Beginner’s Guide to Appreciating Bourbon Whiskey

Bourbon is the last word American spirit, considering the barrel-aged distilled spirit was originally produced in an area known as Bourbon County, Kentucky. To fulfill the legal definition of bourbon, it have to be produced in the United States, must be created with at the very least 51% corn, and aged in new oak barrels. There are types of bourbon whiskeys—straight and blended. Straight bourbon implies 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 different flavoring or spirits, however must be no less than 51% straight bourbon.

The best way to Drink Bourbon: Straight or Blended

If you wish to recognize 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 a number of drops of water to the whiskey, to “open up” the aroma of the bourbon. For those who 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.

Should you’re a newbie, you may want to strive bourbon whiskey on the rocks, or with a couple of 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, strong, and flavorful. You should utilize any brand of bourbon you prefer—I’ve 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 practically a century. Although 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 want:

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, after which adding an alcohol like bourbon. A citrus rind completes the drink.

This recipe keeps it easy and lets the bourbon shine. You will 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

Should you fancy yourself a devotee of the Mad Males-era, 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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