Well since we seem to be talking about Bourbon this weekend (theme weekend!), I thought I'd share some interesting tidbits I picked up this past month about Bourbon!
Feel free to use them to amaze your friends at the holiday parties this year!
- Bourbon is the U.S.'s only native spirit, and primarily Southern (by the grace of God, as we like to say!)
- Bourbon is actually a type of American whiskey that is barrel-aged and distilled primarily from corn. It gets the name 'Bourbon' from its historical association with the Kentucky area known as Old Bourbon, around what is now Bourbon County royal family). It has been produced in this area since the 18th century! However, there are NO distilleries actually in Bourbon county anymore!
- Most international trade agreements require the name bourbon to be used ONLY for products made in the United States. The US Standard for the name bourbon is that it must be made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn; be aged in new and charred-oak barrels; be distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume); be placed into the barrel for aging at no more than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume); and be bottled (like other whiskeys) at 80 proof or more (40% alcohol by volume). That's a WHOLE lot to remember- but at least that gives it a quality standard!
- Bourbon has no standard about being aged- it can be aged for as little as three months! In fact- that is where the different TYPES of bourbon come in: straight bourbon has been aged for less than four years and must be labeled with the duration of its aging, where as blended bourbon may contain added coloring, flavoring, and other spirits (such as un-aged neutral grain spirits); but at least 51% of the product must be straight bourbon.
- During the aging process, bourbon gains its color and flavor from the caramelized sugars in the charred wood. Changes to the liquor can also occur due to evaporation, environmental (few storage rooms are climate controlled) and oxidation. Bourbons gain more color and flavor the longer they mature. Maturity, not a particular age, is the goal. Bourbon can age too long and become woody and unbalanced. AHA- which explains why sometimes bourbon can be really BAD!
Bourbon distillers can only use their barrels once! When they remove the 53 gallons of bourbon from the barrel, the barrels are then reused to age other non-bourbon whiskies. Not only is this environmentally great, it is good business, as the barrels cost over $100 each! Some of the distilleries will then use the barrels for other products, like furniture, smoker chips, and even used to roast coffee beans, or for resale (check out this website if you want to buy one!)
- Tennessee is home some major bourbon producers as well, though not all of the producers call the finished product bourbon, but use the term Tennessee Whiskey. But 'Tennessee whiskey' is legally defined as straight bourbon whiskey, per how it is made.
- My favorite new shopping site for all things Southern? Bourbon and Boots! You gotta love the name!
So now you know!
Feel any smarter?
Go get a shot of bourbon and you will be! LOL
Want some more bourbon recipes? Check out this page!
And a great article for WHY Southerns cook with liquor HERE!
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