Mark Twain once said, “If I can't drink bourbon or smoke in heaven, I can't go there.” That's the way bourbon lovers think: without bourbon, what's the point of drinking? However, if you've never tasted bouron and aren't sure how to drink it, then you've come to the right place. Bourbon whiskey is a type of American whiskey - stored in barrels, from distilled spirits usually from corn. Check out stage 1 to begin your journey through the art of drinking bourbon.
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Part 1 of 3: Bourbon Basics
Step 1. Know the basic standards that every bourbon should have
Bourbon is a type of spirit that is a “typical product of the United States of America,” under US federal law. In 1964, the US Congress established federal standards regarding bourbon production. These standards include:
- Must be made of not less than 51% corn.
- Must be stored in barrels made of “freshly” scorched oak. “Straight” bourbon is bourbon that has been stored in these barrels for two years.
- Do not distill over 160 (U. S.) proof (80& alcohol content)
- Must be in barrels for storage no more than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol content)
- Must be bottled (like other whiskeys) at 80 proof or more (40% alcohol content)
Step 2. Find the right age bourbon
Bourbon has no minimum age limit. The older the bourbon, the more amber brown in color, the stronger the taste, and the slightly increased sweetness.
- Bourbon is stored in barrels, and over time, generally seven to eight years, some will seep through the barrel wood. This is called “Angels' Share.” There is also a certain amount that seeps into the charred part of the barrel. This bourbon was extracted and named “Devil's Share.” Jim Beam named it "Devil's Cut."
- The barrels used to store bourbon are never used again. They are used to store soy sauce and whiskey or made into pretty furniture.
Step 3. Know the different colors of bourbon
Most bourbon is amber and brown, some remain white (or clear). As a novice bourbon drinker, you should start with the chocolate bourbon. The brown color of bourbon comes from the "breathing" of the vat into the charred parts and wood of the cask. The color comes from the charred part and the wood of the barrel.
White bourbon whiskey is clear as water, is one year old and goes by several names, including “The Ghost,” “Raw Whiskey,” “White Dog whiskey” (Jack Daniels), and “Jacob's Ghost” (Jim Beam), etc
Step 4. Know the history of bourbon
The name Bourbon comes from the French Bourbon dynasty. Bourbon County, Kentucky, is named after this French royal family, and bourbon was first produced in the old county of Bourbon part of Kentucky. Bourbon was originally made in the 18th century but was not well known until the 1860s. Based on the redefinition included in NAFTA, bourbon is now made throughout the United States.
- By tradition, the original bourbon came from a distillery located in the original 1786 Old Bourbon County in northeastern Kentucky which is now divided into 34 counties.
- The first licensed distillery after the ban in Bourbon County did not operate until 2014. Reputable whiskey brewers from the historic area of Bourbon County will not use the word “bourbon” for their whiskey.
Step 5. Know the different types of bourbon and their specific flavours
Most bourbon is made from corn, rye, and barley. More traditional bourbon contains 8 to 10% rye. However, bourbon can be grouped into several additional categories, including HIgh Rye, High Corn, and Wheated.
- High Rye means the bourbon contains more than 10% rye. Bourbon that is high in rye is usually spicier than other bourbons and is known for its intense taste. High rye bourbons include Bulleit, Old Grand Dad, and Basil Hayden.
- Bourbon High Corn contains over 51% corn. Bourbon with a high corn content is usually sweeter than traditional bourbon. Bourbon high corn includes Old Charter and Baby Bourbon.
- Bourbon Whate is a bourbon that swaps rye for yellow wheat, combined with corn and barley. This bourbon is softer on the tongue and has a strong caramel or vaila flavor. Maker's Mark, Van Winkle bourbon, and Rebel Yell are common types of this bourbon.
Part 2 of 3: Bourbon Tasting
Step 1. Buy some kind of bourbon and try it
Buy traditional bourbon, high rye bourbon, high corn bourbon, and wheated bourbon then choose what you like best.
You can also try blends, combinations. The 4 year old blend is bourbon used for younger whiskeys, does not contain neutral grain spirits. (Neutral grain is not whiskey.)
Step 2. Use a glass suitable for liquor
You don't need a special glass, but for a good smelling and tasting experience, the shape of the glass matters (or add ice). The rich aroma will enhance the taste of the bourbon.
Step 3. Pour the bourbon into the glass
The glass should be a quarter full. Allow a few seconds. Before tasting, first smell the bourbon. Do this by placing your nose on the edge of the glass and opening your lips at the tip of the glass. With this, you can smell and taste bourbon at the same time.
The smell of bourbon varies depending on the bottle and of course depending on each person's sense of smell. Common descriptions of bourbon scents include notes of dark wood, vanilla, caramel, and matches
Step 4. Taste the bourbon
Leave on the tongue and then swallow. Let your tongue "bite" on the flavor for a few seconds and inhale through your nose and mouth together for a full flavor. If you are not used to drinking liquor, be prepared to feel the "bite" of bourbon in your mouth.
Part 3 of 3: Mixing Bourbon
Step 1. Ask the bartender for a list of recipes
Bourbon can be drunk alone, with water, with ice, or mixed into cocktails. Indeed, bourbon is well known as the standard spirit in cocktails.
Step 2. Try a bourbon cocktail
The Manhattan is the most famous. Don't be surprised if you feel like a mobster drinking this classic drink. Another cocktail is the Mint Julep. Mint Julep is a refreshing cocktail usually served in the southern part of the United States.
However, if you prefer basic cocktails to variations, look for Bourbon and Coke. This pair is easy to drink (and saves you at the bar)
Step 3. Use bourbon for cooking
Bourbon isn't just drunk; It can also add delicious flavor to your cooking. Bourbon chicken is a classic dish that mixes chicken with the delicious taste of bourbon. You can also try making a bourbon-infused sugar spread that tastes great with salmon.
Tips
- Fruits, mint, sweets, soda and syrup go well with the famous bourbons.
- Gin, vermouth, and high-alcohol wines usually don't go well with whiskey.
- Strong alcoholic drinks like Everclear don't go well with bourbon.
