Beginner’s Guide to Appreciating Bourbon Whiskey

Bourbon is the ultimate American spirit, considering the barrel-aged distilled spirit was originally produced in an space known as Bourbon County, Kentucky. To satisfy the legal definition of bourbon, it should be produced within the United States, must 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 means that the bourbon has been aged for a minimum of 2 years, and has no other coloring or flavoring added. Blended bourbon whiskey can include different flavoring or spirits, but must be at the very least 51% straight bourbon.

Find out how to Drink Bourbon: Straight or Blended

If you wish to respect bourbon whiskey on its own, there are typically two 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 just a few drops of water to the whiskey, to “open up” the aroma of the bourbon. Should you go this route, you could recognize drinking your bourbon in a brandy snifter. The shape of the glass will help concentrate the aroma. It is best not to use brandy snifters for high proof bourbons.

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

Basic Bourbon Whiskey Cocktails

Bourbon works really well in cocktails. From the Mint Julep to the Manhattan, the bourbon cocktail is sophisticated, robust, and flavorful. You should utilize any brand of bourbon you prefer—I’ve just lately 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 practically a century. Though the earliest cocktails used rum or rye whiskey, bourbon has develop into the spirit of alternative for this candy and simple cocktail.

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

four cups bourbon

2 bunches fresh 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.

If you have any sort of concerns pertaining to where and just how to make use of Buy colonel e.h Taylor, you can contact us at the webpage.