What Is Bourbon?
Bourbon is a type of whiskey that originated in the United States and is the country's token spirit. It is named after Bourbon County, Kentucky, where it was first created in the early 19th century. Kentucky is still the bourbon production center in the U.S. This type of whiskey is typically distilled from corn, though some versions add other ingredients, generally other grains. There are a number of governmental requirements that bourbon must meet in order to be produced and put up for sale. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Bourbon was created in the early 19th century after European settlers, particularly those from Scotland, began to settle the land that is present day Kentucky. These people brought with them traditional Scotch whiskey and refined the process to create bourbon. The man who is said to have created the first barrels of bourbon is Elijah Craig, a Baptist minister. Dr. James Crow and Dr. Jason Amburgey are then credited for having refined bourbon by managing the pH levels in the spirit using sour mash. All straight bourbons are made from mash, as of 2005. In 1964, bourbon was declared a product of the United States and strict regulations were placed on its production.
Geography
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Bourbon is distilled in the United States in Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Tennesse and Virginia. However, 95 percent of the bourbon in the entire world comes from Kentucky, particularly around the city of Bardstown. This is known as the "Bourbon Capital of the World." It is also home to the only annual Bourbon Festival. Running between eight bourbon distilleries is a series of walking paths known as the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
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Features
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Bourbon has a distinct amber or brown color. It is made mostly of corn, though fermented grains of other types are often mixed to make unique blends of the spirit. All bourbon contains mash, which are previously fermented grains that have been drained and separated from their alcohol. When they are fermented for a second time, the acids in the mash helps to maintain a balance of chemicals in the bourbon to keep it from spoiling.
Considerations
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While it may seem like bourbon is made by a simple process that was conceived before the settling of the United States, it is a strictly controlled process that has a high level of regulation. Bourbon must be made of at least 51 percent corn grains and cannot be more than 160 proof. Bourbon must also be aged in oak barrels, and bottles must label the number of years the spirit has been distilled if it is less than four. These rules are regulated by the Federal Standards of Identity for Bourbon.
Warning
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The consumption of bourbon should be watched because it is a typically strong spirit that can affect the body in a short amount of time. Bourbon has the ability to get a person intoxicated quickly ,and if you do not watch your consumption, it could lead to damage of the stomach lining, liver and kidneys. Extreme cases of alcohol poisoning could also result in hospitalization, so drink bourbon responsibly.
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