So, you know how every other day seems to be a “National [insert food or beverage] Day”? Well, National Bourbon Heritage Month — you’re in it — is actually a Congressionally-recognized salute to our country’s official liquor.
September celebrates the bourbon industry’s long American history, legacy and tradition.
Kentucky is the birthplace of bourbon; a true bourbon can only be made in the United States. Corn must comprise at least 51 percent — but not more than 79 percent of the grain. This is what gives bourbon its sweeter flavor profile over rye-based whiskies. Master distillers may create a single-barrel bourbon from a single superior barrel, or a small-batch bourbon by blending a few of the best barrels.
Fun fact: There are more bourbon barrels in Kentucky than there are people.
Love bourbon — or want to get to know it better? Check out these Great Bourbon Cocktails of the Season from Raise Your Spirits, a local blog crafted by mixologist/consultant Michael Nagy. See more:
- Bourbon Cheatsheet And Five Bourbon Myths
- Classic And Contemporary Bourbon Cocktails
- National Bourbon Heritage Month
Pennsylvania Fine Wine & Good Spirits also offers some bourbon-y cocktails to try:
Country Boy Old Fashioned
1-3 sugar cubes- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 cherry (without stem)
- 1 half orange slice
- 2 oz Jim Beam Bourbon
- Splash of seltzer, lemon-lime soda or ginger ale
Place first four ingredients in an old fashioned glass and muddle until sugar is dissolved. Add cracked ice and pour in bourbon. Top with a splash of seltzer, lemon-lime soda or ginger ale; stir gently. Garnish with a fresh slice of orange.
Knob Creek Bourbon Fizz – by Chef Michael Symon
- 5 sprigs thyme
- 1⁄2 oz simple syrup
- 1⁄2 oz lemon juice
- 11⁄2 oz Knob Creek Bourbon
- 1 egg white
- 2 oz orange soda
Muddle two sprigs of thyme and simple syrup in a shaker. Add lemon juice, bourbon, egg white and ice. Shake vigorously for one minute. Strain over fresh ice and top with thyme.
Find more bourbon and bourbon-based recipes on Pa. Fine Wine & Good Spirits Pinterest Board!
