Bourbon Whiskey Explained in 3 Minutes #bourbon

Summary

Bourbon whiskey, with origins dating back to the 18th century, was first crafted by Scottish and Irish settlers in America. Named after Bourbon County, Kentucky, it gained popularity by the 20th century. Despite setbacks during Prohibition, bourbon rebounded with federal standards set in 1964. Made from at least 51% corn, it's distilled and aged in new charred oak barrels, giving it a distinct flavor. Notable early brands include Jim Beam, Old Forrester, Old Grandad, Maker's Mark, and Wild Turkey.

Takeaways

• 🥃 Bourbon's history dates back to the 18th century, originating from Scottish and Irish settlers who brought their whiskey-making skills to America.
• 📍 Bourbon is named after Bourbon County, Kentucky, which was named in honor of the French royal family for their support during the Revolutionary War.
• 🔥 Prohibition (1920-1933) forced many bourbon distilleries to shut down, and those that remained were often associated with cutting corners, leading to a tarnished reputation.
• 📜 The federal standards of identity for distilled spirits in 1964 were established to ensure bourbon met specific production and labeling standards.
• 🌽 Bourbon is made from a grain mixture with at least 51% corn, along with other grains like rye, wheat, and barley.
• 🍶 The production process involves mashing the grains, fermenting with yeast, distilling to a high proof, and aging in charred oak barrels to give bourbon its unique flavor and color.
• 🛢 The barrels used for aging bourbon must be new, charred on the inside, and typically made from American White Oak.
• ⏳ Bourbon must be aged for a minimum of two years to be considered straight bourbon, but many are aged for much longer.
• 🔄 After aging, bourbon is often blended with other barrels to achieve a consistent flavor across batches before bottling and sale.
• 🏺 Some of the first bourbon brands include Jim Beam (1795), Old Forrester (1870), Old Grandad (1882), Maker's Mark (1953), and Wild Turkey (1940).

Q & A

What is bourbon whiskey and why has it become popular?

Bourbon whiskey is a type of American whiskey that has experienced a surge in popularity, particularly in the last decade. It is made from a grain mixture with at least 51% corn, and it is aged in charred oak barrels, which give it its distinctive flavor and color. Its popularity can be attributed to the rise of craft distilleries and the allure of limited, high-quality releases.

What is the historical origin of bourbon whiskey?

Bourbon whiskey's history dates back to the 18th century, believed to have been first made by Scottish and Irish settlers who brought their whiskey-making skills to the American colonies. It was named after Bourbon County, Kentucky, which was founded in 1785.

How did Prohibition impact the bourbon industry?

Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, led to a nationwide ban on the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. This caused many bourbon distilleries to shut down, and those that remained were often associated with cutting corners, which tarnished bourbon's reputation.

What are the federal standards of identity for bourbon?

The federal standards of identity for distilled Spirits, established in 1964, are a set of regulations designed to ensure that bourbon meets certain standards in production and labeling, including being made in the United States, being distilled from a fermented mash of at least 51% corn, and being aged in new charred oak containers.

What is the minimum aging period for bourbon to be considered straight bourbon?

Bourbon must be aged for a minimum of two years to be considered straight bourbon, although many bourbons are aged for much longer than this minimum requirement.

What is the process of making bourbon whiskey?

Bourbon is made from a grain mixture that includes at least 51% corn, which is mashed and fermented with yeast to produce a wash. This wash is then distilled to create a clear high-proof alcohol, which is aged in charred oak barrels to develop its flavor and color. After aging, it may be blended with other barrels for consistency and then bottled for sale.

What are some of the first bourbon brands to come to market?

Some of the first bourbon brands to come to market include Jim Beam, introduced in 1795; Old Forrester, introduced in 1870; Old Grandad, introduced in 1882; Maker's Mark, introduced in 1953; and Wild Turkey, introduced in 1940.

Why was Old Forrester able to continue production during Prohibition?

Old Forrester was able to continue production during Prohibition because it was granted a medical license by the government, which allowed them to sell their product for medicinal purposes.

What is unique about Maker's Mark bourbon?

Maker's Mark is known for its distinctive red wax seal on the bottle, which has become a recognizable feature of the brand since its introduction in 1953.

What is the significance of the charred oak barrels in bourbon production?

The charred oak barrels are significant in bourbon production because they impart a distinctive flavor and color to the bourbon as it ages. The barrels must be new and charred on the inside, typically made from American White Oak.

How does the aging process affect the flavor of bourbon?

The aging process in charred oak barrels allows the bourbon to develop its complex flavors and deep color. The length of aging can greatly influence the taste, with longer aging times typically resulting in a smoother and more refined bourbon.