Rabbit Hole Blog - Bourbon 101
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Rabbit Hole Blog - Bourbon 101
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Learn About Bourbon
Browse over 200 bourbon terms and definitions. This is the most complete collection of bourbon terminology in publication online. Learn everything you've always wanted to know about BOURBON: America's Native Spirit
Triple Malt Bourbon Explained
The term "malt" is a fairly common word that most have heard, but what does it mean and how does it describe the nuances of what is known as a “triple malt bourbon?”... Malting, in terms of "triple malt bourbon" is the method of germinating or sprouting grain to a certain level and then
Selecting A Double Malt Bourbon
Many legal requirements must be met for a whiskey to be called bourbon. Most distillers stop at the whiskey and distribute their product on a mass level. Other distillers look to add unique twists and develop their complex expressions, creating something that's still a bourbon but a much
Exploring The Best Four Grain Bourbons
A typical bourbon mash bill contains three grains — corn at a minimum of 51%, rye, and barley. Most distillers stick to this, adjusting the ratios slightly, although some use wheat instead of rye. However, distillers are recently seeking to push the boundaries a bit and especially
Toasted And Charred
As with nearly every aspect of the bourbon-making process, there are different processes to charring a barrel that can make a difference in the finished product. A toasted and charred barrel is one of those unique and artful twists which really allow some distillers to stand out with exceptional
Moonshine and White Dog: Is There A Difference?
American craft whiskey is enjoying a giant leap in popularity moonshine and white dog have also risen in popularity. As micro-distilleries popped up to produce craft whiskey, they also needed to make a profit in the interim. What better way than selling unaged whiskey that's
Barrel Aged Gin
Aging gin in casks that have been previously used for maturing darker spirits, such as bourbon or rye whiskey, creates a depth of color and richness of flavor not usually found in gin. Barrel-aged gin isn't a recent thing, but distillers are finding new methods to create a unique product.
The Best Bourbon Is Made In Kentucky
Kentucky is well-known for being the central hub of bourbon production in the United States because more than 95% of bourbon worldwide comes from the state. Though you can technically produce bourbon in other parts of the United States, you may not want to
Ranked: Top Three Bourbons For 2022
It's not easy to find the best bourbon to complete your dinner or fill out your liquor shelf. Kentucky delivers a wealth of flavorful options. The signature notes of oak that are essential to any bourbon come with a wide range of complements, from the rich chocolate flavors to a bright berry taste...
Bourbon Distillation And Yeast
Bourbon distillation goes through a complex production process. It begins as a mash of grains and water mixed with bourbon distillery yeast to spark fermentation. After yeast fermentation is complete, the bourbon is distilled and placed into a charred oak barrel for aging. Finally, distilleries dilute the finished bourbon and bottle it for sale.
What Is A "Wheated" Bourbon And Why In Demand?
"Wheated" bourbon is a subset of bourbon that hides in plain sight. In fact, you may have already enjoyed wheated bourbon without even knowing it. There is no requirement for distillers to indicate that the bourbon is wheated, so most do not advertise this fact. However, mellow, smooth, and easy-drinking terms often indicate a wheated bourbon
What Are Whiskey Stones?
If you broach the subject of perfect whiskey-drinking temperature to a whiskey connoisseur, many will say room temperature is the best for enjoying whiskey. But what does that mean exactly? In reality, most connoisseurs believe that whiskey should be enjoyed between 59 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit or 15 to 18 degrees Celcius...
How To Drink Bourbon: A Beginner's Guide
Bourbon has been around for hundreds of years and is as popular now as it's ever been. Despite its popularity, some interested in bourbon have no idea where to start. Don't overthink it, just get a plan and some bourbon and start sampling. As with any liquor, you can choose to be simple or complicated when drinking your bourbon. Here are the basics on the best ways to enjoy bourbon as a beginner
What Is A High Rye Whiskey?
High rye whiskey is becoming increasingly popular as distilleries pursue new, more flavorful products. To understand what high rye whiskey is, you must first learn about regular and rye whiskey. Here is a breakdown of the essentials
What Is The Best Bourbon Glass?
To fully optimize your bourbon drinking experience, you need the correct glass. Much thought and scientific reasoning have gone into the various bourbon glasses to help people enjoy the bourbon to its maximum potential...
What Is A "Small Batch" Bourbon?
The growth in popularity of artisanal products comes from a romanticized idea of craftsmen and women toiling away in a workshop to produce hand-crafted luxury goods for discerning tastes. When items are made by hand in small batches, they appear to have a certain rarity value.
Understanding Different Whiskey Types
Straight whiskey must be made with at least 51% of the principal grain, cannot exceed 80% alcohol by volume (ABV) in the mash, and must be aged for at least two years in new charred oak casks, which adds to the distinctive flavors. No coloring or flavoring can be added.
How To Celebrate National Bourbon Day 2022
The story of “America's Native Spirit” (bourbon) actually starts with a rather ambiguous, nameless, colorless spirit which was popular during the mid-1700s in early America.
Bourbon Barrel 101: Aging And Construction
Bourbon barrels play a critically important role in the flavor of finished whiskey. Understanding all the unique elements of the barrel will give you a better idea of where all those flavorful notes come from and what goes into that distinctive taste in the bottle.
Why You'll Never Find The "Smoothest Bourbon"
It is unlikely that the phrase “smooth bourbon” would have achieved such notoriety if it didn't have at least some relevance. Exploring what "smooth" really means when classifying a bourbon will help enlighten your own perceptions and perhaps eliminate it’s validity in the future.
Non-Chill-Filtered Bourbon
A great number of bourbon distillers care about the “shelf appeal” of their product, and so – chill-filter their bourbon to prevent any inconsistent visual anomalies that may happen in temperature extremes.
Whiskey vs Rum: History And Differences
Both are dark in color, rich in flavor, and wildly popular on any bar shelf. Whiskey's notes are more reminiscent of the barrels it's aged in, while rum is distinctly sweeter with a spicy kick. The differences between whiskey vs. rum run much deeper, though, beginning all the way with their origination
Gin vs Vodka: Main Differences
Gin and vodka can both be made from nearly any fermented food. Possible ingredients include corn, potatoes, rye, wheat, sugar beets, sorghum, barley, carrots, and grapes. Regardless of the base, the resulting ferment must be distilled to produce either gin or vodka
Toasted And Charred - Bourbon Barrel 101
Toasted bourbon barrels are exposed to less extreme temperatures than barrels charred in a fast burn. Toasted barrels are most commonly used for wine. Bourbon aged in a toasted barrel is a special treat that's more difficult to find
How Vodka Is Made
The next 30% of the product is known as the "heart." This is the best part of the distillation and therefore the only liquid that will go on to the next steps. The last 35% is the "tail." Some vodka makers will keep the tail for further distillation in the next batch to get a little more product from it. The tail is still too impure to use as-is.
Connecting Bourbon Street With Bourbon Whiskey
Bourbon Street (or Rue Bourbon, as it was called then) sits in the heart of the city's French Quarter district, spanning 13 blocks from Esplanade Avenue to Canal Street. It also runs through portions of the Marigny neighborhood. The early Bourbon Street featured homes, stables, and a small brewery, and many of the current structures feature the unique architectural style for which New Orleans is known and revered.
Whiskey vs Whisky: What's The Difference?
The differentiation of whiskey versus whisky comes from Irish and Scottish Gaelic dialects of the words, "uisce beatha," which mean the "water of life." During the 18th century, Irish immigration to America was on the rise. Some people believe Irish whiskey producers were looking for a way to differentiate themselves from Scotch distillers at that time
The Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Most distillers stick to the typical three grain mash bill to produce their bourbons. Some very bold distillers are experimenting with four grains to produce very original and very complex straight bourbon whiskeys
Bourbon vs Rye: Main Differences
When you ask a bartender for a Manhattan, they will ask you a simple question — rye or bourbon? While both dark liquors have a long history in North America, specifically in the American South, their varied ingredients create two very different flavor profiles. Understanding the difference between rye and bourbon can go a long way toward making the perfect cocktail
Scotch vs Whiskey: Main Differences
The ingredients are what really set apart whiskey and Scotch. Whiskey is a spirit distilled from a combination of grains like barley, wheat, rye, and corn. The types and amount of grains used in the production process will vary depending on the type of whiskey.
How Bourbon Is Made
By definition, the mash bill for bourbon is at least 51% corn. The prominence of this large grain in the mash bill is the reason for bourbon's characteristic sweetness compared to other types of whiskeys, and many distilleries opt to use a much larger proportion of this large grain — 70%, 80%, or even 90%...
Bourbon vs Whiskey: Key Differences
Bourbon vs Whiskey? Is there a real difference? Though bourbon is a type of whiskey, there are specific criteria it has to meet to qualify as bourbon, and these contribute to the unique characteristics of the drink. Aside from the grain compositions, several other key characteristics separate bourbon from other types of whiskey...
Exploring Double And Triple Malt Bourbons
What is a double malt bourbon? A single malt whiskey? What about a four-grain triple malt bourbon - a single grain whiskey, or a single malt scotch? These terms can be very confusing, and rightfully so.
Four Grain Bourbon
But, what about a four grain bourbon? What might a mash bill for a 4-grain bourbon look like? A four grain bourbon is one which includes four distinct grains or, possibly contains three or more grains with grain processing variations. Here is an example mash bill
Top 10 Traits Of A "Best Bourbon"
To state it simply, great bourbon – or what some might call “the best bourbon” simply tastes great. Bourbon drinkers have different preferences when it comes to flavor, but they can usually agree on certain taste characteristics, such as how balanced or complex the flavors of a particular bourbon are.
Bourbon vs Whiskey vs Scotch
Imagine you enter a liquor store, and hanging signs mark the aisles. You look up and see "whiskey," "bourbon," and "scotch" above one aisle whose shelves hold hundreds of gleaming bottles of straw-colored, amber, or brown spirits. With that much choice, you may wonder which bottle is the one for you or even what distinguishes these types — whiskey, bourbon, and scotch — from one another. If you've ever found yourself in this dilemma, this guide may be helpful to you.
How Whiskey Is Made
Despite many differences, what all whiskeys have in common is the care and mastery involved in their production. The making of whiskey is a long-held tradition that has taken centuries to refine, and we get to enjoy that refinement in a multitude of forms today.
P.X. Sherry Cask Finished Bourbon: History and Distilling Process
Pedro Ximénez (sometimes Pedro Ximinez, Ximénès, Jimenez, PX, or P.X.) is a description for naturally highly-sweet dessert wines. These wines are actually created with a grape variety with the same name.
History Of The Mint Julep
When the weather turns warm, you can expect to see more mint juleps in the hands of home mixologists and bar patrons. The frosty, perspiring cup with its mound of ice and sprig of mint peeking over the brim represents pure refreshment and well-executed simplicity.
What Is A Barrel Pick?
The term “single barrel” has been thrown around quite frequently in modern whiskey times. It became a huge craze over the past decade and shows no signs of declining in popularity.
Learn About Bourbon
Browse over 200 bourbon terms and definitions. This is the most complete collection of bourbon terminology in publication online. Learn everything you've always wanted to know about BOURBON: America's Native Spirit
Triple Malt Bourbon Explained
The term "malt" is a fairly common word that most have heard, but what does it mean and how does it describe the nuances of what is known as a “triple malt bourbon?”... Malting, in terms of "triple malt bourbon" is the method of germinating or sprouting grain to a certain level and then
Selecting A Double Malt Bourbon
Many legal requirements must be met for a whiskey to be called bourbon. Most distillers stop at the whiskey and distribute their product on a mass level. Other distillers look to add unique twists and develop their complex expressions, creating something that's still a bourbon but a much
Exploring The Best Four Grain Bourbons
A typical bourbon mash bill contains three grains — corn at a minimum of 51%, rye, and barley. Most distillers stick to this, adjusting the ratios slightly, although some use wheat instead of rye. However, distillers are recently seeking to push the boundaries a bit and especially
Toasted And Charred
As with nearly every aspect of the bourbon-making process, there are different processes to charring a barrel that can make a difference in the finished product. A toasted and charred barrel is one of those unique and artful twists which really allow some distillers to stand out with exceptional
Moonshine and White Dog: Is There A Difference?
American craft whiskey is enjoying a giant leap in popularity moonshine and white dog have also risen in popularity. As micro-distilleries popped up to produce craft whiskey, they also needed to make a profit in the interim. What better way than selling unaged whiskey that's
Barrel Aged Gin
Aging gin in casks that have been previously used for maturing darker spirits, such as bourbon or rye whiskey, creates a depth of color and richness of flavor not usually found in gin. Barrel-aged gin isn't a recent thing, but distillers are finding new methods to create a unique product.
The Best Bourbon Is Made In Kentucky
Kentucky is well-known for being the central hub of bourbon production in the United States because more than 95% of bourbon worldwide comes from the state. Though you can technically produce bourbon in other parts of the United States, you may not want to
Ranked: Top Three Bourbons For 2022
It's not easy to find the best bourbon to complete your dinner or fill out your liquor shelf. Kentucky delivers a wealth of flavorful options. The signature notes of oak that are essential to any bourbon come with a wide range of complements, from the rich chocolate flavors to a bright berry taste...
Bourbon Distillation And Yeast
Bourbon distillation goes through a complex production process. It begins as a mash of grains and water mixed with bourbon distillery yeast to spark fermentation. After yeast fermentation is complete, the bourbon is distilled and placed into a charred oak barrel for aging. Finally, distilleries dilute the finished bourbon and bottle it for sale.
What Is A "Wheated" Bourbon And Why In Demand?
"Wheated" bourbon is a subset of bourbon that hides in plain sight. In fact, you may have already enjoyed wheated bourbon without even knowing it. There is no requirement for distillers to indicate that the bourbon is wheated, so most do not advertise this fact. However, mellow, smooth, and easy-drinking terms often indicate a wheated bourbon
What Are Whiskey Stones?
If you broach the subject of perfect whiskey-drinking temperature to a whiskey connoisseur, many will say room temperature is the best for enjoying whiskey. But what does that mean exactly? In reality, most connoisseurs believe that whiskey should be enjoyed between 59 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit or 15 to 18 degrees Celcius...
How To Drink Bourbon: A Beginner's Guide
Bourbon has been around for hundreds of years and is as popular now as it's ever been. Despite its popularity, some interested in bourbon have no idea where to start. Don't overthink it, just get a plan and some bourbon and start sampling. As with any liquor, you can choose to be simple or complicated when drinking your bourbon. Here are the basics on the best ways to enjoy bourbon as a beginner
What Is A High Rye Whiskey?
High rye whiskey is becoming increasingly popular as distilleries pursue new, more flavorful products. To understand what high rye whiskey is, you must first learn about regular and rye whiskey. Here is a breakdown of the essentials
What Is The Best Bourbon Glass?
To fully optimize your bourbon drinking experience, you need the correct glass. Much thought and scientific reasoning have gone into the various bourbon glasses to help people enjoy the bourbon to its maximum potential...
What Is A "Small Batch" Bourbon?
The growth in popularity of artisanal products comes from a romanticized idea of craftsmen and women toiling away in a workshop to produce hand-crafted luxury goods for discerning tastes. When items are made by hand in small batches, they appear to have a certain rarity value.
Understanding Different Whiskey Types
Straight whiskey must be made with at least 51% of the principal grain, cannot exceed 80% alcohol by volume (ABV) in the mash, and must be aged for at least two years in new charred oak casks, which adds to the distinctive flavors. No coloring or flavoring can be added.
How To Celebrate National Bourbon Day 2022
The story of “America's Native Spirit” (bourbon) actually starts with a rather ambiguous, nameless, colorless spirit which was popular during the mid-1700s in early America.
Bourbon Barrel 101: Aging And Construction
Bourbon barrels play a critically important role in the flavor of finished whiskey. Understanding all the unique elements of the barrel will give you a better idea of where all those flavorful notes come from and what goes into that distinctive taste in the bottle.
Why You'll Never Find The "Smoothest Bourbon"
It is unlikely that the phrase “smooth bourbon” would have achieved such notoriety if it didn't have at least some relevance. Exploring what "smooth" really means when classifying a bourbon will help enlighten your own perceptions and perhaps eliminate it’s validity in the future.
Non-Chill-Filtered Bourbon
A great number of bourbon distillers care about the “shelf appeal” of their product, and so – chill-filter their bourbon to prevent any inconsistent visual anomalies that may happen in temperature extremes.
Whiskey vs Rum: History And Differences
Both are dark in color, rich in flavor, and wildly popular on any bar shelf. Whiskey's notes are more reminiscent of the barrels it's aged in, while rum is distinctly sweeter with a spicy kick. The differences between whiskey vs. rum run much deeper, though, beginning all the way with their origination
Gin vs Vodka: Main Differences
Gin and vodka can both be made from nearly any fermented food. Possible ingredients include corn, potatoes, rye, wheat, sugar beets, sorghum, barley, carrots, and grapes. Regardless of the base, the resulting ferment must be distilled to produce either gin or vodka
Toasted And Charred - Bourbon Barrel 101
Toasted bourbon barrels are exposed to less extreme temperatures than barrels charred in a fast burn. Toasted barrels are most commonly used for wine. Bourbon aged in a toasted barrel is a special treat that's more difficult to find
How Vodka Is Made
The next 30% of the product is known as the "heart." This is the best part of the distillation and therefore the only liquid that will go on to the next steps. The last 35% is the "tail." Some vodka makers will keep the tail for further distillation in the next batch to get a little more product from it. The tail is still too impure to use as-is.
Connecting Bourbon Street With Bourbon Whiskey
Bourbon Street (or Rue Bourbon, as it was called then) sits in the heart of the city's French Quarter district, spanning 13 blocks from Esplanade Avenue to Canal Street. It also runs through portions of the Marigny neighborhood. The early Bourbon Street featured homes, stables, and a small brewery, and many of the current structures feature the unique architectural style for which New Orleans is known and revered.
Whiskey vs Whisky: What's The Difference?
The differentiation of whiskey versus whisky comes from Irish and Scottish Gaelic dialects of the words, "uisce beatha," which mean the "water of life." During the 18th century, Irish immigration to America was on the rise. Some people believe Irish whiskey producers were looking for a way to differentiate themselves from Scotch distillers at that time
The Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Most distillers stick to the typical three grain mash bill to produce their bourbons. Some very bold distillers are experimenting with four grains to produce very original and very complex straight bourbon whiskeys
Bourbon vs Rye: Main Differences
When you ask a bartender for a Manhattan, they will ask you a simple question — rye or bourbon? While both dark liquors have a long history in North America, specifically in the American South, their varied ingredients create two very different flavor profiles. Understanding the difference between rye and bourbon can go a long way toward making the perfect cocktail
Scotch vs Whiskey: Main Differences
The ingredients are what really set apart whiskey and Scotch. Whiskey is a spirit distilled from a combination of grains like barley, wheat, rye, and corn. The types and amount of grains used in the production process will vary depending on the type of whiskey.
How Bourbon Is Made
By definition, the mash bill for bourbon is at least 51% corn. The prominence of this large grain in the mash bill is the reason for bourbon's characteristic sweetness compared to other types of whiskeys, and many distilleries opt to use a much larger proportion of this large grain — 70%, 80%, or even 90%...
Bourbon vs Whiskey: Key Differences
Bourbon vs Whiskey? Is there a real difference? Though bourbon is a type of whiskey, there are specific criteria it has to meet to qualify as bourbon, and these contribute to the unique characteristics of the drink. Aside from the grain compositions, several other key characteristics separate bourbon from other types of whiskey...
Exploring Double And Triple Malt Bourbons
What is a double malt bourbon? A single malt whiskey? What about a four-grain triple malt bourbon - a single grain whiskey, or a single malt scotch? These terms can be very confusing, and rightfully so.
Four Grain Bourbon
But, what about a four grain bourbon? What might a mash bill for a 4-grain bourbon look like? A four grain bourbon is one which includes four distinct grains or, possibly contains three or more grains with grain processing variations. Here is an example mash bill
Top 10 Traits Of A "Best Bourbon"
To state it simply, great bourbon – or what some might call “the best bourbon” simply tastes great. Bourbon drinkers have different preferences when it comes to flavor, but they can usually agree on certain taste characteristics, such as how balanced or complex the flavors of a particular bourbon are.
Bourbon vs Whiskey vs Scotch
Imagine you enter a liquor store, and hanging signs mark the aisles. You look up and see "whiskey," "bourbon," and "scotch" above one aisle whose shelves hold hundreds of gleaming bottles of straw-colored, amber, or brown spirits. With that much choice, you may wonder which bottle is the one for you or even what distinguishes these types — whiskey, bourbon, and scotch — from one another. If you've ever found yourself in this dilemma, this guide may be helpful to you.
How Whiskey Is Made
Despite many differences, what all whiskeys have in common is the care and mastery involved in their production. The making of whiskey is a long-held tradition that has taken centuries to refine, and we get to enjoy that refinement in a multitude of forms today.
P.X. Sherry Cask Finished Bourbon: History and Distilling Process
Pedro Ximénez (sometimes Pedro Ximinez, Ximénès, Jimenez, PX, or P.X.) is a description for naturally highly-sweet dessert wines. These wines are actually created with a grape variety with the same name.
History Of The Mint Julep
When the weather turns warm, you can expect to see more mint juleps in the hands of home mixologists and bar patrons. The frosty, perspiring cup with its mound of ice and sprig of mint peeking over the brim represents pure refreshment and well-executed simplicity.
What Is A Barrel Pick?
The term “single barrel” has been thrown around quite frequently in modern whiskey times. It became a huge craze over the past decade and shows no signs of declining in popularity.