Month: July 2020

Jul 30

What is Bourbon?

Howdy, sit back relax grab a beverage and learn a bit. What is Bourbon?  All Bourbon is Whiskey but, not all Whiskey is Bourbon.  There are key differences and here are what makes Bourbon well Bourbon. Taken from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourbon_whiskey#Legal_requirements Produced in the United States Made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn Aged in new, charred oak containers Distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof (80% alcohol by volume) Entered into a new white oak charred container for aging at no more than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume) Bottled (like other whiskeys) at 80 proof or more (40% alcohol by volume) So, first myth busted that Bourbon must be made in Kentucky.  While some of the best Bourbon comes from Kentucky it can be produced anywhere in the United States.  This also mean no other country may product Bourbon just like no other country can produce Scotch. To be considered a straight bourbon the liquid must be aged for two years has nothing added to it can be called Straight Bourbon.  One Caveat is that if aged under 4 years an age statement must be placed onto the bottle. Age statements on any bottle means that is the youngest Bourbon in the bottle and are optional for anything older then 4 years.  For awhile age statements have been removed from all Bourbons with the success and popularity of the brown elixir.  Many distilleries are now bringing the age statements back which in my humble opinion is a great thing.  You know what you are drinking for some of the Bourbons. Now you know what the definition of Bourbon is.  Now finish your beverage and what the hell grab another and enjoy. Junior

Jul 26

Hot Days Cool Bourbon

Howdy, and welcome to Junior’s Bourbon Hall Over the last couple of days it has been humid and hot here in the Midwest.  When it gets steamy hot outside what do you go to for your cocktail of choice?  One that jumps to my mind is the Woodford Spire.  Granted you can use any of your favorite bourbon this one is just from Woodford Reserve 1.5 oz Woodford Reserve 2 oz Lemonade 1 oz Cranberry Juice Crushed ice with a lemon twist for a garnish. Place everything in your favorite rocks glass stir and enjoy.  Nothing better on a hot summer day then lemonade and cranberry mixed with your favorite bourbon. The other option that I love to go to has a little more work and some ingredients that you will need to pick up.  This would be the Blackberry Bourbon Smash.  Another great cocktail to beat the heat.  You will need a shaker to make this one and then another rocks glass. 2 oz favorite bourbon 2 lime wedges 6 mint leaves 3 blackberries 3/4 oz simple syrup club soda In the shaker start with the lime wedges, mint, and blackberries.  Muddle for a bit until things are smashed up.  Once you like the way this looks add your bourbon, simple syrup, and ice.  Time to get your exercise on and shake vigorously until the shaker is ice cold or you are tired of shaking.  Who stated cocktails are not exercise.  Pour everything into the rocks glass and top off with the club soda.  No need to strain anything. Sit back and enjoy while outside watching the kids, wildlife, neighbors, or whatever you enjoy.  For me it is the back patio on a wonderful Sunday afternoon watching the birds feed and the squirrels trying to feed and every now and then watching a little bird attacking the squirrel for climbing up by the nest.  All the while listening to southern rock or classic rock on the patio speakers. Sit back relax and enjoy the evening. Junior PS – If you are inclined a great cigar would make the night that much more enjoyable.

Jul 15

Enjoying Bourbon

Howdy, how do you enjoy your Bourbon.  Neat, on ice, mix drink, shots, or what other options.  The way I enjoy my Bourbon is with good friends and Neat. Neat – take a glass drop in 2 oz of Bourbon warm in your hand and enjoy Mix Drinks – Take your favorite Bourbon add your favorite mix.  Soda, Seltzer, fruit juice, etc. Shots – Take a shot glass add your Bourbon throw it back. If you like high proof Bourbon you can add an ice cube or two and change the flavor.  This will open up the Bourbon to a new flavor.  Have one neat then add ice and notice the difference. Now go enjoy your Bouron will you.