What is Bourbon, what is it made from and TOP 10 best brands that do not “smell of bugs”

I am not a fan of strong alcoholic drinks and prefer light wines and liqueurs.

Having received a bottle with an incomprehensible foreign liquid as a present, I forgot about it for a long time. However, after some time I decided to taste it.

At first, the taste seemed unpleasant, but something made me pour more bourbon into the glass. Having tasted it, I decided to ask what I drink, what it is made of, and what is the history of this unusual taste and aroma.

It turns out that bourbon is a drink of war and loss. It was invented when the United States was suffering from famine, there was not enough grain for bread, and the only cereal available was corn.

What is bourbon

My friends often call it whiskey, but the composition of the ingredients in the manufacture of fermentation wort is significantly different from European analogues.

Now I prefer to drink bourbon with hot dishes at family gatherings, but I will never miss the opportunity to drink a new brand I am unfamiliar with in bars and restaurants.

I fell in love with it for its unique tart taste with notes of caramel, spices and vanilla, which are formed during aging.

You can look at the amber color through a glass for hours, inhaling a delicate oak aroma. Woody tones are also felt in the form of an aftertaste after each sip.

If you decide to get acquainted with the taste of strong whiskey, then start with the original American bourbon. It is he who will reveal the full bouquet of taste and aroma, which I really appreciate.

Bourbon production technology

I know whiskey is made in many countries, but American bourbon has a unique aging process.

The main ingredient for creating a noble drink is corn – at least 55% of the total mass of the wort with the addition of rye, barley and wheat.

The grain is crushed, filled with clean water and subjected to double overcooking with a phased introduction of cereals. Then everything is cooled and barley malt is introduced, which makes the wort ferment.

At the end of the process, it undergoes double filtration to remove solid particles and purification-distillation, during which fusel oils do not enter it. After distillation, the fortress can reach from 70 to 80 degrees.

A pure drink without impurities is poured into barrels. Wooden aging containers must be of American origin white oak, fired on the inside. The spilled bourbon is aged in barrels from 2 to 10 years, it is then that it acquires its true taste and aroma.

The strength of the drink in a wooden container often reaches 62 degrees, but whiskey with an alcohol content of 40-43% is bottled – this is considered the standard for real American whiskey.

Real bourbon is only one that is produced in America, from local raw materials, including barrels for infusion.

Which countries produce good bourbon?

The main exporter of this elite spirit is the United States, but some other countries also credit themselves with the ability to make good bourbon, which is often called whiskey.

The difference between the two drinks lies in the blend of the composition. For America, the basis will be corn, producers from Scotland add more wheat, in Ireland – rye, and in Canada – barley.

Also, when choosing whiskey, I advise you to pay attention to manufacturers who have recently begun production, but also achieved good quality and taste. These are Australia, France and India.

If you have never tasted real bourbon from the USA, then I advise you to start tasting with the best blends.

Top 10 Bourbon Brands

Jim Beam (Jim Beam) is the most popular brand, prepared in the true traditions of America. Price 1 600 rubles.

Maker’s Mark (Makers Mark) is an elite alcohol that all whiskey and bourbon lovers dream of trying. Price 2 500 rubles.

Knob Creek (Knob Creek) – an expensive specimen, which is distinguished by an exposure time of up to 9 years and a rich rich taste. Price 5 400 rubles.

Baker’s Bourbon (Bakers Bourbon) – has an original taste and aroma. Manufacturers claim that they use special yeast, the composition of which is kept secret. Price 9 400 rubles.

Old Forester (Old Forester) – a drink for lovers of old traditions and tastes. It was this type of bourbon that was first sealed in a bottle. Price 3 400 rubles.

Old Tavern (Old Tavern) – has a classic taste with subtle woody notes and a traditional aroma. Price 1 400 rubles.

Jack Daniels (Jack Daniels) is one of the popular brands that has conquered the world with a mild taste and decent strength. Price 1 500 rubles.

Wild Turkey 101 (Wild Turks) – whiskey with a reduced alcohol content, the percentage of which does not exceed 40 degrees, but at the same time bourbon has a decent taste. Price 2 700 rubles.

Chivas Regal (Chivaz Regal) – represents a premium class drink that is drunk by the highest circles of society, but it can also be tasted by a mere mortal. Price 3 rubles.

Red Label (Red Label) – the best-selling whiskey, which has a decent taste and relatively low cost. Price 800 rubles.

For starters, I advise you to try inexpensive brands. If you like the taste, then you can switch to expensive bourbon brands that will bring real pleasure to the taste and aroma of the drink.

What bourbon do you prefer?