Whiskey Education
August 22, 2024
If there's one spirit that embodies the essence of American craftsmanship and tradition, it's bourbon.
Often hailed as America's native spirit, bourbon has a rich history and a unique flavor profile that has captivated whiskey and spirit enthusiasts for centuries. This blog post explores the origins, evolution, and cultural significance of bourbon, offering insights into why this iconic drink remains so beloved today.
Whether you're a seasoned bourbon lover or a curious newcomer, you'll discover what makes bourbon an integral part of American heritage.
(more…)July 19, 2024
Bourbon tasting, whether at a distillery, your favorite bar, or at home, is always guaranteed to be a good time had by all. Whether you’re a bourbon whiskey aficionado or preparing for your first flight, this guide aims to provide you with the knowledge and essentials you need to fully appreciate the next time you have a few pours in front of you.
(more…)June 18, 2024
Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey is a truly American spirit that has existed since the late 1700s. However, in the nearly three centuries since its inception, bourbon has evolved quite a bit.
One thing that hasn’t changed much, is the aging process.
Aging transforms the raw distillate into a masterpiece of taste and character. Aging is not merely a tradition; it's a science that involves time, temperature, and the unique properties of the barrels used.
This article delves into the intricacies of how aging affects bourbon whiskey and offers insights into the age statement you often see on its bottles.
Continue readingMay 29, 2024
While drinking bourbon and whiskey is hard to beat, cooking with it comes in a very close second. When done right, the nuance in flavors shines through and can help you elevate just about every dish.
Whether you're a seasoned home cook or new to the culinary scene, this guide will take you on a flavorful journey. It will show you how to use bourbon and whiskey to transform simple dishes into extraordinary experiences.
(more…)May 2, 2018
Whether you love the Kentucky Derby for the people-watching (those hats!) or the horse racing, one thing is certain: The derby’s signature mint julep drink is the best tradition of all.
The mint julep is a combination of bourbon, mint, sugar, and water, served over heaps of crushed ice in a signature silver or pewter cup. Although the race itself may last only a couple of minutes, derby fans keep sipping their mint juleps long into the afternoon.
Curious about the history of this favorite Southern libation? Then read on.
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May 29, 2018
Ingredients matter. And regardless of where you are on your whiskey journey — beginner or connoisseur — you gain precious insight when you know what went into the glass you just poured. Understanding exactly what you’re sipping heightens your ability to recognize, appreciate, and savor.
Each whiskey starts with a base of corn, rye, barley, and/or wheat grain. These grains — along with the oak barrels they’re aged in — define the taste and aroma of the spirit.
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June 19, 2018
When it comes to whiskey, there’s only one question: What’s not to love? It has taste, stature, distinction, and legacy. It summons flavors we know — caramel, toffee, wheat — then craftily showcases them in a new way.
That said, we have distilled it (see what we did there?) to the top five reasons we love whiskey in all its forms.
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June 22, 2018
Before we get started, let’s state the obvious: When it comes to Lux Row Distillers bourbon — Rebel Yell, Ezra Brooks, David Nicholson, Blood Oath — there’s no wrong way to drink it. We won’t even judge if you want to drink it straight from the bottle — responsibly, of course. (We’re looking at you, Rebel Yellers.)
But bourbon is a complex beast, with many facets to unlock, depending on how you choose to sip.
Here are the three best ways:
Neat
The simplest method, “neat” means bourbon on its own, unadorned. A clear, short glass is best, to showcase the whiskey’s amber color. About two ounces — or two “fingers” — is the just-right pour.
After you pour, tilt the glass and watch as the bourbon forms a slow trail. Savor the aroma as it curls towards you. The first sip explodes with complexity, with years of aging and blending crossing your tongue, leaving a radiant warmth in their wake.
Blood Oath Pact No. 4 is the perfect candidate for sipping neat. As a blend of three bourbons, including one that’s been aged for 12 years, it’s a multilayered whiskey that begs to be measured on its own merits.
Water
With a splash of room-temperature water, the flavors of the bourbon become more discernable. A few drops will do, but you can adjust to taste.
Bottled or filtered water is preferred, as tap has compounds that can affect the flavor. But tap water won’t ruin your drink.
Lightly diluted, the drink retains all of the profound flavors of spice and charred oak, but in a buoyant manner that floats over your palate. Whiskey with water also makes the best pairing with food.
A spritz of water does a world of good in Ezra Brooks’ Kentucky sour mash. At 90 proof, this straight bourbon has a spicy profile that mellows ever-so-slightly when diluted, allowing you to better discern its notes of cinnamon and chocolate.
Ice
Ice and whiskey: When the two meet, it’s a mystical moment. The herbal notes fade, and the bourbon’s masculine qualities arise. The first sip is cold, yes, but then it heats up, allowing the whiskey’s sundry flavors — raisin, butterscotch, honey — to unfold.
A regular ice cube is fine, but you might take your cue from the pros and get a single large cube. It melts more slowly, for a drink that’s chilled but not watered down.
In the Lux Row Distillers family of bourbons, the storied David Nicholson 1843 begs for a dose of ice. This award-winning wheated bourbon boasts a touch of heat and spice that bends and yields to the icy chill, before unzipping its full potential.
Category: Whiskey Education
June 22, 2018
Ice seems like the simplest, most basic accessory for bourbon. You turn on the tap, fill the ice tray, put it in the freezer, and take it out when you want to chill your whiskey. Easy, right?
Wrong. Over the past few years, mixologists have led us through an ice exploration. Turns out, there is a “right” kind, and it can make or break your whiskey drink. This is why we put together an ice primer. May your bourbon never suffer another ice faux pas again.
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July 17, 2018
Say the word “Kentucky” and the next word automatically falls into place: bourbon. It’s just one of those natural pairings.
Nearly all bourbon is made there: 95 percent, according to the Kentucky Distillers Association. The connection between the state and the spirit is undeniable.
What is it about the Bluegrass State that makes it the bourbon capital of the world? There are five reasons:
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August 20, 2018
There are some very specific rules when it comes to calling something “bourbon.” Though it is a type of whiskey, bourbon’s base must be at least 51 percent corn, and the spirit has to be aged in new charred oak containers. And to be considered “straight” bourbon, it has to be aged at least two years.
What else should you know about bourbon? Familiarize yourself with these terms to become a know-it-all.
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October 2, 2018
Whiskey on its own is perfection. But it doesn’t have to be a loner. It cozies up to food in a surprisingly compatible manner.
Fine whiskey, including bourbon — served straight, on ice, or in a stimulating cocktail — combined with the right food can be a match made in heaven. You just need to observe a few basic rules. (more…)