Beginner’s Guide to Appreciating Bourbon Whiskey

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

Easy methods 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 number of drops of water to the whiskey, to “open up” the aroma of the bourbon. In the event you go this route, you might respect drinking your bourbon in a brandy snifter. The shape of the glass will assist concentrate the aroma. It is best to not use brandy snifters for high proof bourbons.

If you’re a beginner, you may need to strive bourbon whiskey on the rocks, or with a number of cubes of ice. Pour yourself a finger or of whiskey over ice. A finger is an informal measure, and is generally 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, sturdy, and flavorful. You need to use any brand of bourbon you prefer—I’ve recently 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 choice for the Kentucky Derby for practically a century. Though the earliest cocktails used rum or rye whiskey, bourbon has change 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 recent 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 may 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 happen to 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 want to find more info on Pappy van winkle for sale stop by our webpage.