What is Cartel Bourbon Whiskey
While the exact history of bourbon gets debated continuously, one thing that all bourbon connoisseurs can agree on is that bourbon is rooted in American history. During the Revolutionary War, the supply of sugar was low, therefore, so was the production of rum. Union men had to make a spirit with the grains around them. The most abundant of these grains was corn and that is how American Corn Whiskey was created. On the Ohio River Valley, specifically in Kentucky, many were experimenting with whisky and the idea of aging bourbon whiskey in charred barrels was brought in by two immigrants from south Cognac France. The first person to make bourbon has never been agreed on but from 1807 until 1821 when Stout and Adams officially penned their new spirit as bourbon, people all over ‘Bourbon County’, Kentucky were producing their versions of bourbon. After 1821, distilleries and brands all over Kentucky were taking their sour mash recipes or aged corn whiskey’s and labeling them as the newly-penned bourbon. Over time, bourbon grew in popularity and developed requirements for production. In 1964, bourbon was officially named America’s native spirit by Congress.
Bourbon whiskey is one of the more complex and sophisticated spirits on the market as it has strict requirements that need to be met for it to be considered bourbon whiskey. Bourbon production starts with a sour mash that must be at least 51% corn after distillation and bourbon must be aged for at least two years in a new American white oak charred barrel. The proof of bourbon must be 125 or less when put into the barrel and has to be at least 80 proof once bottled. Bourbon can not be higher than 125 proof and the only thing that can be added to bourbon at bottling is water. Lastly, bourbon must be made in America to be considered bourbon whiskey. While the process is extensive and precise, the result of a perfectly crafted bourbon is well worth the venture.
