What is Bourbon and How Is It Made?
Ah, bourbon. That most beloved of spirits, unless you’re a scotch person. Over the past two decades, bourbon has become an object of desire and devotion, drawing spirit drinkers from all corners of the globe to its amber-hued embrace. But what is bourbon and how is it made?
At its most basic, bourbon is a type of whiskey made from a mash of at least 51% corn, a grain native to the United States. However, bourbon is much more than just a grain mix. For a whiskey to be classified as bourbon, it has to follow a strict set of guidelines that go far beyond simple recipe requirements. In order for a whiskey to qualify as bourbon, it must:
Be distilled at no higher than 160 proof
Be aged in new, charred white oak barrels
Contain no additives
Be entered into the barrel at no more than 125 proof
Be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof
Be produced in the United States
What Impacts the Flavor of Bourbon?
Before being aged in charred oak barrels, bourbons undergo a process called distillation. During distillation, the initial “mash” – a mingling of corn, rye, wheat, and/or barley – is fermented and heated until it turns into a spirit with a distinctive boozy flavor. Depending on the specific brand and style of bourbon, the recipe of the mash can vary while still adhering to the 51%+ corn requirement.
The aging process is what really gives the spirit its characteristic flavor. As the bourbon moves from barrel to barrel, concentration levels increase and a robust character develops. The environment in which the bourbon is stored can vary, from hot, humid climates to chilly cellars. Different climates affect the speed of the aging process, which also affects flavor intensity. As the bourbon ages for four to ten years (or longer!), flavor notes like oak, smoke, sugar, almond, vanilla, and caramel all begin to emerge.
The Proof of the Pudding
Finally, each batch of bourbon is bottled according to its precise proof, or alcohol content level. The range can vary from 80-proof (which can be higher than the average beer), all the way up to 140-proof (which is stronger than most other cocktails). The higher the proof of the bourbon, the more flavor it will have.
It’s easy to understand why bourbon has become a worldwide sensation. With its complex flavor and specific rules of production, each bottle of bourbon is a unique experience and one of the most celebrated spirits of the modern era.