Rabbit Hole Blog - Bourbon 101

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Rabbit Hole Blog - Bourbon 101

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Bourbon FAQ: All Of Your Questions Answered

Oct 17, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

Bourbon is a spirit rich in history and complexity, and sometimes the web of information surrounding both it and associated topics can be complex as well. With that in mind, we've compiled this comprehensive FAQ to help clarify the bevy of bourbon-related knowledge and encourage you as you take your own journey down the rabbit hole of America's native spirit. Come enrich your bourbon experience. Brought to you by Rabbit Hole Distillery - Creators of "Original Works Of Bourbon"...

Making Of A Great High Rye Bourbon

Sep 28, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

Some distillers like Rabbit Hole have diverted from tradition; offering exciting new bourbon expressions with original flavors - making them highly complex. One of these in particular is a high rye bourbon, which offers spicy, peppery notes to compliment the sweetness of the corn...

Bourbon Barrel Science: How Bourbon Is Born

Sep 27, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

Ever wonder why certain bourbon expressions taste (and look) different than others? The process of making, fermenting, storing, and aging each type of bourbon factors into its overall flavor. Additionally, the ingredients and mash bill used to make a bourbon can affect its final taste. Learn about bourbon barrel science, including why the type of wood and char level used to make a bourbon barrel has an impact on the finished product...

Best Small Batch Bourbons

Sep 20, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

The term "small batch bourbon" is associated with quality, a unique state, and a bit of nostalgia. While the definition of small batch bourbon is not an exact science, purchasing a bourbon from Rabbit Hole Distillery ensures a true "small batch" and an excellent bourbon.

Four Original Bourbons For 2022

Sep 20, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

Rabbit Hole Distillery was founded to create original, one-of-a-kind spirits for discerning drinkers. We don't take shortcuts and pride ourselves on creating some of the best spirits produced anywhere

Bourbon: How To Drink It

Sep 19, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

How to drink bourbon or whiskey is a personal preference. Several perfectly acceptable ways to enjoy a good bourbon or whiskey exist. Some people only drink their whiskey straight up, while others like to experiment with bourbon in various cocktails. There is no one right way that dictates how to drink bourbon...

Best Wheated Bourbons

Sep 18, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

While bourbon remains America's favorite choice of spirit, whiskey aficionados are seeking new flavor experiences. Also, a new breed of drinkers is not interested in going for the mass-produced, big-name bourbon brands. Smaller, specialist distillers are meeting this demand by creating new recipes for different styles of bourbon. This revolution in the market includes wheated bourbon, with its mellow character, that especially appeals to those new to bourbon drinking...

Best Bourbons For An Old Fashioned

Sep 18, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

An old fashioned is an appealing cocktail to those who love the rich flavor of bourbon along with the complementary tastes of sugar, bitters, and fruit. If you're a fan of “Mad Men,” you may remember that this cocktail was also the preferred choice of Don Draper, the main character on the show. But the bourbon used in the old fashioned plays a major role in the taste of the drink and your ability to enjoy it fully. Check out the best bourbon to use in an old fashioned before you mix up your next beverage.

Cavehill: Best Four Grain Bourbon

Sep 18, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

Bourbon is traditionally made with a mash bill, or recipe, featuring three grains: corn, barley, and rye or wheat. However, an increasing number of distilleries are seeking to push the boundaries of bourbon making by creating a four-grain mash bill using both rye and wheat. Four-grain bourbon offers discerning whiskey drinkers an even greater range of flavors, with depth and complexities not previously available.

Comparing Bourbon vs Whiskey

Sep 16, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

You might hear some people use whiskey and bourbon interchangeably, but some notable differences exist when comparing bourbon vs. whiskey. Whiskey and bourbon are both distilled spirits made from fermented grains. However, whiskey encompasses various types, bourbon whiskey being one of them. All bourbons are whiskey, but all whiskeys are not bourbon...

History Of Bourbon In Kentucky

Sep 16, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

If you are a whiskey and bourbon fan, it's essential to know the history of bourbon in Kentucky. Not all bourbon comes from Kentucky, but bourbon makers distill much of it within state boundaries. Approximately 95% of all bourbon produced today come from Kentucky...

When To Give Bourbon As A Gift

Sep 15, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

When you're looking for the perfect gift to give to a friend, family member, or another loved one, you might consider a nice bottle of bourbon as a gift. Giving bourbon as a gift can encourage celebration and allow the recipient to enjoy their favorite beverage...

The Birth Of Kentucky Bourbon: 1792

Sep 14, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

Kentucky bourbon is a type of whiskey produced in the state of Kentucky. This distinctly American spirit doesn't have to be made in Kentucky if it's called bourbon. However, over 90% of bourbon comes from Kentucky. You will often see the words Kentucky bourbon 1792 used together...

Different Types Of Bourbon Drinks

Sep 13, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

Some people are loyal to straight bourbon neat or on the rocks. Others prefer to pair their bourbon drinks with citrus or spicy ingredients. Either way, the right bourbon allows you to try out all different recipes and bourbon drink types, so you can find the one you enjoy most. Check out a few of our favorite bourbon drinks or preparation methods...

Bourbon Distillation: A Complete Guide

Sep 06, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

The sweet, caramel-colored spirit known as bourbon was first produced in Kentucky in the 1800s. "Bourbon" is a term that is technically reserved for corn whiskey made to exacting standards in the United States. Bourbon Distillation is a very complex and varying process by which distillers produce their craft of love and work

Original Four Grain Bourbon

Sep 06, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

There is no universal approach to manufacturing a good bourbon. To create a unique blend, some distillers change the composition of the ingredients in bourbon's mash bill. While most distillers stick to the three-grain mash bill, others experiment with a four-grain mash to bring a complex, distinctive flavor to bourbon... 

A Wheated Bourbon

Sep 06, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

For many years, distillers have been experimenting with ingredients to create different bourbon flavors. More and more experiments are considering grains, yeast for fermentation, distillation methods, and barrel aging. An unofficial subcategory of bourbon called wheated bourbon is giving whiskey enthusiasts a flavor profile they won't soon forget.

Making The Best Gin

Sep 04, 2022 Justin Pakdaman

Gin dates back to the 11th century when early Europeans used it for medicinal purposes. After the Glorious Revolution of 1688, gin became the national drink of England, enjoyed for its distinctly botanical flavoring. Though gin fell out of favor briefly for modern mixed drinks, it's recently seen a resurgence of popularity. This has inspired gin makers to take a fresh approach to their craft, trying inspiring new methods to produce the best gin on the market...

Bourbon heritage Month 2022

Sep 03, 2022 Justin Pakdaman

Looking for something to celebrate this month? September is National Bourbon Heritage Month, and that's certainly worth honoring. Learn more about this celebratory month and get ideas for making the most of it before the start of October...

Best Bourbons: 2022

Sep 02, 2022 Justin Pakdaman

Bourbon is a popular spirit that many people enjoy drinking on its own, paired with food items, and mixed into cocktails. When you're looking for the best bourbon to try in 2022, be sure to include these top-rated options on your list. Each offers its own unique flavor profile and mash bill, created by a distillery that focuses on creativity and innovation...

Bourbon And Beyond September 2022

Sep 01, 2022 Justin Pakdaman

If you're looking for something fun to do in Louisville, Kentucky, this fall, the Bourbon & Beyond 2022 Festival is certainly worth considering. This music festival offers the perfect blend of bourbon, food, and rock and roll, making it a must-attend event for anyone who loves the spirit. Check out what's slated to take place during the festival, along with the history of this popular musical event...

Making A Great High Rye Bourbon

Aug 26, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

Elijah Craig was the first to manufacture bourbon back in 1789. Since then, distillers have been experimenting with the ingredient grains in the mash bills to find the exact formula for the best bourbon. Most bourbon enthusiasts choose what they believe to be the best rye bourbon for its particular flavor...

Best Honey Malt Bourbon

Aug 19, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

The sweetness at the tail end of a honey malt whiskey is alluring in its own right, but any drinker is going to be impressed with the well-rounded flavor. If you've never tried honey malt bourbon, there are a few things you should know first...

Non-Distiller Producer (NDP) Bourbon

Aug 18, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

A term you may not be familiar with is NDP, or non-distiller producer. You may be wondering what this term means or asking how bourbon can be produced by a non-distiller company. At Rabbit Hole Distillery, we'd like to unlock the secrets of NDP bourbon, along with what it is, how it's crafted, and the many mysteries surrounding this type of bourbon...

The Whiskey Rebellion: True Story

Aug 18, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

Shortly after the United States was formed, it experienced its first rebellion of its own citizens: the Whiskey Rebellion. The two fighting factions were frontier farmers in Pennsylvania and federal taxmen and politicians back East. The Whiskey Rebellion's effect on the newly created country was far-reaching. It's amazing the change that happened all over a single whiskey tax...

Bourbon And Branch

Aug 16, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

The bourbon and branch is a classic approach to appreciating the distinct yet smooth flavors of bourbon, allowing individuals to appreciate their Kentucky whiskey in a simple and sophisticated way.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Aug 14, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

The Kentucky Distillers' Association (KDA) launched the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in 1999 to help serve as a marketing tool for the Kentucky bourbon industry. With the state responsible for more than 95% of the world's bourbon production, people wanting to visit a distillery will likely start researching vacation options in Kentucky...

Bourbon vs Whiskey: Which To Choose?

Aug 13, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

Some people use bourbon and whiskey interchangeably. However, bourbon is a type of whiskey. All bourbons are whiskeys, but not all whiskeys are bourbons. You'll find some important differences when comparing bourbon vs. whiskey...

Visiting Bourbon Street in New Orleans

Aug 10, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

As the sun goes down, neon illuminates the entire street, and loud music seems to spill out from every door. With bead decorations everywhere and people carrying their "go-cups" filled with sweet bourbon-themed libations there's no mistaking you've arrived at the historic Bourbon Street...

Bourbon Glasses 101: A Complete Guide

Aug 09, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

If you're new to drinking bourbon, choosing the right glasses for your drink may feel overwhelming. Fortunately, by learning the basics of bourbon glasses, you can make it easy to find the right one for your next tasting...

Bourbon And Beyond 2022: Event Details

Aug 06, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

The Bourbon & Beyond 2022 Music Festival is just around the corner. If you're considering attending, here are answers to all the questions you might be asking right now.

Bourbon Fermentation: The Complete process

Aug 02, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

Production of every kind of whiskey, including bourbon, begins with the mash bill, which determines the types of grain used, and in what proportions, for each particular whiskey. Each grain adds a distinct flavor that contributes to the taste characteristics of the bourbon fermentation..

History Of The Gin And Tonic

Aug 02, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

The gin and tonic cocktail has a rich and complex history that dates back to the 15th century and began in the Netherlands with a medicinal drink called genever, the Dutch word for juniper, and what we know now as gin. This drink, later called Dutch courage, was a mixture of botanicals including coriander seeds, juniper berries, and star anise distilled with malt spirits.

Japanese Whiskey vs American Whiskey

Aug 02, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

Even the most seasoned whiskey connoisseurs may not fully appreciate the nuances and differences between Japanese whisky versus American whiskey. If you've never had either before, they are both worth trying...

What Is Sweet Mash Bourbon?

Aug 02, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

The process to make sweet mash bourbon or whiskey is as old as the sour mash process. At the same time Catherine Carpenter was recording her sour mash recipe in the early 1800s, she was also notating her sweet mash recipe. But unlike sour mash, the sweet mash process does not use any backset during fermentation...

What Is Bourbon "Bottled In Bond?"

Aug 02, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

In order for a spirit to be bonded, it must undergo a distillation season at one distillery by the same distiller in the United States. It must also be aged in a bonded facility for a minimum of four years. It must also be bottled at 100 proof with a 50% ABV...

What Is A Small Batch Bourbon?

Aug 02, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

Small batch bourbon, also known as small batch whiskey, is a bourbon that contains a blend of contents from a select number of barrels. In the alcohol industry, "small batch" does not have a legal or scientific definition. Distilleries often create their own standards when determining what small batch whiskey is...

How Grains Affect Bourbon Taste

Aug 02, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

Ingredients are the most important additive to enhance the flavor of any good recipe. The slight change or addition of an ingredient can either throw a recipe off or make it fantastic. This is the same for spirits like bourbon

A "Smooth" Bourbon

Aug 01, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

Describing a bourbon as "smooth" can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Generally speaking, those new to bourbon use the term quite often because they may not be able to fully articulate the bourbon tasting experience.

Bourbon Barrels: How It's Made

Jul 25, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

Spirits and liquor are made by mixing ingredients followed by a fermentation process. One of the most surprising steps in the bourbon-making process, one that sets it apart from other spirits, is that bourbon needs to sit in a barrel for a certain amount of time after the fermentation process. But, there's more to the bourbon barreling process than meets the eye...

What Is Sour Mash Bourbon?

Jul 18, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

While browsing through bourbon whiskey bottles, you may have come across the term "sour mash" on some labels. This term refers to how bourbon is made, not how it tastes. Before purchasing your next bottle of whiskey and giving sour mash bourbon a try, it's important to understand what it is and what makes it different from a regular bourbon...

Barrel Entry Proof: Why It Matters

Jul 18, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

You can find a whiskey's alcohol proof on the bottle, but it's not necessarily the same as barrel entry proof. Alcohol proof, or its strength, is twice the amount of ethanol (alcohol) by volume. The term barrel entry proof refers to the alcohol strength of the bourbon when it enters the barrel...

What Is A Glencairn Glass?

Jul 18, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

Developed in Scotland, the Glencairn glass is specifically designed to enhance the whiskey drinking experience. In recent years, it has replaced the rocks glass for many people who enjoy their whiskey neat...

Bourbon Barrel Char Levels

Jul 18, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

In order for a whiskey to legally be called a "bourbon" or "straight bourbon whiskey", distillers must adhere to specific requirements. One of those rules is only to use brand-new oak barrels, which must be charred...

Bourbon Distillation: A Brief Overview

Jul 18, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

The sweet, brown bourbon that you buy from the shelves goes through a complex production process spanned over multiple years. From processing grain mash to finally bottling the bourbon, the alcohol goes through a series of intermediary steps to refine, yield a clear texture, and maintain the consistent, signature taste for which bourbon is so well-known. The bourbon distillation process is a major step in its manufacturing process that imparts color, texture, and flavor...

The Best Wheated Bourbons

Jul 11, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

In the ever-growing world of whiskey, America's love affair with bourbon has led to distillers continuously evolving their recipes to create new taste experiences. One area that has seen a growth in popularity, and hence an increase in availability, is wheated bourbon...

Heigold High Rye bourbon

Jul 11, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

Bourbon has long been America's favorite tipple, but in recent years, its popularity has rocketed to an incredible level. Lovers of the golden spirit are becoming more discerning and moving away from the large bourbon producers

Sour Mash Rye Whiskey

Jul 11, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

Sour mash rye is a whiskey made using a production method that regulates the growth of bacteria that might taint the whiskey. It also helps to ensure the consistency of quality and flavor from one batch of whiskey to the next... Most bourbon and rye whiskey distillers use the sour mash method.

PX Sherry Cask Finish Bourbon Whiskey

Jul 11, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

PX sherry is a wine created from grapes of the same name. The PX stands for Pedro Ximenez and describes naturally very sweet dessert wines. Here's more about PX Sherry and how it comes into play and affects a PX sherry finished bourbon...

Cavehill Four Grain Bourbon

Jul 11, 2022 Dennis Birkemeier

Bourbon is typically made from a three-grain mash bill, and by varying the type and combination of grains, distillers can create a wide variety of flavors to give their bourbon a unique taste profile..

Bourbon FAQ: All Of Your Questions Answered

Bourbon is a spirit rich in history and complexity, and sometimes the web of information surrounding both it and associated topics can be complex as well. With that in mind, we've compiled this comprehensive FAQ to help clarify the bevy of bourbon-related knowledge and encourage you as you take your own journey down the rabbit hole of America's native spirit. Come enrich your bourbon experience. Brought to you by Rabbit Hole Distillery - Creators of "Original Works Of Bourbon"...

Making Of A Great High Rye Bourbon

Some distillers like Rabbit Hole have diverted from tradition; offering exciting new bourbon expressions with original flavors - making them highly complex. One of these in particular is a high rye bourbon, which offers spicy, peppery notes to compliment the sweetness of the corn...

Bourbon Barrel Science: How Bourbon Is Born

Ever wonder why certain bourbon expressions taste (and look) different than others? The process of making, fermenting, storing, and aging each type of bourbon factors into its overall flavor. Additionally, the ingredients and mash bill used to make a bourbon can affect its final taste. Learn about bourbon barrel science, including why the type of wood and char level used to make a bourbon barrel has an impact on the finished product...

Best Small Batch Bourbons

The term "small batch bourbon" is associated with quality, a unique state, and a bit of nostalgia. While the definition of small batch bourbon is not an exact science, purchasing a bourbon from Rabbit Hole Distillery ensures a true "small batch" and an excellent bourbon.

Four Original Bourbons For 2022

Rabbit Hole Distillery was founded to create original, one-of-a-kind spirits for discerning drinkers. We don't take shortcuts and pride ourselves on creating some of the best spirits produced anywhere

Bourbon: How To Drink It

How to drink bourbon or whiskey is a personal preference. Several perfectly acceptable ways to enjoy a good bourbon or whiskey exist. Some people only drink their whiskey straight up, while others like to experiment with bourbon in various cocktails. There is no one right way that dictates how to drink bourbon...

Best Wheated Bourbons

While bourbon remains America's favorite choice of spirit, whiskey aficionados are seeking new flavor experiences. Also, a new breed of drinkers is not interested in going for the mass-produced, big-name bourbon brands. Smaller, specialist distillers are meeting this demand by creating new recipes for different styles of bourbon. This revolution in the market includes wheated bourbon, with its mellow character, that especially appeals to those new to bourbon drinking...

Best Bourbons For An Old Fashioned

An old fashioned is an appealing cocktail to those who love the rich flavor of bourbon along with the complementary tastes of sugar, bitters, and fruit. If you're a fan of “Mad Men,” you may remember that this cocktail was also the preferred choice of Don Draper, the main character on the show. But the bourbon used in the old fashioned plays a major role in the taste of the drink and your ability to enjoy it fully. Check out the best bourbon to use in an old fashioned before you mix up your next beverage.

Cavehill: Best Four Grain Bourbon

Bourbon is traditionally made with a mash bill, or recipe, featuring three grains: corn, barley, and rye or wheat. However, an increasing number of distilleries are seeking to push the boundaries of bourbon making by creating a four-grain mash bill using both rye and wheat. Four-grain bourbon offers discerning whiskey drinkers an even greater range of flavors, with depth and complexities not previously available.

Comparing Bourbon vs Whiskey

You might hear some people use whiskey and bourbon interchangeably, but some notable differences exist when comparing bourbon vs. whiskey. Whiskey and bourbon are both distilled spirits made from fermented grains. However, whiskey encompasses various types, bourbon whiskey being one of them. All bourbons are whiskey, but all whiskeys are not bourbon...

History Of Bourbon In Kentucky

If you are a whiskey and bourbon fan, it's essential to know the history of bourbon in Kentucky. Not all bourbon comes from Kentucky, but bourbon makers distill much of it within state boundaries. Approximately 95% of all bourbon produced today come from Kentucky...

When To Give Bourbon As A Gift

When you're looking for the perfect gift to give to a friend, family member, or another loved one, you might consider a nice bottle of bourbon as a gift. Giving bourbon as a gift can encourage celebration and allow the recipient to enjoy their favorite beverage...

The Birth Of Kentucky Bourbon: 1792

Kentucky bourbon is a type of whiskey produced in the state of Kentucky. This distinctly American spirit doesn't have to be made in Kentucky if it's called bourbon. However, over 90% of bourbon comes from Kentucky. You will often see the words Kentucky bourbon 1792 used together...

Different Types Of Bourbon Drinks

Some people are loyal to straight bourbon neat or on the rocks. Others prefer to pair their bourbon drinks with citrus or spicy ingredients. Either way, the right bourbon allows you to try out all different recipes and bourbon drink types, so you can find the one you enjoy most. Check out a few of our favorite bourbon drinks or preparation methods...

Bourbon Distillation: A Complete Guide

The sweet, caramel-colored spirit known as bourbon was first produced in Kentucky in the 1800s. "Bourbon" is a term that is technically reserved for corn whiskey made to exacting standards in the United States. Bourbon Distillation is a very complex and varying process by which distillers produce their craft of love and work

Original Four Grain Bourbon

There is no universal approach to manufacturing a good bourbon. To create a unique blend, some distillers change the composition of the ingredients in bourbon's mash bill. While most distillers stick to the three-grain mash bill, others experiment with a four-grain mash to bring a complex, distinctive flavor to bourbon... 

A Wheated Bourbon

For many years, distillers have been experimenting with ingredients to create different bourbon flavors. More and more experiments are considering grains, yeast for fermentation, distillation methods, and barrel aging. An unofficial subcategory of bourbon called wheated bourbon is giving whiskey enthusiasts a flavor profile they won't soon forget.

Making The Best Gin

Gin dates back to the 11th century when early Europeans used it for medicinal purposes. After the Glorious Revolution of 1688, gin became the national drink of England, enjoyed for its distinctly botanical flavoring. Though gin fell out of favor briefly for modern mixed drinks, it's recently seen a resurgence of popularity. This has inspired gin makers to take a fresh approach to their craft, trying inspiring new methods to produce the best gin on the market...

Bourbon heritage Month 2022

Looking for something to celebrate this month? September is National Bourbon Heritage Month, and that's certainly worth honoring. Learn more about this celebratory month and get ideas for making the most of it before the start of October...

Best Bourbons: 2022

Bourbon is a popular spirit that many people enjoy drinking on its own, paired with food items, and mixed into cocktails. When you're looking for the best bourbon to try in 2022, be sure to include these top-rated options on your list. Each offers its own unique flavor profile and mash bill, created by a distillery that focuses on creativity and innovation...

Bourbon And Beyond September 2022

If you're looking for something fun to do in Louisville, Kentucky, this fall, the Bourbon & Beyond 2022 Festival is certainly worth considering. This music festival offers the perfect blend of bourbon, food, and rock and roll, making it a must-attend event for anyone who loves the spirit. Check out what's slated to take place during the festival, along with the history of this popular musical event...

Making A Great High Rye Bourbon

Elijah Craig was the first to manufacture bourbon back in 1789. Since then, distillers have been experimenting with the ingredient grains in the mash bills to find the exact formula for the best bourbon. Most bourbon enthusiasts choose what they believe to be the best rye bourbon for its particular flavor...

Best Honey Malt Bourbon

The sweetness at the tail end of a honey malt whiskey is alluring in its own right, but any drinker is going to be impressed with the well-rounded flavor. If you've never tried honey malt bourbon, there are a few things you should know first...

Non-Distiller Producer (NDP) Bourbon

A term you may not be familiar with is NDP, or non-distiller producer. You may be wondering what this term means or asking how bourbon can be produced by a non-distiller company. At Rabbit Hole Distillery, we'd like to unlock the secrets of NDP bourbon, along with what it is, how it's crafted, and the many mysteries surrounding this type of bourbon...

The Whiskey Rebellion: True Story

Shortly after the United States was formed, it experienced its first rebellion of its own citizens: the Whiskey Rebellion. The two fighting factions were frontier farmers in Pennsylvania and federal taxmen and politicians back East. The Whiskey Rebellion's effect on the newly created country was far-reaching. It's amazing the change that happened all over a single whiskey tax...

Bourbon And Branch

The bourbon and branch is a classic approach to appreciating the distinct yet smooth flavors of bourbon, allowing individuals to appreciate their Kentucky whiskey in a simple and sophisticated way.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

The Kentucky Distillers' Association (KDA) launched the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in 1999 to help serve as a marketing tool for the Kentucky bourbon industry. With the state responsible for more than 95% of the world's bourbon production, people wanting to visit a distillery will likely start researching vacation options in Kentucky...

Bourbon vs Whiskey: Which To Choose?

Some people use bourbon and whiskey interchangeably. However, bourbon is a type of whiskey. All bourbons are whiskeys, but not all whiskeys are bourbons. You'll find some important differences when comparing bourbon vs. whiskey...

Visiting Bourbon Street in New Orleans

As the sun goes down, neon illuminates the entire street, and loud music seems to spill out from every door. With bead decorations everywhere and people carrying their "go-cups" filled with sweet bourbon-themed libations there's no mistaking you've arrived at the historic Bourbon Street...

Bourbon Glasses 101: A Complete Guide

If you're new to drinking bourbon, choosing the right glasses for your drink may feel overwhelming. Fortunately, by learning the basics of bourbon glasses, you can make it easy to find the right one for your next tasting...

Bourbon And Beyond 2022: Event Details

The Bourbon & Beyond 2022 Music Festival is just around the corner. If you're considering attending, here are answers to all the questions you might be asking right now.

Bourbon Fermentation: The Complete process

Production of every kind of whiskey, including bourbon, begins with the mash bill, which determines the types of grain used, and in what proportions, for each particular whiskey. Each grain adds a distinct flavor that contributes to the taste characteristics of the bourbon fermentation..

History Of The Gin And Tonic

The gin and tonic cocktail has a rich and complex history that dates back to the 15th century and began in the Netherlands with a medicinal drink called genever, the Dutch word for juniper, and what we know now as gin. This drink, later called Dutch courage, was a mixture of botanicals including coriander seeds, juniper berries, and star anise distilled with malt spirits.

Japanese Whiskey vs American Whiskey

Even the most seasoned whiskey connoisseurs may not fully appreciate the nuances and differences between Japanese whisky versus American whiskey. If you've never had either before, they are both worth trying...

What Is Sweet Mash Bourbon?

The process to make sweet mash bourbon or whiskey is as old as the sour mash process. At the same time Catherine Carpenter was recording her sour mash recipe in the early 1800s, she was also notating her sweet mash recipe. But unlike sour mash, the sweet mash process does not use any backset during fermentation...

What Is Bourbon "Bottled In Bond?"

In order for a spirit to be bonded, it must undergo a distillation season at one distillery by the same distiller in the United States. It must also be aged in a bonded facility for a minimum of four years. It must also be bottled at 100 proof with a 50% ABV...

What Is A Small Batch Bourbon?

Small batch bourbon, also known as small batch whiskey, is a bourbon that contains a blend of contents from a select number of barrels. In the alcohol industry, "small batch" does not have a legal or scientific definition. Distilleries often create their own standards when determining what small batch whiskey is...

How Grains Affect Bourbon Taste

Ingredients are the most important additive to enhance the flavor of any good recipe. The slight change or addition of an ingredient can either throw a recipe off or make it fantastic. This is the same for spirits like bourbon

A "Smooth" Bourbon

Describing a bourbon as "smooth" can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Generally speaking, those new to bourbon use the term quite often because they may not be able to fully articulate the bourbon tasting experience.

Bourbon Barrels: How It's Made

Spirits and liquor are made by mixing ingredients followed by a fermentation process. One of the most surprising steps in the bourbon-making process, one that sets it apart from other spirits, is that bourbon needs to sit in a barrel for a certain amount of time after the fermentation process. But, there's more to the bourbon barreling process than meets the eye...

What Is Sour Mash Bourbon?

While browsing through bourbon whiskey bottles, you may have come across the term "sour mash" on some labels. This term refers to how bourbon is made, not how it tastes. Before purchasing your next bottle of whiskey and giving sour mash bourbon a try, it's important to understand what it is and what makes it different from a regular bourbon...

Barrel Entry Proof: Why It Matters

You can find a whiskey's alcohol proof on the bottle, but it's not necessarily the same as barrel entry proof. Alcohol proof, or its strength, is twice the amount of ethanol (alcohol) by volume. The term barrel entry proof refers to the alcohol strength of the bourbon when it enters the barrel...

What Is A Glencairn Glass?

Developed in Scotland, the Glencairn glass is specifically designed to enhance the whiskey drinking experience. In recent years, it has replaced the rocks glass for many people who enjoy their whiskey neat...

Bourbon Barrel Char Levels

In order for a whiskey to legally be called a "bourbon" or "straight bourbon whiskey", distillers must adhere to specific requirements. One of those rules is only to use brand-new oak barrels, which must be charred...

Bourbon Distillation: A Brief Overview

The sweet, brown bourbon that you buy from the shelves goes through a complex production process spanned over multiple years. From processing grain mash to finally bottling the bourbon, the alcohol goes through a series of intermediary steps to refine, yield a clear texture, and maintain the consistent, signature taste for which bourbon is so well-known. The bourbon distillation process is a major step in its manufacturing process that imparts color, texture, and flavor...

The Best Wheated Bourbons

In the ever-growing world of whiskey, America's love affair with bourbon has led to distillers continuously evolving their recipes to create new taste experiences. One area that has seen a growth in popularity, and hence an increase in availability, is wheated bourbon...

Heigold High Rye bourbon

Bourbon has long been America's favorite tipple, but in recent years, its popularity has rocketed to an incredible level. Lovers of the golden spirit are becoming more discerning and moving away from the large bourbon producers

Sour Mash Rye Whiskey

Sour mash rye is a whiskey made using a production method that regulates the growth of bacteria that might taint the whiskey. It also helps to ensure the consistency of quality and flavor from one batch of whiskey to the next... Most bourbon and rye whiskey distillers use the sour mash method.

PX Sherry Cask Finish Bourbon Whiskey

PX sherry is a wine created from grapes of the same name. The PX stands for Pedro Ximenez and describes naturally very sweet dessert wines. Here's more about PX Sherry and how it comes into play and affects a PX sherry finished bourbon...

Cavehill Four Grain Bourbon

Bourbon is typically made from a three-grain mash bill, and by varying the type and combination of grains, distillers can create a wide variety of flavors to give their bourbon a unique taste profile..