Posted on 06/14/2023 6:18:16 AM PDT by Red Badger
(Last Updated On: June 9, 2023)
NATIONAL BOURBON DAY | JUNE 14
On June 14th, National Bourbon Day recognizes the Official Spirit of America.
Like Scotch, Cognac, and some other spirits, Bourbon must meet certain standards and be produced in a specific geographical region to earn its name. Bourbon is a whiskey that can only be called by the word when it is distilled in the United States. For a distiller to legally label their whiskey as “Bourbon,” they must meet specific criteria.
#NationalBourbonDay
The whiskey must be 51 percent corn.
The distiller must story the whiskey in new (not aged) charred-oak barrels,
They also must distill the whiskey at no more than 160 proof.
Finally, distillers must ensure the Bourbon is barreled at 125 proof.
This particular whiskey derives its name from the Kentucky county of the same name. Early settlers established the county in 1785 and were large producers of corn. Back then, once they distilled the corn, they put it in barrels stamped “Old Bourbon,” and shipped them down the Ohio River.
In 1964, a Congressional Resolution designated Bourbon as America’s native spirit. Since then, nowhere else in the world can make a whiskey and call it Bourbon.
Bourbon’s deep roots start with the immigrants who would homestead in Kentucky. With an abundance of corn, these pioneers set their stills to work, producing a whiskey that lives on today. They also put their own stamp on the quality and flavors into their whiskey. From the oak barrels to the rich soils, Bourbon’s character continues to grow throughout the years.
HOW TO USE NATIONAL BOURBON DAY
Pour a glass of Bourbon and use #NationalBourbonDay on social media. As you savor the depth of flavor, study up on Bourbon. Watch a documentary or read a book on the history of Bourbon. These will take you back in time and tell you about the people who brought about the drink we know as the Official Spirit of America.
Here are our staff picks to learn about the history of Bourbon:
Neat: The Story of Bourbon (2018), written and directed by David Altrogge
Straight Up: Kentucky Bourbon (2018), written and directed by Eric Byford
The Social History of Bourbon by Gerald Carson
Bourbon: A History of the American Spirit by Dane Huckelbridge
NATIONAL BOURBON DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar is researching the origins of this spirited holiday.
Bourbon Ping!...................for medicinal purposes only, you understand.......
Bourbon and motorcycles are why I have a perfect record of not killing anyone.
Living in the bourbon capital of the world helps
Bourbon and motorcycles................
A local sheriff’s deputy was fired a few years back because he had too much of both.............
Add “Must be distilled in Kentucky” to the list of rules. I’ll drink to that!
I’m Irish and am hugely insulted by the existence of a bourbon day. *EVERY* day is bourbon day!
I spoke to a distiller on a trip to Lexington, he said the best bourbons are from Kentucky and some parts of Tennessee because of the limestone filtration. The water is unique. He said bourbons from outside those areas either use local water industrial filtered to remove the harsh chemicals and the iron or they buy barrels of bourbon from different Kentucky distillers. They blend the bourbons, then market it under their own label. Best to stay with a bourbon from Kentucky. Lots to choose from. I recently saw bourbons for sale from distillers in New Jersey and one from Cali. My first thought was that old salsa commercial "made in New York City!" I suppose that if the harsh chemicals used to treat potable water in those regions are filtered out along with he iron they could produce a good bourbon with the right barrels.
There is an old saying that Bourbon must be made in Kentucky, however, this is a common misconception. “Kentucky Bourbon” is only produced in the state, but Bourbon in fact can be made in any of the 50 American states. Once the overall standards for Bourbon are met, it’s Bourbon.
The “Overall Standards” are the key.
Gonna pour that blue label Weller today.
After 5, of course! ;-)
Perhaps to celebrate the day, I will change from drinking rum to bourbon this evening.
“ It’s always 5 o’clock, somewhere...................”
Excellent point. Cheers!
I don’t imbibe, but my nephew will probably be popping open his Blanton’s Gold I got him for Christmas.
That’s a nice gift!
We decided that we will celebrate with Basil-Hayden. One of our friends gave us our first bottle of a few years ago. He was a covid casualty, so we make a toast to him every now and again, and always with the BH. Miss you, buddy!
Everyday is bourbon day here!😎
Ping.
.
I suppose I should have specified, not at the same time. Alcohol and motorcycles together are an absolute never happen with me
Great that you remember your friend that way. BH is Wifey’s favorite, too.
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