Bourbon is the final word American spirit, considering the barrel-aged distilled spirit was initially produced in an area known as Bourbon County, Kentucky. To meet the legal definition of bourbon, it should be produced within the United States, should be created with at least 51% corn, and aged in new oak barrels. There are two types of bourbon whiskeys—straight and blended. Straight bourbon implies that the bourbon has been aged for no less than 2 years, and has no different coloring or flavoring added. Blended bourbon whiskey can include different flavoring or spirits, however should be at the least 51% straight bourbon.

The way to Drink Bourbon: Straight or Blended

If you want to respect bourbon whiskey on its own, there are typically two ways to do it. Purists like to drink it neat, which means that the bourbon is at room temperature, and without ice. Some like to add a couple of drops of water to the whiskey, to «open up» the aroma of the bourbon. When you go this route, you could appreciate drinking your bourbon in a brandy snifter. The shape of the glass will assist concentrate the aroma. It is best to not use brandy snifters for high proof bourbons.

If you happen to’re a newbie, you would possibly wish to strive bourbon whiskey on the rocks, or with a number of cubes of ice. Pour yourself a finger or of whiskey over ice. A finger is an informal measure, and is usually considered to be about three quarters of an inch or so.

Traditional Bourbon Whiskey Cocktails

Bourbon works really well in cocktails. From the Mint Julep to the Manhattan, the bourbon cocktail is sophisticated, robust, and flavorful. You can use any model of bourbon you prefer—I’ve recently enjoyed the new Wild Turkey eighty one Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which was created specifically for mixing cocktails.

Mint Julep

The Mint Julep has been the drink of selection for the Kentucky Derby for practically a century. Although the earliest cocktails used rum or rye whiskey, bourbon has turn into the spirit of choice for this sweet and easy cocktail.

This recipe yields 10 to 12 servings. You will want:

4 cups bourbon

2 bunches fresh spearmint

1 cup distilled water

1 cup granulated sugar

Powdered sugar

The Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is created by muddling sugar with bitters, after which adding an alcohol like bourbon. A citrus rind completes the drink.

This recipe keeps it easy and lets the bourbon shine. You may want:

2 ounces whiskey, rye or bourbon

2 dashes Angostura bitters

1 teaspoon water

1 teaspoon sugar

ice cubes

1 lemon twist

1 orange slice

1 maraschino cherry

The Manhattan

Should you fancy yourself a devotee of the Mad Males-era, the Manhattan is for you. It was one of many first cocktails to incorporate vermouth, and it’s rounded out with a dash of bitters.

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