Old Forester Signature 100 Proof
100 Proof Wide Release Louisville, KY
Prohibition was a dark time for bourbon distillers . Most closed up shop, but Brown-Forman, distiller of Old Forester, was granted permission by the Feds to continue making their bourbon for medicinal purposes. Today its the oldest bourbon distillery still run by the founding family and their Signature 100 Proof is probably the ideal spirit for making an Old Fashioned. The high proof will hold up to the bitters and sugar, while the strong, spicy flavor balances the sweetness. No prescription required. Buy It
What Is The Mark On Maker’s Mark
Designed by Margie Samuels, the iconic label on every bottle of Maker’s Mark has a symbol you may have always overlooked or just never understood. This symbol is both etched onto the bottom of the neck of the bottle as well as printed on the label to the left of the word “Mark.” The symbol is the letter “s” and the Roman numeral “IV” inside of a circle with a star attached to one end.
This emblem was designed by Margie out of her admiration for the symbols whitesmiths would stamp on their very best work in other words, their maker’s mark. The significance of the star comes from the Star Hill Farm, where Samuel’s family resided in Bardstown, Kentucky. The letter “s” stands for “Samuels,” and the Roman numeral refers to Bill Samuel’s status as a fourth-generation bourbon distiller, per the brand. Eventually, Bill’s son found out his father was actually a sixth-generation distiller but decided to leave the symbol unchanged.
Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
100 Proof Wide Release Clermont, KY
With its distinct rectangular bottle and typographic design aesthetic on the label Knob Creek is aiming for the guy who likes his whiskey a bit evolved. Its one of the high-market, small batch bourbons under the Jim Beam banner and was introduced in 1992, well ahead of the bourbon popularity spike back in the late aughts. Knob Creek is a quality, well-executed bourbon with a nutty aroma and a rich, almost fruity taste that goes great in a glass . Buy It
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In This New Edition The Profesor Explains What A Bourbon Is And What A Kentucky Straight Type Bourbon Is
You have already read it in bourbon bottles such as those of Jim Beam or Makers Mark, the Kentucky Straight label has a reason to be. But first, we will briefly explain what a bourbon is.
What is a bourbon?
A bourbon is a type of American whiskey. To produce it you need a recipe with a minimum of 51% corn. The mash is distilled at 160 proof or less. The distillate must then be stored in new charred oak barrels at 125 proof or less, and must not contain any additives. .
Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Now, with this in mind, lets talk about Kentucky Straight bourbon. This type of bourbon needs to follow certain guidelines to qualify as such.
First, it is necessary to adhere to the rules of a Straight Bourbon:
Bourbon barrels in a distillery
Second, in addition to following the guidelines for a Straight bourbon, it must be aged in the charred oak barrel for at least two years. In case it has been aged less than 4 years, it is necessary to indicate it on the label.
Third, and finally, to classify as a Kentucky Straight Bourbon it is necessary to follow the guidelines of the Straight Bourbon and also to have been distilled and aged for at least 1 year in Kentucky.
What Is Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
As defined in the United States law, Straight Bourbon Whiskey is whiskey that is distilled in any of the 50 states from at least 51% fermented corn to no more than 160 proof and aged in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. The proof going into the barrel cannot exceed 125. It must be bottled at not less than 80 proof.
This definition is established for American whiskey production as per the U.S. federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits.
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Whiskey Vs Bourbon Vs Scotch Abv Essentials
If you still cant understand what the difference between whiskey and bourbon is, this should help. The good old Scotch Whisky Act guidelines state that a whiskey must be distilled at an alcohol by volume strength of less than 94.8% and have a minimum alcoholic concentration of 40% by volume to be considered a scotch. By American liquor standards, any bourbon higher than 125 proof shouldnt enter the barrel for maturation, and anything under 80 proof cant be bottled as bourbon.
We hope this article answers the age-old question, Whats the difference between bourbon and whiskey? to your satisfaction. Looking for a place to get Marsala or any other type of liquor you could possibly desire? Check out Arrow Liquormart, the nearest liquor store that can deliver straight to your doorstep!
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What Is The Difference Between Straight Bourbon & Bourbon Whiskey
Drinking whiskey has been popular in the United States since colonial times. Yet Bourbon, while often referred to as Americas native spirit, has become even more popular of late. All Bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is a bourbon. Confused yet? Dont worry, the experts at New Riff Distilling have developed a comprehensive guide to a few basic definitions for the most common words seen on bourbon labels. Today, we focus on the difference between Bourbon whiskey and straight bourbon whiskey.
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Best For Sipping: Four Roses Small Batch
Courtesy of ReserveBar
ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Stone fruit, Baking spices, Sweet oak, Caramel
Bourbon nerds, get your hands on one of Four Roses Small Batch offerings. Each bottle features a code that reveals the blend of bourbons that went into the bottle, along with not only the mash bill within each specific bourbon but also the yeast strains that were used and the minimum age. The hitch? You just have to know how to read it. We wont go through it all now, but if youre interested, do look it up. Once you start decoding the recipe, you start feeling like a bourbon spy. But the bottle is worth picking up even if you arent a complete bourbon geek. Its a delicious blend of spice and fruit that languishes on your tongue. Baker calls it full-bodied and semi-sweet, adding that its so rich that a touch of my usual maple syrup would put them over the top. Lengthen out the notes of stone fruit with a splash of soda water or sip it straight for dessert.
How Long Does It Last After Opening
Bourbon isnt like wine or vermouth: it wont turn into vinegar if you dont drink it in time, and its fine to keep out of the fridge on a shelf. But once it is opened, it will start to evaporate and oxidize, which will affect the flavor after a year or so. If you want to extend the shelf-life of your bourbon, keep it in a cool, dark place, and store it upright so that the cork remains intact.
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Bourbon Shortage Leaves New Zealand Drinkers High And Dry
Because of shipping delays and a supply chain bottleneck that is primarily caused by Kentucky and Tennessee, where most bourbon is produced, there is a bourbon shortage. Ryan Smith, the brewer behind the shortage, explained that the problem is caused by global shipping delays, increased alcohol consumption, and supply chain problems caused by Kentucky and Tennessee shortages.
Not All Blends Are Created Equal
Just how the word blend came to accrue a bad reputation is worth exploring, too. For starters, the word is not consistently used across the global whisky industry Greene herself says she has found 38 different definitions for blend.
The word blend changes no matter where you are, says Greene. There is no universal definition of blend, which is really confusing and super unfortunate in a lot of ways because consumers are just massively confused.
But in America, the word became synonymous with a category of poor-quality whiskeys that enjoyed popularity in the 70s and 80s. The makers of these bottom-shelf brown spirits, which were often used as mixers, were free to add neutral grain spirits, flavorings and additives to aged whiskey . While now obscure, their reign was long and terrible enough to attach scare quotes to blend for a generation.
Its unfortunate the word is shared with some of the best whiskeys in the world, and some of the crappiest whiskey, Greene says.
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Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky: The Ultimate Bottle Guide
There are few bottles of whiskey as instantly recognizable as Maker’s Mark. The signature red wax-covered cap, the unique shape of the glass bottle, and the simple label all contribute to this bottle being a powerhouse in the world of drinks. Not only is the bottle one of a kind, but the whiskey itself is also just as delicious as any other.
There are countless bourbon brands that call the state of Kentucky home, but many are found in the notable towns steeped in the spirit’s history such as Louisville, Bardstown, or Frankfort. Some of these distilleries date back centuries. Maker’s Mark, on the other hand, is still a relatively new brand of bourbon, and its distillery won’t be as convenient a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. In fact, you’ll have to travel to Loretto, Kentucky to pay Maker’s Mark a visit, but if you do, you will most certainly be glad you did.
Making a trip to the home of Maker’s Mark is not at all required to reap its benefits, however. This whiskey is such a titan of its industry, it can most definitely be found in any establishment that sells liquor. Here is everything you need to know about this formidable figure in the bourbon business.
Bottled In Bond Without Chill Filtration High Rye Mash Bill
Appearance: Extra rich, unfiltered deep amber color.
Nose: Butterscotch rounding into fresh oak, with hints of vanilla and rye spice.
Taste: Broad, fulsome mouthfeel, leading to a sweeter vanilla accent, before a gathering of rye spices into the finish.
Finish: Long, rye-led finish, with brambly red-black fruits amid white pepper and clove.
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Best Splurge: Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
Courtesy of Drizly
ABV: 52% | Tasting Notes: Caramel, Dark chocolate, Almonds, Dark cherry
Forget Pappy: this is the bourbon worth a months rent. Though the blend is different every year, the quality is always top-notch. Each annual release is a blend of barrels that were laid down on one particular day.
The Birthday Bourbon is ridiculously culty, so while the official MSRP is a bit over $100, youll be hard-pressed to encounter a price like that in the wild . If you’re able to snag a bottle or have the cash to secure one at the market price, pour yourself a tasting glass and savor it. Sniff, sip, add a dash of water to bring out the nuanced flavorsreally enjoy the event. And if youre looking for a birthday gift for us, why not pick up a second bottle?
How To Drink Maker’s Mark
One of the best parts of Maker’s Mark is its ability to fulfill any function you need from your bourbon. It is smooth enough to be sipped neat, or on the rocks, but it is also robust and straightforward enough to mix into the best bourbon cocktails, like an Old Fashioned or Boulevardier, as well as modern classics like a Bourbon Renewal or Kentucky Maid.
The most fundamental way to enjoy your bottle of Maker’s Mark, however, is to sip it neat from a Glencairn glass. This type of glassware is specifically designed for whiskey tasting and has a unique shape that allows the spirit to breathe in addition to leaving room for your nose to take in all of the aromas it has to offer. If you are new to bourbon and want to discover all the aromas and flavor notes of Maker’s Mark without worrying about a bite, dilute the whiskey with a small amount of water. This will make any alcoholic harshness you want to avoid to dissipate and your senses will be able to focus on the craftsmanship of the whiskey, itself.
Of course, there are no concrete rules that need to be followed to drink Maker’s Mark, or any spirit for that matter, the right way. Everyone has their own tastes and preferences, and the most important thing is doing what makes you feel good and get the most out of your bottle.
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Best For Mint Juleps: Eagle Rare 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Courtesy of The Whisky Exchange
ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Citrus, Cola, Leather, Mint
As the unofficial Kentucky state cocktail, the Mint Julep simply must be made with Kentucky bourbon. And Eagle Rare is the way to goif you can get your hands on a bottle. The citrusy aroma pulls you in, and the palate welcomes you with a hit of sweet grass, cola, and leather, all leading to a zesty finish where you might just encounter a hint of mint. Those tongue-tingling flavors are wonderful on their own, but they particularly shine in a sweet and frosty Mint Julep.
Considering its quality and age , this bourbon is remarkably affordable, and makes a handsome addition to any home bar. If youre not the Mint Julep type, try pairing it with a pale or amber ale for a superlative Boilermaker.
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Best Overall: Noah’s Mill Small Batch Bourbon
Courtesy of Noah’s Mill
ABV: 57.15% | Tasting Notes: Allspice, Vanilla, Brûléed sugarKentucky bourbon is characterized by big flavors, rich mouthfeel, andsometimeshigh proof. Noah’s Mill is a small batch bourbon that checks all these boxes, boasting a nose replete with allspice, cinnamon, and oaky vanilla. On the palate, expect to encounter textbook bourbon notes of toasted pecan and brûléed sugar, which then segue into a rich finish of caramel and cream.
Produced by the family-owned Willett distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, Noah’s Mill has won multiple gold medals at the San Fransisco World Spirits Competition. This amazing bourbon is essentially cask-strength at 114.3 proof,” says Anthony Vitacca, an award winning bartender based in California. “But there’s so much flavor in this bourbon that you don’t realize you’re sipping on such a high proof spirit. The burn is present, but it’s a good burn.
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What Defines Kentucky Bourbon
During the distillation process, grain, yeast, and water are fermented to make Bourbon. There must be a minimum 51% corn in the mash bill. About 70% of most bourbons are made with corn. Brand new barrels made from white oak and charred on the inside are the only type of barrels to be used to age Bourbon.
Should All Bourbon Be Made In Kentucky
Not necessarily. There is no denying that Kentucky is the spiritual home of bourbon. The states climate and water supply are perfectly suited for distilling, and its long tradition of craftsmanship is unrivaled.
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.
So while Kentucky may be the undisputed king of bourbon, 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.
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Whiskey Basics: Explaining Straight Whiskey
How much importance can a single word have on your bottle of whiskey? Quite a lot, actually. Thats the case when it comes to the application of the word straight when found on the label of an American whiskey. Most people tend to think of it as a good indicator of potential quality and it is, or at least it sets a floor in terms of certain minimum qualifications. But its worth knowing what its actually saying.
Best For Mint Juleps: Eagle Rare
Courtesy of ReserveBar
ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Citrus, Cola, Leather, Hint of mint
The unofficial Kentucky state cocktail, the Mint Julep simply must be made with Kentucky bourbon. And Eagle Rare is the way to go. The citrusy aroma pulls you in, then upon sipping, you get a hit of sweet grass, cola, leather, a zesty finishand just a hint of mint. Those tongue-tingling flavors are wonderful on their own, but particularly in a sweet and frosty Mint Julep.
Considering its quality and age , this bourbon is quite affordable. If youre not the Mint Julep type, try pairing a shot with a pale or amber ale for a superlative Boilermaker.
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Whiskey History: What Is Straight Bourbon
Angels Envy® is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon thats finished in port wine barrels, and while we spend a lot of time talking about the aged in port wine barrels part , we tend to gloss right over Kentucky Straight. So what exactly is a straight bourbon ?
When the Pure Food and Drug Act was passed in 1906, one of the many things it covered was whiskey. In an effort to protect American distilleries from foreign businesses flooding the market with cheap substitutes, the U.S. government determined that whiskey could only be labeled and sold as whiskey if met the guidelines to qualify it as straight.
Straight whiskey was and is largely a matter of aging and proof assurance. The Pure Food and Drug Act does stipulate that whiskey must be created by distilling a fermented cereal grain mash, but beyond that, its all age and proof. Once distilled, the whiskey may not exceed 80% ABV, and it must be aged for a minimum of two years, otherwise it cant qualify as straight. At the point of barreling, it must be 62.5% ABV or lower, and only water may be added to dilute it at this point.