Bourbon is called corn whiskey produced in Kentucky, USA. According to the laws of this country, only that drink can be called, the alcohol base of which consists of not less than 51% of corn distillate and which has been aged in oak barrels for at least two years. The longer the aging of corn whiskey, the darker its shade and the richer its bouquet, which is dominated by vanilla, cinnamon and tobacco notes. The taste of the drink is slightly sweet, which is why ladies like bourbon more often than Irish barley whiskey or Scotch scotch. The aged grades of bourbon are elite types of alcohol, so it has its own culture of consumption. If you want to taste it, you need to know how to drink bourbon correctly.
Usage Features
Americans are proud of their corn whiskey and are upset if they see that someone is tasting it incorrectly, because of this, because of this, it’s not possible to evaluate the unique organoleptic qualities of bourbon. If you won a bottle of this drink, you should learn about the culture of its use.
- Bourbon is a digestif. It is served after meals so that you can taste it, without haste, enjoying its taste and aroma. Submit corn whiskey before eating will be a mistake, as it is strong alcohol (40%), and if you drink it on an empty stomach, it will quickly cause intoxication. For lunch or dinner, this drink is also not served, as the food will not let you feel its long and rich aftertaste.
- Bourbon can be poured from a bottle only in public places. According to the rules of etiquette, it must first be poured into a tall vessel made of thin glass so that you can see all its non-defining shades.
- The optimal temperature for tasting aged bourbon is room temperature. The drink poured into a glass even warms some time in the hands. To drink such a noble whiskey should be in its pure form. Bourbon, insisting less than 6 years, can be slightly cooled by throwing an ice cube into a glass. Experts say that because of this, a bouquet of medium bourbon will open even better. Corn whiskey, the aging period of which is only 2-4 years, is recommended to be diluted with a significant amount of ice while cooling it, since its aroma is too harsh and may even have not very pleasant notes.
- While tasting bourbon in its pure form, it is drunk from wide glasses with a thick bottom. Fill them only a quarter. At first they admire the drink, warming the glass in their palms, then slightly shake the glass and inhale the aroma of the drink. After that, take a sip of bourbon, but do not rush to swallow it, giving him the opportunity to reveal all the shades of his taste and aroma, slowly flowing over the tongue to the throat. Exhaling, they catch his scent again. Some time after that, nothing is taken in the mouth to enjoy the aftertaste.
- Unstained bourbon can be diluted not only with water and ice, but also with cola, soda, juices, used to make cocktails.
Knowing the rules of using bourbon and observing them, you will get pleasure from tasting and will treat this noble drink with the deserved respect.
How to snack bourbon
Digestives are not accepted for snacking, this also applies to bourbon, so you can not offer snacks to it. However, Americans often serve him chocolate, fruit and cupcakes. Such an appetizer is acceptable, to offer its guests will not be a sign of bad taste. If you cannot drink strong alcohol without a more substantial snack, stop the choice on beef steak - from nutritious dishes it goes to corn whiskey better than others.
Wash down bourbon is not allowed, but it can be included in the cocktails. This option will appeal to those who prefer to mix drinks or do not like strong alcohol.
Manhattan Cocktail
Composition:
- bourbon - 60 ml;
- vermouth “Rosso” - 30 ml;
- Angostura bitter - 2 ml;
- crushed ice - to taste;
- cocktail cherry - 1 pc.
Method of preparation:
- Pour ice into a glass, trying to slide it along its walls.
- Add vermouth, pour bourbon behind it, add the bitter last.
- Stir drinks in a bar spoon for 20 seconds.
- Strainer through a strainer into a cocktail glass.
- Decorate with a cocktail cherry.
This cocktail is one of the most popular in America. Regarding the one who was the author of the recipe, opinions differ. It is only known that the mention of him was found in the newspaper “Democrat” in 1880. Despite the honorable age and high popularity, he was included in the collection of the International Bartenders Association only in 1961.
Cocktail “Moral Kiss”
Composition:
- bourbon - 20 ml;
- dry vermouth - 20 ml;
- “Dubonne” wine bitter - 10 ml;
- orange juice - 10 ml;
- orange peel spiral for decoration;
- ice - to taste.
Method of preparation:
- Pour crushed ice into the shaker's container, pour the drinks into it.
- Shake vigorously for 40 seconds.
- Strain the drink through a strainer into a cocktail glass.
- Decorate with orange peel.
The taste of the drink is so soft and harmonious that its use is a pleasure for the majority of women. Most likely, this is what dictates its name.
Kentucky Mule Cocktail
Composition:
- bourbon - 55 ml;
- fresh lime juice - 15 ml;
- ginger beer - 30-50 ml;
- ice cubes - to taste;
- A sprig of mint - for decoration.
Method of preparation:
- Fill the whiskey glass with ice cubes.
- Pour bourbon into it, add lime juice, stir with a bar spoon.
- Top up ginger ale or ale.
- Decorate with a sprig of mint.
They drink this cocktail slowly, but it is not customary to serve a straw to it. The drink has a pronounced refreshing taste, but in fact it is very cunning. The use of such a drink is comparable to drinking Russian “ruff”: it causes rapid intoxication, which is accompanied by a heavy hangover.
Cocktail “Old Fashioned”
Composition:
- bourbon - 50 ml;
- Angostura bitter - 5 ml;
- lump sugar - 1-2 pieces;
- soda (optional) - 10-15 ml;
- ice cubes - how many will enter the glass;
- orange peel in the form of a spiral - 1 pc .;
- cocktail cherry - 1 pc.
Method of preparation:
- Cool a wide glass in the freezer.
- Put refined sugar in the bottom of the glass.
- Wait a while for the herbal tincture to soften the sugar, then mash it with a madler or a wooden spoon. You can use a regular teaspoon, if a more convenient tool was not at hand.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in bourbon, mix the contents of the glass.
- Add some soda - it gives the cocktail a softer taste.
- Decorate the glass with berries and zest.
It is believed that this cocktail was loved by Harry Truman. The recipe for this drink is over 100 years old and has not lost its popularity.
Bourbon is produced only in the USA and only in one of its states. It received the name in honor of the settlement where it began to be made for the first time. The drink is a corn whiskey. Its aged varieties are considered elite, they are drunk in their pure form. Less seasoned bourbon grades are often used to make cocktails. Many of them are popular far beyond the borders of America.
