Bourbon whiskey is a type of American whiskey made primarily from maize (corn) with a minimum of 51% corn content. It originates from the United States and typically has an alcohol by volume of 40-80%.
How it is made
Bourbon is made from water, corn, and yeast. The grain is ground and mixed with hot water, heated to convert starch to sugar, and then fermented with yeast to produce alcohol. The fermented mash undergoes two separate distillations, increasing the alcohol content from 10% to 65%. The resulting distillate, known as 'white dog,' has a sweet corn flavor without sulfuric odors. After distillation, the bourbon is aged in new charred oak barrels, which gives it color and flavor.
History
Bourbon's name likely comes from Bourbon County, Kentucky, where it was first produced in 1789. The earliest commercial distillery was opened by Evan Williams in Louisville, Kentucky in 1783. Another theory suggests the name comes from Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The 'sour mash' method, which stabilizes flavor, was invented by Dr. James Crow in 1823. Bourbon was officially recognized as a distinctive spirit in 1840. In 1964, the U.S. Congress declared bourbon a national treasure and established legal standards for its production.
Types and styles
Bourbon must be made in the United States with at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, and bottled at no less than 40% alcohol. Tennessee whiskey, such as Jack Daniel's, is a closely related style that undergoes an additional charcoal filtering step. Popular bourbon brands include Maker's Mark, Bulleit Bourbon, Woodford Reserve, and Four Roses. Bourbons aged less than 4 years must display their age on the label.
How it is served
Bourbon can be served neat, with ice, with water, or in cocktails. Premium bourbons aged 4 years or more are typically served without ice or water to appreciate their full flavor. Younger bourbons (2-4 years) are often served with ice to mellow their sharpness. Bourbon is used in many classic cocktails including the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, Boulevardier, and Mint Julep. It's also used in cooking and baking, such as in bourbon-glazed desserts and sauces.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Бурбон (виски), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Kinds of bourbon whiskey
- Tennessee whiskey (11 cocktails)
Well-known brands
- Maker's Mark (United States)
- Bulleit Bourbon (United States)
- Woodford Reserve (United States)
- Evan Williams (United States)
- Four Roses (Kentucky)
- Elijah Craig (Kentucky)
- Knob Creek (United States)
- Basil Hayden's (United States)
- George T. Stagg (United States)
- Old Fitzgerald (United States)
- Jefferson's Bourbon (United States)
- Rebel (United States)
- Kentucky Gentleman (United States)
- J. T. S. Brown (United States)
- Rock Hill Farms (Kentucky)
- Fighting Cock (United States)
- Cabin Still (Kentucky)
- Hancock's President's Reserve (United States)
- Johnny Drum (United States)
- Trail's End Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey