Bourbon

You and your buddy Steve saddle up to your favorite bar on a Thirsty Thursday night to pregame the weekend. While you're just about to order your usual beer, he suggests mixing it up and trying some bourbon. It's the first time he's ever mentioned the whiskey variety before but he's suddenly full of information about it tonight.

I'm eavesdropping while I sit at the bar waiting for my friend's shift to be over -- he's the bartender waiting for you guys to order. Steve really seems to know what he's talking about; I'm learning a lot from his passionate speech and I bet you are, too.

The History Of Bourbon

While whiskey has been around in Scotland and Ireland for a thousand years, bourbon wasn't invented until the production process was championed by Irish and German settlers in the area that became known as Bourbon County in the Western or Kentucky area of the United States frontier after the Revolutionary War.

According to Difford's Guide, the first recorded distillery was established in 1783 but there were lots of distilling operations in the region -- producers looking to avoid paying taxes on the alcohol they made could operate in the area away from the authorities in established states. As the alcohol spread, was used in the medical field, became a part of well-executed businesses, and rode the waves of beverage laws and trends, bourbon became ingrained in our drinking culture.

Where the name comes from, however, is up for debate. The royal French surname popped up as an homage to the country's support of the American revolution. An easy answer for how the designation was transferred to the beverage is due to the "Old Bourbon" area many distilleries operated in, which was noted on barrels shipped down the Ohio River. However, Smithsonian Magazine quotes a bourbon expert and author who thinks the moniker refers to Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Possibly, when enterprising French immigrant brothers shipped the alcohol from Kentucky to sell it on that street, the colloquialism "that bourbon whiskey" could have eventually become the drink's official name.

How Is Bourbon Made?

Bourbon is a type of whiskey, which as four production stages: mashing, fermenting, distilling, and aging. A variety of grains that may include rye, barley, corn, and wheat is finely ground, combined with water, and heated to convert the grains into sugar; this creates a fluid called a mash. The mash is mixed with yeast and fermented to convert the sugars into alcohol; this is beer. That's heated up in a still to separate the liquid from any other leftover substances, creating pure colorless alcohol. After aging in barrels for an amount of time, the whiskey gains flavor and color.

A key element of what makes a certain type of whiskey bourbon instead of another variety is how it's made. In order for it to be legally considered bourbon, the liquor must meet a few requirements. First, at least 51% of the grain used must be corn. Second, bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels. furthermore, if it's aged for at least 2 years it earns the title of "straight bourbon." Additionally, the bourbon must have certain alcohol content by volume at different points of the production stage -- the mash should be at or below 80 proof, the distillate should be between 80 and 125 proof, and the final product should be bottled at no less than 80 proof.

Lastly, the drink must also be produced in the United States without any artificial coloring or flavors. Although much bourbon still hails from Kentucky, it can be produced in any part of the country and still fit the bill.

What Does Bourbon Taste Like?

Since it's made with corn, bourbon is sweet compared to other types of whiskey. The rich flavor can have notes of caramel, vanilla, butterscotch, or other flavor compounds imbued by the charred oak barrel. High proof can lead to a hint of spiciness. Certain types of yeast used in fermentation could result in slightly floral undertones in the alcohol. If it's aged longer in the barrel, it might have a wood-forward flavor. If there are unique grains used in the mash, the resulting bourbon might have a grain-forward flavor.

Before tasting, smell the aromas. Use the first sip to coat your tongue and then begin analyzing the flavors on the second sip. After you swallow, breathe out of your nose.

Should I Order Bourbon At A Bar?

Yes, you should! Most bars will have a few bourbon options for you to choose from. When you order, you can say the brand of bourbon you want and whether you want it neat (straight) or on the rocks (with ice in the glass). You may also drink it with a splash of water. There will likely be a less expensive well bourbon as well as other options like Wild Turkey, Maker's Mark, Knob Creek or Jim Beam. Depending on the bar, there may be a wider selection with different flavor profiles to choose from. Whether you're sipping or mixing, there's bourbon for every occasion.

You could order your bourbon up (stirred with ice, then strained into a chilled glass), with a twist of peel from a citrus fruit, or with a wedge of lime or lemon. Some places (Steve is excited to tell you about The Whisky Bar in Belltown) will curate flights that include top-shelf or local bourbon options for you to try.

Depending on the type of bar, the type of bourbon, and your personal preference, you could choose to drink the whiskey as a shot. Often, the bourbon is sipped and enjoyed over a longer period of time.

What Cocktails Are Made With Bourbon?

If sipping on a smooth pour isn't your style, there are plenty of easy bourbon cocktails you might enjoy. Recipes for Mint Julep, New York Sour, Whiskey Sour, and Paper Plane Cocktails all typically call for the spirit, but it can also be used in any recipe that calls for whiskey. Feel free to mix it with soda or ginger beer. You can opt for bourbon instead of rye in an old fashioned or Manhattan if you prefer a slightly sweeter option. Just be sure to say the brand of bourbon you want followed by the cocktail name when you order.

Lots of specialty cocktails crafted by skilled mixologists may also feature bourbon: Steve mentions Blue Jeans and a Rosary, his favorite drink at Seattle staple The Hideout. If it's not too busy, you can always ask my buddy the bartender what he recommends as well.

Bourbon Nutritional Facts

The nutrition facts for bourbon are straightforward, as the fermentation converts sugars into alcohol and distilling evaporates any residual solids from the product. There are no fats, carbs, or proteins. Depending on the alcohol content, the calorie amount will vary from about 100 calories to about 125 calories per standard shot; lower proof bourbons with lower alcohol content will have less calories.

I'm finishing my drink right as Steve wraps up his bourbon spiel. I catch your eye for a split second as we both nod. He made it sound really good! "Yeah, alright Steve. I'll have whatever you order -- as long as you're paying!" you laugh. It's nice to try new things with your friends, especially when they're so excited to share them with you.

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