Beginner’s Guide to Appreciating Bourbon Whiskey

Bourbon is the ultimate American spirit, considering the barrel-aged distilled spirit was initially produced in an area known as Bourbon County, Kentucky. To satisfy the legal definition of bourbon, it have to be produced in the United States, have to be created with no less than fifty one% corn, and aged in new oak barrels. There are two types of bourbon whiskeys—straight and blended. Straight bourbon signifies that the bourbon has been aged for no less than 2 years, and has no different coloring or flavoring added. Blended bourbon whiskey can comprise other flavoring or spirits, however should be not less than fifty one% straight bourbon.

Find out how to Drink Bourbon: Straight or Blended

If you wish to respect bourbon whiskey on its own, there are typically ways to do it. Purists like to drink it neat, which implies that the bourbon is at room temperature, and without ice. Some like to add a couple of drops of water to the whiskey, to “open up” the aroma of the bourbon. If you go this route, it’s possible you’ll respect drinking your bourbon in a brandy snifter. The shape of the glass will assist concentrate the aroma. It’s best to not use brandy snifters for high proof bourbons.

When you’re a beginner, you would possibly want to try bourbon whiskey on the rocks, or with just a few cubes of ice. Pour yourself a finger or of whiskey over ice. A finger is an informal measure, and is mostly considered to be about three quarters of an inch or so.

Traditional Bourbon Whiskey Cocktails

Bourbon works really well in cocktails. From the Mint Julep to the Manhattan, the bourbon cocktail is sophisticated, sturdy, and flavorful. You should use any brand of bourbon you prefer—I’ve not too long ago enjoyed the new Wild Turkey 81 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which was created specifically for mixing cocktails.

Mint Julep

The Mint Julep has been the drink of selection for the Kentucky Derby for nearly a century. Though the earliest cocktails used rum or rye whiskey, bourbon has change into the spirit of selection for this sweet and simple cocktail.

This recipe yields 10 to 12 servings. You will need:

4 cups bourbon

2 bunches contemporary spearmint

1 cup distilled water

1 cup granulated sugar

Powdered sugar

The Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is created by muddling sugar with bitters, and then adding an alcohol like bourbon. A citrus rind completes the drink.

This recipe keeps it easy and lets the bourbon shine. You’ll need:

2 ounces whiskey, rye or bourbon

2 dashes Angostura bitters

1 teaspoon water

1 teaspoon sugar

ice cubes

1 lemon twist

1 orange slice

1 maraschino cherry

The Manhattan

If you fancy yourself a devotee of the Mad Men-era, the Manhattan is for you. It was one of the first cocktails to incorporate vermouth, and it’s rounded out with a dash of bitters.

When you liked this informative article and you want to receive guidance concerning Bourbons for sale online kindly go to the web site.