Newbie’s Guide to Appreciating Bourbon Whiskey

Bourbon is the ultimate 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 should be produced within the United States, have to be created with not less than 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 at least 2 years, and has no different coloring or flavoring added. Blended bourbon whiskey can contain different flavoring or spirits, however should be at the very least fifty one% straight bourbon.

Methods to Drink Bourbon: Straight or Blended

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

In case you’re a beginner, you would possibly need to attempt bourbon whiskey on the rocks, or with a few cubes of ice. Pour your self 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.

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 need to use any model of bourbon you prefer—I’ve not too long ago 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 grow to be the spirit of selection for this candy and easy cocktail.

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

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 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

In case you fancy your self a devotee of the Mad Men-period, 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.

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