Long-story short, bourbon is the name given to the whisky made in the USA. However, there is so much to know about this unique type of whisky.
Bourbon is – just like scotch and Irish – the american kind of whisky. The exact history of the beverage is not handed, but it was probably invented during the 18th century by Irish and Scottish immigrants who settled in Kentucky.
Same goes for the name “bourbon”. There are a lot of tales that explain the origin of the name. One very common is, that the whisky was named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, where traders sold high amounts of it for very low prices.
In 1964, the distilled beverage was declared a distinctive product from the United States, that can not be produced in any other countries. The analogy to scotch is obvious: even if a product has a distinct bourbon taste, but it was produced in Canada, it can not be sold as bourbon. Even tough, bourbon can theoretically being produced in California or New Jersey, the majority of all bourbons is made in Kentucky. The rural state has a long tradition in producing distilled beverages due to the clean water from natural springs.
Definition of bourbon
As it was said previously, bourbon have to be produced in the USA. But that fact alone is not enough, since there are a few characteristics a whisky has to have in order to be sold as bourbon.
Bourbon must be produced from a mix of grains that includes at least 51 percent of corn. After that, the beverage has to age in new charred oak barrels (don‘t forget: scotch or french whisky usually ages in pre-used barrels). When bourbon enters the barrel it can not have more than 62,5 percent alcohol by volume.
During the months and years of maturation the percentage of alcohol by volume slowly decreases. When being bottled, it still needs to have more than 40 percent alcohol by volume (the same goes for any other whisky).
A curious fact about this is that some bourbons age only for a couple of months before being bottled. An exception is the so called “straight bourbon”, that has to age for at least 24 months.
If you are interested in buying American whisky online pay attention to this:Â In the US the term “blended” has a different meaning, than in Europe. A blended bourbon might contain added coloring, additional flavoring and even other spirits, that did not aged in barrels!
Three outstanding expressions
When you buy whisky online or receive a bottle of bourbon in your whisky subscription box, you might receive one of the following bottles!
Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon
Jefferson‘s is quite a unique spirit! It ages between six and eight years on land, before the barrels are being taken to a ship. Surrounded by salty water and the constant movement of the waves, it ages for another six to ten months.
Flavors: salt, caramel, elegant blossoms and fresh pepper define the unique nose of this American whisky.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a rich and sweet bourbon, that has a mouthfeel like velvet.
Complex aromas and flavors: dark chocolate, sweet caramel, roasted nuts, apples and sweet almonds make this whisky a special treat.
The finish is soft and lingers long in your mouth.
Hudson Baby Bourbon
Most bourbons are being made in Kentucky. Of course there is an exception to every rule! The Hudson Baby Bourbon is made from 100 percent New York corn, that is being distilled in New York. Dried fruits, roasted, buttery corn and sweet almonds define this whisky‘s unique taste and nose.
Did you ever tried any kind of bourbon? Which one is your favorite? Leave a comment or write us!