bourbon history
October 22, 2024
When it comes to whiskey, the influence of wood is essential to shaping its flavor. The type of barrel, how long the whiskey is aged, and whether it’s exposed to full barrels or individual staves all play a role in determining the final taste. Today, we’ll explore the difference between two whiskey aging techniques: barrel-finished and stave-finished whiskeys.
(more…)September 17, 2024
Building the perfect bourbon whiskey collection at home is a rewarding journey that blends
personal taste, exploration, and a bit of artistry. Whether you’re just starting out or expanding
your current collection, the goal is to create a selection that reflects your preferences and offers
variety for different occasions.
Here’s a guide to help you curate an impressive bourbon whiskey collection and elevate the
entire experience.
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…)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:
(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…)
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…)
September 23, 2019
Ah, whiskey. The deceptively simple, amber-colored elixir has served as the inspiration for song, film, study, and reflection. Scholars have spent centuries contemplating how it’s made, how it has evolved, and the role it has played in history and civilization.
In fact, entire museums dedicated to whiskey have sprung up around the world. Here’s our guide to three American favorites.
(more…)
November 5, 2019
December 16, 2019
Bourbon isn’t bourbon until it’s been aged in barrels, both by tradition and by law. It needs a protected, waterproof vessel to come into its own, and wooden barrels are just the ticket.
Barrel-making is an ancient process — but there’s room for innovation, says Jeff LaHue, head of strategic partnerships at Independent Stave Company (ISC), the largest maker of whiskey barrels in the world. ISC also supplies barrels to Lux Row Distillery.
(more…)