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About Bourbon

Bourbon is an American form of whiskey made from (pursuant to U.S. trade law) at least 51% corn, or maize, (typically about 70%) with the remainder being wheat, rye, and malted barley. It is distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof, and aged in new charred white oak barrels for at least two years — or perhaps longer. It must be put into the barrels at no more than 125 U.S. proof; in this way it is similar to Scotch Whisky, which is also aged in charred barrels. Most of the time it is then adjusted to 80–100 proof and bottled, although some are bottled at “cask strength”.

Bourbon's History

In recent years the trend, with the exception of a few, mostly ultrapremium brands, has been toward lower proofs, generally 80 proof. In part this is due to the fact that some (mostly non-U.S.) jurisdictions do not allow alcoholic beverages with over 40% alcohol content to be sold and this makes all production suitable for sale in these jurisdictions; predominantly the major motive seems to be an economic one, as obviously it is less expensive for the distiller to stretch his product with more water; and the tax burden on the distiller is also reduced.

Bourbon can legally be made anywhere in the United States. However, all but a few of these brands are made in Kentucky, and the drink is associated strongly with that state. When American pioneers pushed west of the Allegheny Mountains following the Revolution, the first counties they founded covered vast regions. One of these original, huge counties was Bourbon, established in 1785 and named after the French royal family.

While this vast county was being carved into many smaller ones, early in the 19th century, many people continued to call the region 'Old Bourbon.' Located within 'Old Bourbon' was the principal Ohio River port from which whiskey and other products were shipped to market. 'Old Bourbon' was stenciled on the barrels to indicate their port of origin. 'Old Bourbon' whiskey was different because it was the first corn whiskey most people had ever tasted, and they liked it. In time, 'bourbon' became the name for any corn-based whiskey." Charles K. Cowdery How Bourbon Whiskey Really Got Its Famous Name printed in The Bourbon Country Reader, Volume 3, Number 1, July 1996.

Bourbon Cocktails

Bourbon County Cowboy
Dixie Dew
Manhattan
Midnight Cowboy
Mint Julep