Bourbon

One of the world’s most iconic and versatile whiskies, Bourbon is enjoyed neat, as a base in many classic cocktails or simply with a dash of cola over ice.

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What Makes It Bourbon

The USA’s iconic whisky, Bourbon, takes its name from Bourbon County in the state of Kentucky, where it was first produced in 1789 by ‘The Father of Bourbon’ Elijah Craig, and is now produced all over the United States, in line with government mandated standards.

What are the rules for producing a bourbon?

Firstly, Bourbon can only be made in the United States, after U.S Congress declared bourbon whiskey to be a “distinctive product of the United States”, meaning a product with the name ‘bourbon’ can only be made in America.

Bourbon must be distilled from at least 51% corn and at less than 160 proof (80% alcohol). Other grains that make up the rest of a the mash bill of a Bourbon can include rye, wheat, malted barley, or malted rye grain.

The ageing process for Bourbon must take place in new, charred white oak barrels at less than 125 proof (40% alcohol), with no artificial colouring or flavouring. While there are no rules regarding how long a Bourbon must age in oak, ‘Straight’ Bourbon must spend a minimum of 2 years ageing, while most Bourbon’s are aged for 4 years, and some even longer.

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Classic Bourbon Cocktails

Bourbon has long been a base for many popular cocktails, with some recipes dating back to the 1800s. The Manhattan and an Old Fashioned are two classic bourbon cocktails that every bourbon lover should add to their home bar repertoire.

Old Fashioned

Ingredients 

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (or substitute with simple syrup)

• 3 dashes Angostura bitters

• 1 teaspoon water (leave out if using simple syrup) 

• 60ml of quality bourbon

• Ice Cubes

• Orange peel to garnish

Method 

1. Add the sugar and bitters to a glass, then add the water, and stir until the sugar is nearly dissolved. 

2. Fill the glass with ice cubes, add the bourbon, and stir gently to combine.

3. Twist the orange peel over the glass to express it’s oils, then drop in the glass.

Manhattan

Ingredients 

• 60ml of quality bourbon or rye whisky 

• 30ml sweet vermouth

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Crushed ice 

• Cocktail cherry or lemon twist to garnish

Method 

1. Add the bourbon (or rye), sweet vermouth and bitters to a mixing glass with ice, and stir until well-chilled.

2. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.

3. Twist the lemon peel over the glass to express it’s oils, then garnish the glass, or simply garnish with the cocktail cherry.