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…)October 15, 2018
Think you know everything there is to know about bourbon? We bet you’ll learn at least one new fact from reading this list.
If nothing on here surprises you, then kudos! You’ve earned a drink. (more…)
January 10, 2019
Bourbon being bourbon, it tastes pretty great no matter how you drink it. But with a spirit this divine, there’s a world of pleasure to be savored when you take the time to do it right.
Here to tell us how to bring the most flavor out of bourbon is Lux Row Distillers ambassador and lead brand representative Philip Lux.
(more…)
February 1, 2019
When you’re in the bourbon section of your local liquor store, you can’t go wrong with any of our fine Lux Row offerings. But even then, you have some choices to make. If you’d like to be a more confident shopper — or you just want to impress people at dinner parties — read on to learn how to interpret that sometimes-mysterious bourbon label. (more…)
March 28, 2019
Making great bourbon involves many ingredients, each essential in its own right, whether it’s the corn and grains or the cool, clear Kentucky water. But one of the most crucial elements in shaping bourbon into the drink we love: the charred American oak barrels in which it’s aged.
(more…)
March 28, 2019
By regulation, all bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels. Why? Because unlike other whiskies, no additives (other than water) are allowed in bourbon. No added color. No added flavors. So, other than the distillate itself, bourbon picks up a lot of its character from the barrels. And the character of the barrels depends in large part on the level of char.
To learn more about the process, we chatted with Jeff LaHue, head of strategic partnerships at Independent Stave Company (ISC), which supplies and chars barrels for Lux Row Distillers.
(more…)
April 29, 2019
Every bourbon is special — but then there’s Blood Oath, the ultra-premium bourbon released by Lux Row Distillers once a year, in limited quantities and at a premium price.
(more…)
July 29, 2019
Summer means barbecues, and barbecues mean tasty meats. Barbecue and bourbon is just one of those pairings that was meant to be.
Both boast layers of complexity, which can be achieved only after prolonged periods of doting attention — whether it’s brisket smoked for hours over hickory wood or bourbon aged for years in a charred oak barrel.
There are no shortcuts here. You can’t make this kind of magic overnight. Be it bourbon or sausage, you’re enjoying traditions that have been honed and treasured for centuries, coming together in an infinitely pleasurable single sip or bite.
(more…)
July 29, 2019
If you’re a bourbon drinker, you’re familiar with the term mash. It’s one of the major steps in whiskey making (beer, too). Mash refers to all the grains — wheat, corn, barley, and rye — that form the very basis of bourbon.
The mix of grains is called the mash bill. And each distiller has its own signature recipe. Lux Row Distillers Global Brand Ambassador Philip Lux says that a bourbon’s mash bill is key to defining its flavor.
(more…)