Bourbon – what kind of drink is it, production technology and strength, home-made recipes

The content of the article

• Bourbon whiskey
• What are they made of
• What is the difference between bourbon and whiskey
• Types of Bourbon
• What to drink with
• How to make bourbon at home
• Manhattan
• Kentucky Mule
• Old fashion
• Boulevardier
• Whiskey Sauer

Today, a large number of alcoholic beverages are known, one of which is bourbon, which is the embodiment of the traditions of American distillation. Despite the fact that it is very similar to other types of whiskey, this drink has some features that allow you to allocate it in a separate subgroup of alcohol. With a competent approach and adhering to the technology, you can prepare alcohol yourself at home.

Bourbon whiskey

By bourbon is meant the type of whiskey that is traditionally produced in the United States of America. It is a golden drink with a distinctive aroma of vanilla and cinnamon. It is often referred to as noble alcohol: it is sweetish and has a long finish. Any kind of whiskey is considered a complex drink, but in many countries they produce their own, and bourbon is considered the national drink of the United States. Well-known brands include Wild Turkey, Maker’s Mark, Four Roses, Jim Beam, Heaven Hill. Highlights from the story:

• The drink has a history of more than two hundred years, it begins around the end of the 18th century in a district called Bourbon (Kentucky). The latter received its name in honor of the French dynasty of the same name. In this district, already in the 17th century, Irish and Scottish settlers distilled alcohol, which was subsequently aged in oak barrels..
• After the American Revolution of 1776, the state had to provide immigrants with land so that they stayed in the west and began to grow corn. Demand for it turned out to be minimal, and the settlers decided to make an alcoholic drink on its basis. They were surprised that, unlike rye, corn-based whiskey acquired a pleasant and sweet taste. Subsequently, the settlers decided to add a little rye to the drink. The first batches of the drink were sold without aging, i.e. immediately after distillation. For transparency they were called the “White Dog”.
• The best drink was produced in the county of the same name, due to which this type of whiskey began to be called bourbon. Even an advertisement for this product has survived to our days, which dates back to the year 1821, although it was known long before that time – there is evidence that the Rev. Elijah Craig was also involved in the preparation of the drink. It is believed that he was the first who began to withstand products in burnt barrels, so that it acquired new taste.
• There is a legend, according to which the burnt barrels appeared purely by accident. Once, the manufacturer of such barrels accidentally ruined them, but regretted throwing out worthless goods. Instead, he sent a drink in these same barrels along the river to New Orleans. Over the entire time of transportation, the taste and aroma of products has improved markedly. The resulting drink made a splash on the locals, as a result of which they began to order exclusively whiskey from Bourbon.
• A turning point in the history of this alcohol production came in 1873. At that time, the drink became popular in the vastness of the United States, often it was even called the “blood of America.” That year, Carrie Nation, along with like-minded people, began to try to convince the cowboys to stop drinking – her husband, by the way, died of alcoholism. The resulting anti-alcohol campaign negatively affected the reputation of the drink.
• Many years later, in 1920, the government passed the Prohibition Act, which also negatively affected the fate of bourbon. This type of whiskey during the operation of the said law began to be sold by pharmacies. It could also be obtained illegally, which affected the cost of the drink, which became very expensive. Soon after the repeal of the law, bourbon was recognized as the national drink of the United States, which continues to exist and enjoy popularity for over two hundred years..

The described type of alcohol is widely used for the preparation of certain dishes. They can be replaced with whiskey in many recipes. Often this type of alcohol is used to prepare tasty and mouth-watering dishes of meat and fish. For example, you can cook a delicious roast with this alcohol sauce. Bourbon is also used to make cocktails, which are often complemented by lemon and pineapple juice..

Based on alcohol from corn, a tincture of hawthorn is made, which helps with sleep problems, treatment of tachycardia. The drink positively affects bile formation, as a result of which bile becomes less viscous. It helps with problems with the digestive tract, with dysentery. Excessive use may harm the body. Contraindicated in case of idiosyncrasy, pregnant and lactating women, children.

What are they made of

Bourbon is one of the varieties of whiskey, which is distinguished by its special taste, aroma, regulation and production technology. The finished product has a rich dark golden color, which over time becomes close to amber. The longer it is aged in oak barrels, the darker its color when spilled. Due to aging in barrels, the taste becomes more pronounced than in other varieties. So that alcohol can be called bourbon, it must meet several requirements:

• the composition should include a mixture of cereals, the bulk of which should be occupied by corn – about 53% of the total mass;
• beverage production is permitted exclusively in the United States;
• products must be aged in oak barrels, which are burnt from the inside, for at least two years;
• distillation is permissible with a strength of not more than 83%;
• in the composition of the product should not be dyes, flavor enhancers, flavorings.

Corn whiskey has a sweetish flavor and a heavy but pleasant aroma that resembles vanilla with cinnamon. It should be borne in mind that both pure products and mixed with other types of alcohol are found on sale. With regard to the features of the production of whiskey in the Bourbon County, it is believed that the water in Kentucky has a special composition that is devoid of iron. Due to natural filtration, a noble drink is obtained. It should be said that the Four Roses brand is the classic type of whiskey that is made in Kentucky. Production Stages:

1. Production begins with the preparation of a grain mixture, which is 51% corn, and the remaining 49% is rye, barley, wheat.
2. Next, the resulting mixture of grains is left to roam.
3. Then the grain mass is saccharified and distilled.
4. For aging products use oak barrels, where it acquires all the necessary taste and aromatic properties.
5. The warehouse where this type of whiskey is kept is also unusual. On different floors, the temperature is different, therefore, after exposure, the taste of the drink will vary.
6. To keep the taste of alcohol constant, several different drinks are mixed together..
7. The resulting product is filtered and poured into containers.

What is the difference between bourbon and whiskey

Bourbon is the embodiment of the United States distillery tradition. The drink is similar to other types of whiskey, but it has several characteristic features. The fortress is often at least 40%. Other important differences:

• Raw materials. They make bourbon from corn (51%), rye, barley and wheat. For the production of traditional whiskey, only the last three components are used. At the same time, corn began to be used in the United States due to good productivity, low cost. Initially, this type of alcohol was alcohol for the lower strata of society, but then the situation radically changed.
• Production technology. The preparation of whiskey requires malting – soaking, germination, drying and peeling of the grains to isolate in them enzymes that can break down starch into sugar in a natural way. For the production of bourbon, malting of corn is not used, because cereals are only crushed, after which they are poured with water and boiled. The resulting wort is subjected to saccharification with barley or another type of malt, fermented with yeast from the previous sourdough and distillation. Bourbon is infused only in new oak barrels that are burnt inside. The minimum aging period is 2 years, but often it is 4 years or more. As for whiskey, barrels from madeira, cognac, sherry, etc. are repeatedly used for it. Exposure varies significantly depending on the species: Scottish – at least 3 years, Canadian – about 6 years, Irish – 5 years.
• Region. Whiskey is a collective name that spirits from Ireland, Scotland, Canada and some Asian countries. As for bourbon, it can only be called alcoholic products (according to US law from 1964) that are produced in the United States using traditional technology. Often disputes arise: Jack Daniel’s (“Jack Daniels”) – this is whiskey or bourbon. Bottles with alcohol are labeled as “Tennessee Whiskey,” although the products are 80% corn and aged in new burnt barrels. If we take into account the production technology, then this is a classic liquor from corn, but because of one additional stage, Jack Daniels is considered a separate variety, known as whiskey from Tennis. Before pouring this product into barrels, it is filtered through a layer of maple coal.
• Organoleptic properties. Thanks to raw materials, alcohol from corn has a richer taste and a light sweetish tint. Scotch whiskey is known for its smoky aroma, and Irish for its bitter notes. The color of alcohol from corn grains is darker than other varieties of alcohol.

Types of Bourbon

This alcohol has its own classification. The main factor in dividing it into several varieties is the aging time. Currently, the following varieties are distinguished:

• Blended. A mixed drink that may contain other alcohols.
• Straight bourbon. The so-called pure alcohol from corn with an aging of 2 years. The technology of preparation implies the absence of other alcohols, aromatization or tinting of the product.
• Honey Honey product, which is one of the most original types. Well-known representatives include Jack Daniel’s Honey or Jim Beam Honey..
• Blended Bourbon Whiskey. Products made by mixing several types of alcohol from corn. Straight bourbon should occupy at least 51% of the mixture.
• Barrel proof. Undiluted option, as strong as possible. Residents of Scotland often call it “cask strength”.
• American Blended Whiskey. Product obtained from a mixture of rye whiskey and alcohol from corn.
• Diluted bourbon. Alcohol with a strength of less than 40%.

What to drink with

To get the most complete picture of the drink, you need to know how to drink bourbon. Often such alcohol is served as a digestif, but sometimes as an aperitif. Drinking alcohol directly from a bottle is considered bad manners. Take it to pour into bottles, the shape of which is able to emphasize the taste of the product. As for glasses, products from “old glass” are used, i.e. with a thick bottom. In Scotland, a slightly different tradition, where alcohol from corn is tasted from two-handed tin cups “quaich”.

To taste the alcohol, drink the alcoholic beverage slowly. First, warm the glass in your palms, then shake a little and only then drink a little. The product has a long finish, it goes well with cream, rum. You can add a few ice cubes – when they melt, water will transform the taste of alcohol. Do not have this type of alcohol right away.

How to make bourbon at home

An analogue of the famous drink from the United States can be made at home, especially in America, many farmers prepare this alcohol on their own. The amount of ingredients is relatively small, as all you need is corn, a grain mixture of wheat, barley, rye, malt, yeast and water. Grain mix is ​​sold in stores. Yeast will need “live”, pay attention to shelf life, the fresher the product, the better. Some recipes are complemented by angostura bitter. Stages of making a house:

1. Boil the corn flour, which will need to be constantly stirred, otherwise it will stick to the bottom.
2. When the future mash boils, let it cool slightly. After that add malt to it at the rate of 25% of the total amount of dry raw materials.
3. Thoroughly mix the mash, the temperature of which should be between 45 and 50 degrees.
4. Allow the mixture to brew a little, then add yeast to it. Make sure the mash temperature is around 30 degrees.
5. Then the liquid is left to ferment for two to three weeks. After this period, the formed alcohol is distilled a couple of times..
6. The following is the aging step. If you do not have an oak barrel, then get along with oak chips, boards or bark. Put oak materials at the bottom of the glass bowl and then pour in alcohol.
7. Store products in a dry and dark place. Dilute aged alcohol only with purified water.

Manhattan

• Time: 2 min.
• Servings Per Container: 1.
• Calories: 157 kcal.
• Purpose: for a festive table.
• Cuisine: American.
• Difficulty: Easy.

Manhattan is rightly called the “King of Cocktails”, which was created over 100 years ago. He does not lose his position to this day. Excellent taste has made Manhattan a favorite alcohol of many alcohol connoisseurs in the USA and Europe. The invention of the cocktail is attributed to Jenny Jerome, who was the daughter of a well-known stockbroker from New York, and after marriage she became Lady Churchill. She is the mother of the world-famous Winston Churchill.

Ingredients

• bourbon – 50 ml;
• red vermouth – 25 ml;
• cocktail cherry – 1 pc.;
• Angostura – 2 ml;
• ice – 150 g.

Cooking method

1. Fill a bar glass with a suitable container with ice.
2. Add core component, angostura and vermouth.
3. Mix all components thoroughly..
4. Pour into a chilled glass, add a cocktail cherry.
5. Serve without ice, but with a straw. As a snack, you can use a side dish of dried fruits.

Kentucky Mule

• Time: 3 min.
• Servings Per Container: 1.
• Calories: 150 kcal.
• Purpose: for a festive table.
• Cuisine: American.
• Difficulty: Easy.

This signature Kentucky Derby cocktail has a refreshing spicy flavor. Kentucky Mule – This turn in the Moscow Mule combines ginger beer with American whiskey for a refreshing summer cocktail. It will take you no more time to prepare the named product than to Manhattan. This homemade bourbon recipe is relatively simple..

Ingredients

• Woodford Reserve bourbon – 56 g;
• fresh lime juice – 14 g;
• ginger beer, ice, mint sprigs – optional.

Cooking method

1. Add bourbon and lime juice to a mug in a copper mug or a highball glass.
2. Fill a mug or glass with ice.
3. Add ginger beer.
4. Put on top to decorate the sprigs of mint.

Old fashion

• Time: 3 min.
• Servings Per Container: 1.
• Calories: 280 kcal.
• Purpose: for a festive table.
• Cuisine: American.
• Difficulty: Easy.

Old Fashioned cocktail belongs to the category “Unforgettable” in the list of (official) cocktails of the “International Barmen Association”. From English, the name translates as “old-fashioned.” The drink remains in demand even 130 years after the appearance. Herbal tincture adds original notes to the taste, and the astringency of whiskey is leveled by sugar. It is drunk easily and at the same time perfectly relaxes. According to Old Fashioned, he appeared in 1880 in a bar in the city of Louisville (Kentucky). Old Fashion is believed to have been Harry Truman’s favorite cocktail.

Ingredients

• bourbon – 50 ml;
• Angostura – 5 ml;
• refined sugar – 2 pieces;
• cocktail cherry, orange zest – 1 pc.;
• ice cubes – 200 g;
• soda (optional) – 10-15 ml.

Cooking method

1. Pre-cool with ice or in a freezer a low glass with a thick bottom – called “Old Fashion” or “Rocks”.
2. Put a couple of sugar cubes in a container, moisten with an angostura (herbal tincture).
3. Next, you need to knead the sugar madler. You can do this at home with a teaspoon, a small wooden crush.
4. Fill a glass with ice, add alcohol from corn and mix thoroughly.
5. Garnish with orange peel and cherry for beauty.
6. If the cocktail, in your opinion, turns out to be excessively strong, then you can dilute the alcohol with soda.

Boulevardier

• Time: 4 min.
• Servings Per Container: 1.
• Calories: 250 kcal.
• Purpose: for a festive table.
• Cuisine: French.
• Difficulty: Easy.

Often among connoisseurs of alcohol, the question arises of how to make Boulevardier, because this cocktail is a regular at the bohemian institutions of famous Parisian boulevards. The creation of Boulevardier is attributed to Erskine Gwinn, a writer from America. He founded the monthly magazine in the French capital Boulevardier, which appeared between 1927 and 1932.

Ingredients

• aged bourbon – 45 ml;
• red vermouth – 30 ml;
• Campari – 30 ml;
• ice cubes – 120 g;
• orange zest – 1 pc..

Cooking method

1. Fill the rox (wide glass with a thick bottom) with ice to the very top.
2. Pour red vermouth with campari into a glass.
3. Add handmade corn whiskey, place carefully using a cocktail spoon.
4. Garnish the resulting product with orange zest.

Whiskey Sauer

• Time: 4 min.
• Servings Per Container: 1.
• Calories: 201 kcal.
• Purpose: for a festive table.
• Cuisine: American.
• Difficulty: Easy.

Whiskey Sour is a product in which four components are ideally combined: sourness, slight bitterness, moderate strength, subtle sweetness. Over time, alcohol became a classic and is currently included in the IBA codification, i.e. international barmen association. The availability of ingredients, the simplicity of the recipe – this has made Whiskey Sauer a popular cocktail that can be made at home and served with different dishes. How to cook the product yourself in a short time? To solve this problem, read the method described below..

Ingredients

• bourbon – 50 ml;
• lemon juice – 25 ml;
• egg white – 1 pc.;
• sugar syrup – 20 ml;
• ice – 250 g;
• lemon zest to taste.

Cooking method

• Pour the main component, sugar syrup and juice to be squeezed from about half a lemon into the shaker.
• In a separate cup or bowl, separate the egg white from the yolk. Add a couple drops of protein to the shaker..
• Put the ice cube, mix, shake.
• Pour the resulting mixture into an ice-filled Rox type glass using a strainer (strainer).
• Garnish your finished lemon zest cocktail.