September 25, 2024
Bourbon and whiskey are not exactly the same. While all bourbons are whiskey, not all whiskeys are bourbon. For National Bourbon Heritage Month, we wanted to answer some of your questions on bourbon, like its origin, how it’s made, and which bourbon is the best.
What Makes A Whiskey Bourbon?
Bourbon is a specific subcategory of American whiskey defined by both its production processes and regional origin. A common misconception is that bourbon has to be made in the state of Kentucky; it can actually be produced anywhere in the United States, including all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. This is per Congress's 1964 Concurrent Resolution on bourbon, which codified bourbon whiskey as a "distinctive product of the United States" and afforded it governmental protection of origin.
This was further codified in the Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits, which states that for a spirit to be called ‘bourbon,’ it must be made with the following restrictions:
- Its mash, or grain mixture, must be at least 51% corn.
- It has to be aged in new, unused oak barrels, the interior of which have been charred.
- It can’t be distilled higher than 160 proof, enter the container for aging higher than 125 proof, and bottled higher than 80 proof (that’s 80%, 62.5%, and 40% ABV, respectively).
How Is Bourbon Made?
In terms of process, bourbon production is very similar to other spirits. Like other spirits, the process involves fermenting the base, straining out solid particulates, and distilling to purify the liquid and increase alcohol content and eliminate impurities. Then it’s barreled for aging, diluted to ensure correct percent ABV, and bottled for consumption.
What sets bourbon apart is the mash bill, or the base of grains used to ferment. As stated, bourbon must legally contain at least 51% corn in its mash; its secondary grain(s) is where each bourbon attains its uniqueness. For example, bourbon made with wheat tends to be softer and sweeter in profile, whereas bourbon with rye is generally more baking spice forward and frequently bolder. The grain makeup is a major point of creativity for producers alongside yeast strain, bottling proof, secondary cask choices, and other flavor impacting factors.
What Is ‘Straight’ Bourbon, ‘Bottled-In-Bond’ Bourbon, or ‘Blended’ Bourbon?
For a bourbon to be considered ‘straight,’ it must meet all the requirements stated above, as well as have aged at least two years, and contain no added coloring, flavoring, or other spirits.
‘Bottled-in-bond’ bourbon is a type of straight bourbon that, in addition to all other requirements, must be produced by one distiller at one distillery in one season. It has to be aged for at least four years in a bonded, federally-controlled warehouse and bottled at 100 proof, or 50% alcohol by volume.
If a bourbon is labeled ‘blended’ or as a ‘blend,’ it still must be at least 51% straight bourbon; the rest can be other additives like coloring, flavoring, and other spirits.
Though not legally defined, ‘high rye’ bourbons are typically made with 20-35% rye in its mash bills. ‘High-wheat’ or ‘wheated’ bourbon is a similar label for bourbons with wheat as the secondary grain.
Which Bourbon Is The Best?
Like all wines and spirits, which bourbon is best is a matter of taste. However, we have a few recommendations to get you started, with tasting notes from our spirits specialist, Lucas!
Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond
“A very classic bourbon profile, and great juice for the price, from a legacy distillery. The palate is defined by an interplay of dark berries and spice, with some rich complexity. This offering showcases the use of the 1897 Bottled in Bond Act, the U.S.’s first legal protection of whiskey purity, and food safety legislation in general.”
Remus Highest Rye
“This is made in Indiana by one of the nation's largest bulk whiskey producers, Midwest Grain Products (MGP), now known as Ross & Squib. The mash bill’s secondary grain is 39% rye, a remarkably high content, and gives the bourbon almost chai-spice characteristics, with notes of some sweeter baking spices, and even cardamom and black pepper!”
Old Elk Single Barrel Store Pick
“This is a single barrel of straight bourbon produced by Old Elk out of Fort Collins, Colorado. Greg Metze, the master distiller of Old Elk, actually worked over thirty years at MGP and served as their master distiller from 2002 through 2016 before joining the team in Fort Collins. Mr. Metze actually joined us in-store last year when we did a private selection of this barrel. The exclusive result of that picking session is this delicious single barrel, with a unique mashbill including a uniquely high 34% malted barley. This factors into a very distinctive and particularly tasty profile, one where I get vanilla almond butter and strawberry malted milkshake notes on the palate. One of my absolute favorites of our single barrel store picks!”
While these are great starting points, there are an uncountable number of variations on bourbon. Let us know which you enjoyed the most!
At BayTowne Wine & Spirits, we pride ourselves on great people, great selection, and great prices. We have the expert staff who can help you find the perfect wine or spirit. Give us a call or stop in the store!