Beginner's Guide to Straight Bourbon

What is Straight Bourbon?

Bourbon is a type of whiskey made only in the USA. By definition, its grain bill, or recipe has to be made up of at least 51% corn and must be aged in a new charred oak barrel. Straight Bourbon has to be aged for at least 2 years. Different grains can be added to the grain bill to give a unique flavor. Blackfish Straight Bourbon is 70% corn, 20% barley, 5% malted rye, and 5% chocolate rye.

How Bourbon is Made

Bourbon starts like any whiskey with a “mash.” Water is heated to a specific temperature and sparged, or sprayed over the grain. The water and grain are mashed together to extract sugars from the grain. Then the sweet liquid is drained out of the mash. Yeast is added to convert the sugars into alcohol to make what is called “wash.” The wash is usually around 15% alcohol.

When the yeast is finished consuming the sugar to convert it to alcohol, the wash is added to a still, and brought to a boil. As it boils, the alcohol comes out as a vapor. The vapor is directed to a condenser, where it is cooled down and condenses back into a liquid. It is now about 60% alcohol. This is our White Whiskey. All whiskey comes out of the still clear, it doesn’t become brown-colored Bourbon until it has rested in the barrel.

We bottle some of our white whiskey straight out of the still, but to make Bourbon, we add the whiskey to new, charred, American white oak barrels, where it ages for 2 years or more.

How Do You Taste Bourbon?

First, notice the amber color of your Bourbon. This rich color comes from the char in the barrel and gets darker the longer it rests.

Next, smell the caramel and vanilla aromas that come from the time in the barrel. Depending on the grain bill, the type of yeast used, and how slowly the spirit is distilled, you will get different, nuanced aromas.

Now taste your Bourbon; take a small sip, but don’t swallow it right away. Hold it in your mouth to taste all the flavors. The corn and barley in our grain bill give a slightly sweet grain flavor. The malted rye gives it a hint of pepperiness. The chocolate rye leaves a light chocolatey aftertaste.

What to Do With Bourbon

You can drink Bourbon straight, over ice, or in a cocktail. You can even use it as an ingredient in your barbecue or in bourbon cake. We are especially fond of pouring it over vanilla ice cream for a simple and delicious dessert.

And There You Have It!

Now you know everything you need to get started. Whether it’s for you or a friend, Blackfish Straight Bourbon has a smooth and sweet flavor that is great for new and experienced whiskey drinkers. Stop by the distillery to try out your new tasting skills and get a tour. You can meet the distillers, and we will walk you through the process described here and answer any questions you have. We would love to see you!