The main ingredient in the distillation of the whisky known as bourbon is corn. The spirit must be produced in the United States, specifically in Kentucky, and it must age in charred oak barrels in order to be considered bourbon. The complex flavours and recognisable golden colour of the whisky are a result of the usage of burned barrels.
The history of Bourbon is lengthy and fascinating. It was created in Kentucky in the late 18th century, a state with a plentiful supply of corn. Elijah Craig, a Baptist clergyman who is frequently credited with creating the ageing procedure that gives bourbon its distinct flavour, created the first batch of whisky. Bourbon is a widely consumed spirit in the modern day. The mash bill, or the combination of grains used to manufacture the whisky, is one of the defining features of bourbon. Bourbon is required by law to include at least 51% maize, with the other ingredients commonly being rye, wheat or barley.
The final product's flavour can vary greatly depending on the mash bill, with some bourbons being sweeter and others being more complex or peppery. Although it is frequently used as an ingredient in cocktails, bourbon is primarily sipped neat or on the rocks.
The Old Fashioned, the Manhattan, and the Mint Julep are a few of the most well-known bourbon drinks. The mash bill, the age of the whisky, and the particular barrel used during the ageing process all affect the rich, nuanced flavour character of bourbon. Overall, it is a distinctive and well-liked spirit with a lengthy past and promising future.