Types of Bourbon

Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is unique to the United States. It is a popular spirit that has been enjoyed for centuries and is known for its distinct flavor profile.

Bourbon is made from a mash of at least 51% corn and is aged in new, charred oak barrels. While all bourbon must meet certain legal requirements to be considered bourbon, there are many different types of bourbon available.

Some of the most common types of bourbon include standard bourbon whiskey, Kentucky bourbon whiskey, Tennessee whiskey, straight bourbon whiskey, small-batch and single-barrel bourbon, sour mash bourbon, bottled in bond bourbon, blended bourbon whiskey, high-rye bourbon, and wheated bourbon.

Each type of bourbon has its own unique flavor profile, and some are more popular than others. Understanding the differences between these types of bourbon can help whiskey lovers choose the perfect bottle for their tastes.

Whether you are a seasoned bourbon drinker or a newcomer to the spirit, there is a type of bourbon that is perfect for you. With so many different types of bourbon available, it can be challenging to know where to start. This article will provide an overview of the different types of bourbon and what sets them apart, so you can make an informed decision the next time you are in the market for a bottle.

Origins of Bourbon

Bourbon whiskey is a type of American whiskey that is primarily made from corn.

While the exact origins of bourbon are difficult to pinpoint, it is widely believed that the spirit was first produced in the United States, specifically in Kentucky, during the late 18th century.

The name “bourbon” is thought to have originated from Bourbon County, Kentucky, which was named after the French Bourbon dynasty. However, some historians believe that the name may have actually come from Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, which was a major hub for the whiskey trade in the 19th century.

Regardless of its name, bourbon quickly became a popular spirit in the United States due to its sweet, smooth flavor and relatively low cost of production. The abundance of corn in the country’s midwestern states made it an ideal ingredient for whiskey, and the widespread availability of oak barrels for aging helped to give bourbon its distinctive flavor.

Today, Kentucky bourbon is considered to be the standard for the spirit, with most bourbon produced in the United States coming from the state. In fact, in 1964, the U.S. Congress declared bourbon to be a “distinctive product of the United States,” and established several regulations for its production, including that it must be made from at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels.

Kentucky bourbon, in particular, is known for its unique flavor profile, which is often described as sweet and smoky with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. The state’s limestone-rich water is also thought to play a role in the spirit’s taste, as it helps to remove impurities from the mash during the distillation process.

Ingredients and Production

Mash Bill

Bourbon whiskey is made from a mash bill that contains at least 51% corn, with the remaining percentage consisting of other grains such as rye, wheat, or malted barley.

The specific combination of grains used in the mash bill can greatly impact the flavor profile of the bourbon. For example, high-rye bourbons will have a spicier taste, while wheated bourbons will have a smoother, sweeter flavor.

Distillation

After the grains are combined with water and yeast to create a fermentable base, the mixture is heated and stirred to create what is commonly known as “bourbon mash.” The mash is then distilled in a copper pot still or column still. The distillation process removes impurities and increases the alcohol content of the liquid. By law, bourbon must be distilled to no more than 80% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Aging Process

Once the bourbon has been distilled, it is aged in charred oak barrels. The charred oak barrel imparts a distinct flavor and color to the bourbon. The longer the bourbon is aged, the more complex its flavor profile becomes. By law, bourbon must be aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels. However, some bourbons are aged for much longer periods of time, resulting in a smoother, more refined taste.

During the aging process, the bourbon is affected by a number of factors, including the temperature and humidity of the storage facility. This can cause the bourbon to expand and contract, which allows it to absorb more flavor from the charred oak barrel. Additionally, some bourbons are made using a “sour mash” process, which involves adding a portion of previously distilled mash to the new mash. This helps to maintain a consistent flavor profile from batch to batch.

Classification of Bourbon

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that has its origins in Kentucky.

It is made from a mash bill that contains at least 51% corn and is aged in new, charred oak barrels. There are several types of bourbon, each with its own unique characteristics and flavor profile.

Straight Bourbon

Straight bourbon is a type of bourbon that has been aged for at least two years and has not been blended with any other spirits. It must also be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. Straight bourbon is the most common type of bourbon and is known for its smooth, rich flavor profile.

Wheated Bourbon

Wheated bourbon is a type of bourbon that uses wheat as the secondary grain in its mash bill instead of rye. This results in a smoother, softer flavor profile with notes of caramel and honey. Some popular examples of wheated bourbon include Maker’s Mark and W.L. Weller.

High Rye Bourbon

High rye bourbon is a type of bourbon that has a higher percentage of rye in its mash bill than traditional bourbon. This results in a spicier, more robust flavor profile with notes of pepper and spice. Some popular examples of high rye bourbon include Bulleit Bourbon and Four Roses.

Blended Bourbon

Blended bourbon is a type of bourbon that is made by blending straight bourbons of different ages and mash bills. This results in a more complex flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. Blended bourbon is a popular choice for cocktails and is often used in classic recipes like the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan.

Specialty Bourbons

Bourbon is a type of whiskey with a unique flavor profile that is derived from its mash bill, aging process, and other factors.

Specialty bourbons are a subset of this category that offer unique and distinct characteristics. These bourbons are often produced in small batches, with a focus on quality over quantity.

Small Batch Bourbon

Small batch bourbon is made by blending together a limited number of barrels from a single distiller. The exact number of barrels used in the blend varies, but it is typically between 4 and 9.

This process allows the distiller to create a more consistent flavor profile, as they are able to control the blending of different barrels. Small batch bourbons are often considered to be of higher quality than standard bourbons, and are prized by bourbon enthusiasts for their unique flavor profiles.

Single Barrel Bourbon

Single barrel bourbon is made by bottling bourbon from a single barrel, rather than blending together multiple barrels. This process allows for a more unique and distinct flavor profile, as each barrel of bourbon is slightly different.

Single barrel bourbons are often aged for longer periods of time than standard bourbons, which allows for more complex flavors to develop. They are also typically more expensive than standard bourbons, due to the limited quantity produced.

Cask Strength Bourbon

Cask strength bourbon is bottled straight from the barrel, without being diluted with water. This results in a higher proof bourbon, typically above 100 proof.

Cask strength bourbons are prized by bourbon enthusiasts for their bold and intense flavor profiles. They are often aged for longer periods of time than standard bourbons, which allows for more complex flavors to develop.

Bottled in Bond Bourbon

Bottled in Bond bourbon is a type of bourbon that is produced under strict guidelines set forth by the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897. This act requires that the bourbon be produced by one distiller, in one distilling season, aged for at least 4 years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at 100 proof.

Bottled in Bond bourbons are often considered to be of higher quality than standard bourbons, and are prized by bourbon enthusiasts for their unique and consistent flavor profiles.