Newbie’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 at the least fifty one% 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 include different flavoring or spirits, but should be at the least fifty one% straight bourbon.

Find out how 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 signifies that the bourbon is at room temperature, and without ice. Some like to add a couple of drops of water to the whiskey, to “open up” the aroma of the bourbon. If you go this route, chances are you’ll appreciate drinking your bourbon in a brandy snifter. The form of the glass will help concentrate the aroma. It is best to not use brandy snifters for high proof bourbons.

If you happen to’re a beginner, you might need to attempt bourbon whiskey on the rocks, or with a number of 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, strong, and flavorful. You should use any brand of bourbon you prefer—I’ve not too long ago 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 almost a century. Although the earliest cocktails used rum or rye whiskey, bourbon has become the spirit of alternative for this candy and easy 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, 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

In case you fancy yourself 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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