Newbie’s Guide to Appreciating Bourbon Whiskey

Bourbon is the last word American spirit, considering the barrel-aged distilled spirit was originally produced in an space known as Bourbon County, Kentucky. To satisfy the authorized definition of bourbon, it have to be produced within the United States, must be created with at the least fifty one% 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 at least 2 years, and has no different coloring or flavoring added. Blended bourbon whiskey can include different flavoring or spirits, but have to be no less than fifty one% straight bourbon.

How to Drink Bourbon: Straight or Blended

If you wish 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 a number of drops of water to the whiskey, to “open up” the aroma of the bourbon. When you go this route, you might admire drinking your bourbon in a brandy snifter. The form of the glass will assist concentrate the aroma. It’s best to not use brandy snifters for high proof bourbons.

In the event you’re a beginner, you would possibly need to attempt bourbon whiskey on the rocks, or with just 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.

Classic 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 utilize any model 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 nearly a century. Though the earliest cocktails used rum or rye whiskey, bourbon has turn into the spirit of alternative for this candy and easy cocktail.

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

4 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’ll 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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