September is National Bourbon Heritage Month. We have collected a list of best bourbon from around the country. Before you tip your glass back, make yourself look really cool by first understanding the difference between bourbon vs whiskey.
What's the difference between bourbon and whiskey?
In order to be bourbon whiskey, it legally must consist of 51% corn, be aged in virgin barrels for at least 2 years, and hover between 80 and 101 proof. While reading up about bourbon, I found a few things I thought were most important to know.
Five Things You Should Know About Bourbon vs Whiskey
1. All bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon.
2. Bourbon is all-American spirit. In 1964, under President Lyndon Johnson's administration, Congress declared bourbon America's Native Spirit.
3. The only thing that can be added to bourbon is water (and only to bring it down to proof). Other whiskey makers can add colors and flavors to their products.
4. Whiskey can age in re-used barrels. By law bourbon must use NEW charred American white oak barrels.
5. It can't say “bourbon” on the label if it's not distilled in the United States. And it can't be “Kentucky Bourbon” unless it's distilled in Kentucky.
Source: Jim Beam
Best Bourbon from Coast to Coast
William Wolf Pecan Bourbon uses real South Carolina pecans and real maple syrup to blend with bourbon. We wanted to stick to the original prohibition era recipe, says William Wolf representative, James Landis. William Wolf Pecan Bourbon is made in small batches and aged for 5 years.
Made in the Carolinas
If you haven't tried drinking bourbon yet, I'd suggest starting here. The taste is smooth and finishes with a great nutty pecan flavor without being overly sweet. It's nice to drink on the rocks or to blend and make an adult milkshake!
Widow Jane 10 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey ages 10 years making it one of the smoothes finishes I've tried when it comes to bourbon. It starts with buttery, deep cherry notes and ends with a citrus and spice undertones.
Made in Brooklyn, New York
While its complexity would make it great for a simple cocktail, I suggest drinking this neat or on the rocks.
If you prefer a smokey cocktail, then you'll enjoy Bulleit Bourbon. “Kentucky limestone-filtered water provides a foundation for the bourbon's character, while charred American oak barrels lend a smoky backbone.”
While I can drink some bourbon on the rocks, this isn't one I could enjoy on its own. I think it would make for the perfect bourbon for a complex mixed drink .
Traverse City Whiskey Co. recipes have been in the family for three generations. Traverse City Whiskey Co. XXX Straight Bourbon Whiskey offers delicate notes of vanilla with a subtle spiciness after being aged at least four years in new American white oak barrels.
Buffalo Trace Distillery have been making Kentucky bourbon for over 200 years. Its namesake bourbon is complex without being overly bold. Its whiskeys are distilled with non-GMO corn too.
The unique balance of vanilla and oak makes Buffalo Trace perfect for sipping or to mixing into cocktails.
Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey is made at an elevation of 9,600 feet with and Breckenridge snowmelt water from the Rocky Mountain used for proofing. Is that cool, or what? Its aged for a minimum of two years in new charred American oak barrels.
Breckenridge's balanced grain blend, {56% Yellow Corn, 38% Green Rye, 6% Barley}, imparts a uniquely rounded flavor and finish. The corn imparts sweetness, while the rye adds a spicy kick.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is matured in twice, first in new chared oak barrels and second is deeply toasted before its light charring, hence imparting a sweeter notes, as opposed to smokey notes.
Made in Kentucky
Despite the fact that its double oaked, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, features sweeter notes, as opposed to smokey notes from the charring. It makes for a great after dinner sipping bourbon.
Great interesting facts that I did not know bourbon and whiskey. The Angel’s Envy looks good.
So where on this scale is my favorite, Jim Beam’s Maple Bourbon Whiskey? Love it!
That sounds tasty!
Loving these. I recently did a tasting of some bourbons and it was so interesting at all the subtle differences.
Jim Beam — a classic!
Jim beam sold to Japanese company 3 years ago just saying