Bourbon 101: An Introduction to America’s Native Spirit

Bourbon, with its rich heritage and deep roots in American culture, stands as a testament to the ingenuity, craftsmanship, and resilience of the human spirit. From its humble beginnings in the backwoods of Kentucky to its status as a global icon of quality and tradition, the history of bourbon is a fascinating tale of innovation, perseverance, and passion.  Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, let's embark on a journey to discover the allure and mystique of this quintessentially American libation.

 Bourbon Law:  The 7 Rules of Bourbon

At its core, bourbon is a type of whiskey that is distilled primarily from corn and aged in charred oak barrels. The U.S. recognized bourbon whiskey as a “distinctive product of the United States” and put the framework officially in writing of what would become “America’s Native Spirit” as designated by a 1964 Congressional resolution.  According to Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations, bourbon must meet certain criteria to be labeled as such, including: 

- Made in the United States

- Distilled from a mash bill containing at least 51% corn

- Aged in new, charred oak barrels

- Distilled to a maximum of 160 proof (80% ABV)

- Barreled at a maximum of 125 proof (62.5% ABV)

- Bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume)

- No flavorings or colorings may be added

 The Birth of Bourbon

The story of bourbon begins in the late 18th century, on the rugged frontier of what is now Kentucky. Settlers, predominantly of Scottish and Irish descent, brought with them the art of distillation and a taste for whiskey, using surplus corn crops to produce a unique style of whiskey that would come to be known as bourbon.  As the distillation process evolved and techniques improved, bourbon emerged as a distinct style of whiskey. While the exact origins of the name "bourbon" are shrouded in mystery, one popular theory attributes it to Bourbon County, Kentucky– a region renowned for its fertile soil and abundant corn harvests, where much of the early whiskey production took place.  However, it’s unknown for sure where bourbon got its name, some believe its name originated from the House of Bourbon, a royal family from France, while others believe its name was inspired by Bourbon Street in New Orleans.  The theory goes that in the 19th century whiskey was being shipped from Kentucky down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans in charred oak barrels.  During this lengthy journey the whiskey was sloshing about against the newly charred barrels and taking on an oaky flavor and dark coloring that bourbon enthusiasts today would recognize unique to bourbon.  This whiskey that arrived in New Orleans became popular with the locals who preferred this flavor as it reminded them of cognac, and as they travelled up and down the Mississippi and Ohio on riverboats, they began asking for that “Bourbon Street Whiskey”.  Eventually the street was removed from the name, and it just became known as Bourbon Whiskey.  Whichever of these origin stories are true and However Bourbon ended up with its name, by the late 1880’s it was fully set upon its path of becoming America’s Native Spirit.

 Unraveling the Flavors

One of the most fascinating aspects of bourbon is its diverse range of flavors, which can vary depending on factors such as the mash bill, aging process, and barrel char level. Common flavor profiles include:

  - Sweet: Notes of caramel, vanilla, honey, toffee, butterscotch, and chocolate

- Spicy: Hints of pepper, cinnamon, clove, tobacco, and leather

- Fruity/Floral: Undertones of cherry, apple, peach, citrus, and rose

- Oaky/Nutty: Flavors imparted by the aging process, such as toasted oak, cedar, almonds, and pecans

 How to Enjoy Bourbon

Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail like the Old Fashioned or the Mint Julep, there's no wrong way to savor bourbon. However, purists may argue that drinking bourbon neat – without any additional mixers or dilution – allows the full spectrum of flavors and aromas to shine through, providing a true expression of the spirit's character.  Here at Stave and Slide we believe you ultimately should drink bourbon how you want to drink it.  When tasting a bourbon for the first time, we always want to sip it neat, to capture the spirit in the form the distiller intended.  After the first few sips, a drop of water or two can sometimes “open up” the flavors and change the characteristics slightly.  This is a good way to see how the bourbon flavors are altered either for better or worse.  Adding water or ice is entirely up to you.  Experiment and enjoy.

One additional note on tasting bourbon is the glass.  You can drink bourbon out of just about anything.  On college football gamedays you’ll find copious amounts of bourbon being enjoyed from red plastic solo cups at tailgates across the Southeastern Conference.  While that’s a recipe for a great time, it’s not the ideal way to enjoy bourbon’s nuanced flavors.  This highlights the distinct difference between tasting vs. drinking.  If you’re drinking bourbon, then put it in whatever you wish.  Red Solo cup, rocks glass for an Old Fashioned etc.  If you’re tasting, then Stave & Slide likes the standard Glencairn which has a larger rounded bottom and tapered mouth to concentrate the bourbons aromas.  Libbey glassware collaborated on a Kentucky Bourbon Trail official tasting glass that can be found online.  Any tulip shaped glass, or copita, will work as well.

 Exploring Bourbon Culture

Bourbon isn't just a beverage – it's a cultural phenomenon that encompasses everything from distillery tours and tastings to festivals and events celebrating the spirit's heritage. From the rolling hills of Kentucky to the bustling streets of New Orleans, bourbon culture is alive and thriving, inviting enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the history, craftsmanship, and camaraderie that define the bourbon experience.

As you embark on your journey into the world of bourbon, remember that the true joy lies not just in the liquid itself, but in the stories, it tells, the memories it creates, and the connections it fosters. So, raise a glass, savor the moment, and toast to the spirit of bourbon – America's native treasure and a timeless symbol of craftsmanship, tradition, and good taste.

Cheers to the journey!