National bourbon day!

photo courtesy of the internet

I was notified that today is National Bourbon Day. Bourbon is the most popular type of whiskey in the U.S. It was traditionally distilled in and around present-day Bourbon County, Kentucky. The region takes its name from the Bourbon dynasty, a royal lineage that ruled various European countries. Today, bourbon is distilled throughout the United States.

I'm sometimes asked 'what's the difference between  whiskey and bourbon?' Answer: all bourbons are whiskeys, but not all whiskeys are bourbons.  In order  to be labeled bourbon a whiskey must be produced in the U.S. from a grain mixture (called "mash") made up of at least 51 percent corn. It must be distilled to a maximum strength of 160 proof, bottled at a strength of at least 80 proof, and barreled for aging at no more than 125 proof. It must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. To qualify as "straight bourbon," the spirits must meet the above requirements as well as being aged for at least two years and containing no added coloring, flavoring or other spirits.

According to Bourbon Women, a membership organization serving women interested in bourbon and connected to the bourbon industry, the number of women bourbon drinkers is growing.

I will keep this post short as the dining gods have made it possible for me to learn today how bourbon is made at  Woodford Reserve. I want to be on time for class!

Coming soon: popular bourbon brands, bourbon recipes, learning how to make bourbon


Be well,

Technicolor girl





.