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 meet the legal definition of bourbon, it must be produced in the United States, must be created with a minimum of 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 at least 2 years, and has no other coloring or flavoring added. Blended bourbon whiskey can contain different flavoring or spirits, however must be a minimum of 51% straight bourbon.

Find out how to Drink Bourbon: Straight or Blended

If you want to appreciate bourbon whiskey on its own, there are typically ways to do it. Purists like to drink it neat, which means that the bourbon is at room temperature, and without ice. Some like to add a number of 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.

In case you’re a beginner, you might want to try bourbon whiskey on the rocks, or with just a few cubes of ice. Pour your self 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.

Classic 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 can use any brand of bourbon you prefer—I’ve just lately enjoyed the new Wild Turkey eighty one 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 turn into the spirit of selection for this candy and easy 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 simple and lets the bourbon shine. You will want:

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

In case you fancy your self a devotee of the Mad Men-period, the Manhattan is for you. It was one of many first cocktails to incorporate vermouth, and it’s rounded out with a dash of bitters.

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