What is Bourbon?
Bourbon whiskey is an iconic American spirit with a rich history and a distinct flavor profile. I've drank my fair share of Bourbons; the first time I really got my fill of it, it was at CellarFiesta 2022! I'm not sponsored to say this in this article, but CellarFiesta 2024 is coming up soon from 12-14th July 2024 at Suntec Convention Center!
Bourbon is an American whiskey but is not branded as such; other brands such as Westward do not meet the qualifying requirements to be considered a Bourbon but was made in America. Check out our review on the Westward Cask Strength American Whiskey to see how it differs from traditional Bourbon flavours.
One of the earlier "bourbons" I tried is Jack Daniels. I was quite fond of it, but I eventually grew out of it once I tried other spirits. Jack Daniel's categorically calls itself "Tennessee whisky", but meets all the qualifying criteria to be called a Bourbon. Find out what these criteria are in this article!
The History of Bourbon
Bourbon's origins trace back to the late 18th century in Kentucky, it is uncertain when it truly came about. It is widely believed that the name "bourbon" itself comes from Bourbon County in Kentucky, where many early distillers operated. However, the spirit's roots can also be linked to Scotch-Irish settlers who brought their distilling traditions to the region.
Bourbon has had a presence in Singapore for a fair while; one of the earliest alcohol and liquor importers, CALDBECK MACGREGOR (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD., which was incorporated in Singapore in 1974, had imported Jack Daniels into Singapore. We had the good fortune of trying old Jack Daniels imported in roughly the 80s or 90s, bought by my friend Ben from a Cash Converter.
And guess what... the bottle is plastic!
How is Bourbon produced... or who cares?
The production of bourbon involves several key steps, each contributing to its unique character as a whiskey.
- Mash Bill: Bourbon must be made from a mash bill containing at least 51% corn. The remainder typically includes grains such as barley, rye, and wheat. The precise combination of grains in the mash bill influences the flavor profile of the final product.
- Fermentation: Once the grains are ground and mixed with water, yeast is added to initiate fermentation. This process converts the sugars in the grains into alcohol, creating a "beer-like" liquid known as distiller's beer or "mash."
- Distillation: The fermented mash is then distilled in copper pot stills or column stills. Distillation separates the alcohol from the water and solids, producing a clear, high-proof spirit known as "white dog" or "new make" whiskey.
- Aging: One of the most critical aspects of bourbon production is aging. By law, bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels. This is covered in the later section on Legal Requirements for Bourbon to be called Bourbon.
- Maturation: Bourbon must be aged for a minimum of two years to be considered "straight bourbon," although many premium brands age their whiskey for much longer periods. During maturation, the whiskey interacts with the wood, undergoing chemical changes that further develop its flavor profile.
- Bottling: Once matured, the bourbon is removed from the barrels, filtered, and diluted to the desired proof before being bottled and labeled for sale.
What are the legal requirements for Bourbon to be called "Bourbon"?
- Produced in the United States
- Made from a mash bill containing at least 51% corn
- Distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume)
- Aged in new charred oak barrels
- Bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume)
What does Bourbon usually taste like?
Bourbon is commonly known for flavour notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and sometimes spice. The specific flavors can vary depending on factors such as the mash bill, aging conditions, and the distillery's production techniques.
I think that a good bottle that represents what a bourbon tastes like is this somewhat vintage bottle of Stagg Jr. I did not get the exact details of when it was bottled, but I find that it gave the most intense and direct vanillic and toned oaky nutty notes that one would expect from a good bourbon.
Take a look at my tasting notes from this. Most of the time, I write my tasting notes based on my immediate impression upon nosing the drink and taking a relatively large sip and rolling it around in my mouth.
Nose: classic vanillic bourbon Palate: lighter body, classic bourbon profile, acrid rubber balloon palate
What are some popular Bourbon brands?
Bourbon has a devoted following of enthusiasts who enjoy sipping it neat, on the rocks, or in a variety of classic cocktails. Some popular bourbon brands include:
- Maker's Mark - check out our review of a Maker's Mark done for the Singaporean market and travel retail at Barrel-proof or cask strength
- Woodford Reserve
- Blanton's
- Buffalo Trace
- Eagle Rare
Are there Independently Bottled Bourbons?
Those interested in Scotch whisky tend to keep an eye out for independent bottlers who buy unique barrels that they want to independently mature and/or bottle for sale. There are indeed independently bottled bourbons! Check out our review of the Milwaukee’s Club Selection Heaven Hill 2009 13 Year Bourbon to see if it differs from traditional bourbons!
Do I still like Bourbons?
I do think that I'm fond of Bourbons. Bourbons are characteristically sweet, which suit my palate well. If needed to recommend someone a classic bourbon, me and my friend Ben are fond of the affordable and fair Buffalo Trace, some Wild Turkey varietals, and the classic stronger Eagle Rare.
Final Question: Does the era or vintage of Bourbons matter?
With any whisk(e)y, it is my personal opinion that any vintage represents an era of production that is immensely hard to replicate. Many facets of the world changed: temperature, global events, even just the minor incidents and occasions that occurred during the maturation and bottling processes.
Unlike vintage Scotches, I can't perfectly say whether the old Bourbons are particularly exceptional, but they definitely do hold particular characteristics that are immutable about Bourbon. Bourbon is it's own kind of whisky.
If you are keen to try some vintage Bourbons, some may occasionally be found in the World Whisky corner of  The Swan Song located at 41A Boat Quay, Singapore 049830. Do drop by if you would like to try your hand at some vintage whiskies!
