Oppidan Four Grain Straight
Batch 001 of Oppidan Four Grain Straight is made in the heart of America straight from the good ol cornfields of Indiana. This golden spirit is distilled using a unique blend of four different grains, including corn, rye, wheat, and malt. The result is a smooth, well-rounded whiskey with hints of sweetness and spice.
Read:
Takumi Edition A Collaboration With Japans Smallest Distillery Is A Fruitful And Balanced Blend
What were drinking: Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition
Where its from: Founded in 1879 by C.M. Dedman, the current version of the distillery was relaunched in 2014 after its initial shuttering by Dedmans great, great grandson .
Why were drinking this: Kentucky Owls initial releases were a series of old batches that saw distribution limited to a few hundred or thousand bottles and saw prices for each fetch up to several hundred or even thousands of dollars.
Why so much, besides the limited production and long ages in the first blends? Call it expertise. While the brand uses sourced product , the blending is overseen by John Rhea, a longtime Chief Operating Officer at Four Roses. For those who dont want to hunt down those extremely rare bottles, Kentucky Owl has introduced some more modestly-priced expressions into the market, including The Wiseman and Confiscated.
After releasing a collaboration with Irish Whiskey Bonder Louise McGuane last year called the St. Patricks Edition, Kentucky Owl decided to make the team-ups an annual release. For its second limited-edition bourbon, they worked with Nagahama, the smallest distillery in Japan, headed up by Master Blender Yahisa Yusuke.
Malt whisky and bourbon are very different, obviously, Yusuke told InsideHook during a tasting in late August . But what I like about bourbon, theres a very sweet fruitness, banana type of flavor, and a honey aroma, along with a bit of spiciness.
Also Check: What Other Alcohol Goes With Vodka
Why Is Kentucky Considered The Bourbon Capital Of The World
Image Source: https://1792bourbon.com
Visitors can visit the distilleries of 11 different types in and around Bardstown for several days at a time. Kentuckys bourbon industry accounts for a significant portion of the states economic activity.
As part of their partnership with Bardstown, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail has now been renamed an Official Gateway. The Kentucky Bourbon Festival, which has been held in the city since 1988, is also held. Bardstown joins Louisville and Northern Kentucky as Official Gateway level sponsors of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History, a rich and colorful archive of Kentuckys distilling past, is open to the public. Bardstow also has numerous other popular restaurants and bars, such as the Old Talbott Tavern. Bourbon Capital of the World® is a designation given to Bardstown, Kentucky.
You May Like: What To Mix With Fireball Whiskey
Question: Why Is Bourbon Only Made In Kentucky
Kentucky boasts some of the richest, most fertile soil in the country, ideal for growing the major ingredient in bourbon: corn. Bourbon must contain at least 51 percent corn, and Kentucky is up to the task. Its so committed to the golden kernel that it grows corn in every county.
Myth Busted: Bourbon Does Not Have To Be Made In Kentucky
In fact, bourbon doesnt have to be made anywhere near Kentuckyand it can still be 100% authentic. Its called Americas Native Spirit, after all, not Kentuckys Native Spirit. Not that you should blurt this out to a Kentuckian after youve both had a few.
Lets just look at the unbiased, sober regulations of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureauthe way all sensitive matters of regional pride should be settled. According to the TTB, these are the only requirements for the production of authentic bourbon: that its produced in the United States, made with a minimum 51% corn content, distilled to no higher than 160 proof, and barreled at no higher than 62.5% ABV in charred, new oak containers. No mention of Kentucky or blue grass anywhere in there. So yes, you could make bourbon in Orlando, Florida, or Sitka, Alaska, and call it thatso say federal regulations, at least.
Whether youll convince a Kentuckian is another story. According to the Kentucky Distillers Association, only the Bluegrass State has the perfect natural mix of climate, conditions and pure limestone water necessary for producing the worlds greatest Bourbon. The Kentucky climate does have a special influence, with the regions warmer summers helping to gently accelerate the aging in the barrel . And temperature fluctuations from warm to cool within the rick house help the whiskey absorb into and out of the barrel, with that increased interaction theoretically imparting more flavor.
Don’t Miss: American Gangster Trap Queens Brandi Davis
Bourbon Has To Hit Certain Abv Marks
When bourbon is barreled, it also has to hit a certain proof or alcohol content in the spirit. The mash must be distilled at 160 proof or less, and aged in barrels until it is no more than 125 proof or less. Before bottling, bourbon is filtered and diluted down to no less than 80 proof . Other whiskeys have different ABV standards for barreling and distilling. The minimum bottling strength for Scotch whiskey, for example, is also 80 proof or 40 percent ABV, but there is no maximum or minimum ABV for the distillate.
Balcones Texas Blue Corn Bourbon Texas
Balcones makes its bourbon from a 100% corn mash bill, specifically featuring blue corn. Bottled at cask strength and matured with the firepower of that Texas sun, this bourbon is big and bold. As weve discussed recently, as an all-corn bourbon, if this spirit was aged in used or uncharred casks, as it is in Balcones Baby Blue, its then categorized as a corn whiskey.
Balcones Texas Blue Corn Bourbon / Photo Credit: Balcones
Read Also: How Much Is Hennessy Very Special Cognac
What Is The Smoothest Kentucky Whiskey
Top 10 Smoothest Bourbon Whiskeys Bernheim Original 07 Year Old. Redemption Wheated Bourbon. Makers Mark 46. Rating: 80/100. Basil Haydens Artfully Aged. Rating: 78/100. W.L. Weller Special Reserve. Rating: 80/100. Makers Mark. Rating: 74/100. Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack. Rating: 71/100. Bulleit Bourbon Rating: 75/100.
What Makes Bourbon Bourbon
Have you ever wondered what truly makes Bourbon different from other dark spirits? If you think every liquor is the same, think again.
Whiskey comes in many forms, each with their own unique distinctions that set them apart from the others. Bourbon is one of the most common American versions of the dark spirit. Just like every other type of whiskey, Bourbon is also produced in its unique way.
For those who are curious to discover the difference between whiskeys and Bourbon, New Riff has you covered. Read on to discover what truly makes Bourbon, Bourbon.
Don’t Miss: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon
What State Makes The Most Whiskey
Of course, the search for Americas best whiskey starts with the two states that are the spiritual home of the American whiskey industry Kentucky and Tennessee. Many experts generally acknowledge Kentucky to be the premier whiskey-distilling region in the country, followed by Tennessee as a close second.
Does It Have To Be Made In Kentucky
Bourbon is so intrinsically linked to the Bluegrass State that its easy to think the spirit is exclusively made there. Whats more, according to the Kentucky Distillers Association, 95 per cent of the worlds supply comes from Kentucky. The reality is, however, that it can be produced anywhere in America, and new bourbon distillers are cropping up across the country all the time.
Read Also: Whats The Smoothest Whiskey
Read Also: Is Rum And Diet Coke Keto
What State Produces The Most Whiskey
KentuckyOf course, the search for Americas best whiskey starts with the two states that are the spiritual home of the American whiskey industry Kentucky and Tennessee. Many experts generally acknowledge Kentucky to be the premier whiskey-distilling region in the country, followed by Tennessee as a close second.
Ko Distilling Bare Knuckle Straight Bourbon Virginia
KO Distilling has invested in some serious distillation firepower for a young distillery, and as such its hit the ground running. The brand makes its bourbon from a wheated mash bill and ages it for a minimum of two years. Only open since 2015, expect to hear much more from these folks as products continue maturing.
KO Distilling Bare Knuckle Straight Bourbon / Photo Credit: KO Distilling
Recommended Reading: What Is Sour In Whiskey Sour
Reasons Most Bourbon Is Made In Kentucky
Say the word Kentucky and the next word automatically falls into place: bourbon. Its just one of those natural pairings.
Nearly all bourbon is made there: 95 percent, according to the Kentucky Distillers Association. The connection between the state and the spirit is undeniable.
What is it about the Bluegrass State that makes it the bourbon capital of the world? There are five reasons:
RockKentucky sits on a bed of gorgeous blue limestone, which makes the ideal building block for bourbon. When water flows through the rock, it picks up minerals that add personality and flavor. Limestone also acts as a filter, eliminating bitter elements such as iron.
WaterThe water in Kentucky is hard meaning, it has a high pH and a high proportion of minerals, including calcium and magnesium. These elements are optimal for distilling. The yeast in bourbon adores those minerals. They aid the fermentation process and create the distinctive, crisp Kentucky bourbon we know and love.
SoilKentucky boasts some of the richest, most fertile soil in the country, ideal for growing the major ingredient in bourbon: corn. Bourbon must contain at least 51 percent corn, and Kentucky is up to the task. The state has been corn country since its earliest days in the late 1700s. Its so committed to the golden kernel that it grows corn in every county. Could any state top that for sheer dedication?
St Augustine Florida Straight Bourbon Florida
Aged 3 years, this straight bourbon features a wheated mash bill showcasing a high malted barley content, clocking in at 22%. The St. Augustine line also includes a popular Port Finish bourbon, made using barrels from local neighbor San Sebastian Winery. Another recent addition to the family is The Saint, a cask strength, small batch bourbon which finishes in barrels that held an Old Fashioned cocktail mix, offering a distinctive and enriching twist to the whiskey.
Read Also: What Is Monkey Shoulder Whiskey
Where Is Coopers Craft Bourbon Made
Honor the Craft. Please do not share or forward this content to anyone under the legal drinking age. Coopers Craft Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 41.1-50% Alc. by Vol., Brown-Forman Beverages, Louisville, KY. To find out more about responsible consumption, visit Responsibility.org and OurThinkingAboutDrinking.com.
Popular Pick: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon
Winner of the Best in Class Gold Medal from the Whiskies of the World Awards, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon is aged using a double barrel process. It first ages for 6-12 months in a charred oak barrel and then another 24 months with the second barrel toasted before lightly charring, intensifying the depth of flavor in the bourbon. A balanced mix of:
Read Also: Rum And Ginger Beer Mule
Best Bourbons You Can Only Get In Kentucky
Last Updated on September 9, 2022 by Lydia Martin
As the name suggests, Kentucky is the only place where you can get your hands on true Kentucky bourbon. In fact, 95% of the worlds bourbon supply comes from Kentucky.
Heres the top list of bourbons you can only get in Kentucky that will not disappoint you.
These Kentucky Distilleries Offer Tours Tastings And More For The Ultimate Trip Through Bourbon Country
Travel + Leisure
Most of the world’s bourbon comes from nearly 70 distilleries in Kentucky’s Bourbon Country. All of the big bourbon names are here Jim Beam, Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark, and Wild Turkey, among others and there’s good reason for that. Kentucky’s natural environment and weather are perfect for bourbon distilling, so when European immigrants settled in Kentucky in the 1700s, it was a match made in whiskey heaven. Now, hundreds of years later, people can visit the state to experience the top Kentucky distilleries several of which have been crafting spirits for generations along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, a route with over 37 distilleries offering tastings and tours.
Kentucky distillery tours, tastings, and experiences show visitors how spirits are made, so you’ll walk away with some knowledge, a more refined palate, and probably a few bottles to take home. Those looking for a well-rounded whiskey experience should start their journey at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center in Louisville. Here, visitors can learn more about bourbon history and plot their distillery stops . Make Louisville your home base for a multiday trip along the trail the city is home to its own Urban Bourbon Trail made up of the best bourbon bars around. The bars on this route have to serve at least 50 kinds of bourbon and host a bourbon event every month, so you’re sure to leave Kentucky with a new appreciation for the brown spirit.
Don’t Miss: How To Make Whiskey Highball
Noahs Mill Small Batch Bourbon Is The Top Choice
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproductslearn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Bourbon doesnt need to be made in Kentucky, despite a common misconception, but the Bluegrass State is certainly the source of some of the best examples of the category. Maybe its the limestone-filtered water, maybe its the decades of practice, but theres just something about Kentucky that makes for great bourbon.
The state produces a range of styles for every taste, from the classic, vanilla-heavy, full-bodied bottlings, to spicy, high-rye versions, to head-clearing cask-strength sippers.
And there are just so many ways to drink it. One of my favorite responses on the best way to enjoy bourbon was from Fred Noe of the Jim Beam family, says Lauren Parton, general manager of Devereaux at the Viceroy Chicago. He said theres no wrong way as long as you are enjoying it. Personally, I love whiskey neat or over one rockbut when its a hot Chicago day, I throw in some lime juice and simple syrup, and shake it up like a Daiquiri.
No matter how you like to drink it, theres a Kentucky bourbon out there for you. Because it packs a big punch, Noahs Mill Small Batch Bourbon is our favorite.
Here are some of the best.
Can Bourbon Only Be Made In Kentucky
The answer is no, not necessarily. Kentucky is definitely the spiritual home of bourbon whiskey. The fact that the Kentucky states climate and water supply are perfectly suited for distilling, and its long tradition of craftsmanship is unrivalled.
However, many other states also produce high-quality bourbon. Indiana, for example, has a similar climate to Kentucky and is home to several respected distilleries. Tennessee also has a strong bourbon tradition, with some of the most famous brands produced there.
Kentucky is most definitely the undisputed homeland of bourbon, but many other states also have a claim to the title. In the end, its up to the drinker to decide which bourbon they prefer. Whether its from Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, or any other state, the important thing is that its delicious.
Recommended Reading: Can You Buy Whiskey Online In Ohio
Noah’s Mill Small Batch Bourbon Is The Top Choice
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproductslearn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Bourbon doesn’t need to be made in Kentucky, despite a common misconception, but the Bluegrass State is certainly the source of some of the best examples of the category. Maybe it’s the limestone-filtered water, maybe its the decades of practice, but theres just something about Kentucky that makes for great bourbon.
The state produces a range of styles for every taste, from the classic, vanilla-heavy, full-bodied bottlings, to spicy, high-rye versions, to head-clearing cask-strength sippers.
And there are just so many ways to drink it. “One of my favorite responses on the best way to enjoy bourbon was from Fred Noe of the Jim Beam family,” says Lauren Parton, general manager of Devereaux at the Viceroy Chicago. “He said there’s no wrong way as long as you are enjoying it. Personally, I love whiskey neat or over one rockbut when it’s a hot Chicago day, I throw in some lime juice and simple syrup, and shake it up like a Daiquiri.“
No matter how you like to drink it, theres a Kentucky bourbon out there for you. Because it packs a big punch, Noah’s Mill Small Batch Bourbon is our favorite.
Here are some of the best.
Related: The Best Bourbon Books
How Much Bourbon Is Made In Kentucky
Kentucky is one of the leading producers of Bourbon whiskey in the world. All of the distilleries in Kentucky taken together accounted for 2.1 million barrels of Bourbon in 2019.
Needless to say, Kentucky generates a lot of revenue for its Bourbon distilleries every year. Apart from Kentucky, Tennessee is also known worldwide for its Bourbon.
Recommended Reading: Where Is Cazadores Tequila Made
Few Spirits Bourbon Illinois
FEWs bourbon showcases local corn in its mash bill thats veering into high-rye territory, with a 20% rye makeup. The brand also uses a yeast strain typically used for saison beers. When you factor that with the rye content of that mash bill, you understand the spicy backbone to this bourbon. Delicious stuff made from the onetime home of the temperance movement.