers!
There is something about bourbon that I truly enjoy. I have tried other distilled spirits but I just don't like vodka, gin, or scotch. Yes, tequila is enjoyable in the summer. Bourbon, however, just has a flavor and refinement to it. Its a man's drink - only sexier when a woman drinks it. Bourbon is a not a fru-fru drink to be mixed at sorority houses and the most I would ever mix it with is a cola. I like a manhattan cocktail but prefer it over ice with a little water.
Bourbon is distinctively an American spirit with 96% percent of it being made in the state of Kentucky. In fact, in 1964, Congress declared bourbon to be a "distinctive product of the United States". In order for it to be considered bourbon in America it needs to meet these guidelines (cut and pasted from wikipedia):It amazes me with the patience that goes into making alcohol. Once the alcohol goes into the barrels the barrels go into massive buildings that can store 40,000 barrels and then sit there for over two years. Imagine trying a new recipe and having to wait for two years before you know how to tweak it.
I have been visiting distilleries on what is called the Great American Bourbon Trail. Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, Knob Creek, Four Roses, Bulleit, and many others dot the state. Each offers a tour, each with their own "flavor". Maker's takes you through the actual production factory, Evan Williams is in downtown Louisville and is a more of a show. Bulleit is oddly located in a warehouse district near Louisville and is only unique because the owner happens to be there on the grounds and will come out of the office to say hello.The best part of the tours is the taste testing of course. The distillers put out their product line for sample - full bottles in the gift shop for a competitive fee. If you pay attention to the tour guide you can detect the different aromas and hints of flavors within the alcohol. I paid enough attention to know that I like some more than others because the other 49% can be a variation of different ingredients and those make each bourbon unique. I have only been to three but I hope to add two more before I come home. Maker's Mark is still my favorite so far.
So - cheers!
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