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 area known as Bourbon County, Kentucky. To fulfill the legal definition of bourbon, it have to be produced within the United States, must be created with a minimum of 51% corn, and aged in new oak barrels. There are two types of bourbon whiskeys—straight and blended. Straight bourbon signifies that the bourbon has been aged for no less than 2 years, and has no other coloring or flavoring added. Blended bourbon whiskey can include other flavoring or spirits, however should be no less than 51% straight bourbon.

How 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 signifies that the bourbon is at room temperature, and without ice. Some like to add a few drops of water to the whiskey, to “open up” the aroma of the bourbon. If you happen to go this route, you might 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.

Should you’re a beginner, you may want to try bourbon whiskey on the rocks, or with a few 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.

Traditional 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 should 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 alternative for the Kentucky Derby for practically a century. Although 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, after which adding an alcohol like bourbon. A citrus rind completes the drink.

This recipe keeps it simple and lets the bourbon shine. You may 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 yourself a devotee of the Mad Males-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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