Published on February 17, 2023.
Fun fact time!
It is named after House of Bourbon, a powerful French dynasty. However, the dynasty probably had very little to do with the creation of bourbon, and the name was most likely stolen for marketing purposes.
It must be made of a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn, cannot enter the barrel at higher than 125 proof and distilleries cannot add anything except water to the mix to lessen the proof when necessary.
95% of bourbon comes from Kentucky; however, it does not have to come from Kentucky to be called bourbon.
Straight bourbon has to be aged for a minimum of two years; however, there is no minimum aging requirement on properly distilled corn whiskey. If it is aged for less than four years, it must be labelled as such and will lower its market value.
Bourbon barrels can only be used once. All bourbon whiskey has to be aged in brand-new, charred oak barrels. Once the barrels have been used, they are either discarded or sold to other alcohol companies.
It is responsible for the creation of drinking straws. Until the late 1880s, cocktails were sipped through hollow stalks of ryegrass which left a nasty residue. Martin Stone believed he could do a better job while sipping on his Mint Julep. He tightly wrapped strips of paper around a pencil and glued them. In 1888, Stone patented a paraffin-coated manila version of this.
Not all bourbon is Tennessee whiskey. But all Tennessee whiskey is bourbon.
During the Prohibition, bourbon was legally allowed if you could produce a doctor’s note. This exception was often the only thing keeping distilleries afloat.
On 4th May 1964, Congress declared bourbon as the ‘distinctive product of the United States; hence why it can now only be produced in the United States.
Depending on the conditions of the cellar, three to four percent of the whisky naturally evaporates during each year of aging. This portion is called the ‘Angels’ share’ – said to be an offering to satiate the divine drinkers above.
ALL STOCKED AT DWUK
Only four casks are used in the construction of each release. Sweet & spicy, with a generous dash of vanilla.
Distilled in pot stills with an aim to produce a fuller flavoured spirit & aged in new charred oak.
An Oak-barrel-aged smooth & drinkable with hints of caramel, vanilla, chocolate & spice.
Due to its especially high rye content, it has a bold, spicy character with a finish that’s distinctively clean and smooth.
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About the author
Chloe Lewis
Chloe looks after all copywriting and proof-reading for Drink Warehouse UK, working with the Marketing team to deliver educational content to all our customers. She has spent many years in the hospitality sector, moving from behind the bar to now helping venues to stock their own. You can find more from Chloe about beer, cider, spirits, wine, non-alcoholic, soft drinks and RTDs all over our blogs, website, social media and Set The Bar magazine.
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