Bourbon

Q: Are bourbon barrels charred?

Yes, bourbon barrels are charred before use. The charring caramelizes the sugars on the surface of the wood, which imparts a smoky flavour to the bourbon.

Q: How is bourbon different from other types of whiskey?

There are a few requirements that make a whiskey a bourbon. For one, it must be made in the United States. In order to be called a bourbon, 51% of the mash bill (the recipe that makes up the whiskey) must be corn. The whiskey must also be aged in charred new oak barrels, and it cannot contain any additives (like colourings or flavours). To get really technical, it must be distilled to no more than 80% alcohol by volume, must enter into barrel for aging at no more than 62.5% ABV, and then be bottled at no less than 40% ABV.

Q: What's the best way to store bourbon?

The best way to store bourbon is in a cool, dark place. Ideally, you would want to keep it somewhere like a cellar or basement where the temperature is relatively stable and won't fluctuate too much. Too much heat can cause your bourbon to age prematurely and too much cold will make it go bad.

A spirit with a rock and roll reputation, bourbon is America’s answer to Scotch whisky. With its own set of rules and regulations, as well as an instantly recognisable flavour profile, bourbon whiskey is a uniquely stateside creation. 95% of all bourbon comes from Kentucky aka The BlueGrass State, but it can be made anywhere in the United States. Legally, to be labelled as “bourbon whiskey”, each batch must be made from a mash of at least 51% corn. The liquor is then aged in new oak barrels that have had a lick of flame applied to the inside. It’s this barrel aging in charred oak that gives bourbon those distinct warm notes of vanilla, spice, oak and caramel.

A little like with Scottish whisky, bourbon is aged for varying amounts of time, resulting in all kinds of different styles. Straight bourbons like Jack Daniels are aged for a minimum of two years. Any bourbon aged for less than four years will have an age statement on the label. But that’s by no means the whole story. Explore our shop and find the right bourbon for you.

Are bourbon barrels charred?

How is bourbon different from other types of whiskey?

What's the best way to store bourbon?