Life was particularly hard for the early settlers of the American continent. One way to earn a crust from the land was to distill from the produce that grew readily, none more so that corn, rye and other grains. Kentucky and Tennessee became the two states synonymous with American whiskey (note the added ‘e’) or bourbon as they would prefer to call it. We now recognise the iconic brands which are now part of American history and the folk lore of these two southern states.
The Main Bourbon Producers
Jack Daniel
One of the most important is Jack Daniel’s in the state of Tennessee. It has produced a whiskey, not bourbon by the way, from corn, rye and barley malt for over 150 years. The eponymous distiller registered his still in 1866 in Lynchburg where all the Jack Daniel’s is produced. Perhaps the most important feature is the water used in the steeping which is iron-free and sourced from the Cave Spring in the distiller’s hollow. One distinctive feature is the mellowing or creation of a smooth flavour by removing phenols by filtering the whiskey through 10 feet of charcoal of sugar maple trees before barreling. Charcoal generally removes colour but the whiskey is offered to us as a golden brown amber because it is stored in charred oak barrels which lend added flavour and colour.
The most famous is the ‘Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey known as Old No. 7. It is a medal winning spirit.
Serving suggestions include:-
Jack Daniel’s and Ginger Ale:
Fill a glass with cubed ice. Pour in 25ml Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 and top up with 175ml ginger ale. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Jack Daniel’s and Cola:
Fill a glass with cubed ice. Pour in 25ml Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 and top up with 175ml cola.
Lynchburg Lemonade:
Ingredients: 35ml Jack Daniel’s Old No 7, 15ml triple sec, 2 lemon wedges (squeezed), 150ml lemonade.
Method: Fill a tall glass with ice and pour in the Jack Daniel’s and triple sec. Squeeze in both lemon wedges, then top up with lemonade. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey (70cl) is a double mellowed whiskey that is filtered through charcoal to obtain a quality of unparalleled smoothness. It is described as having the mellow aromas of sweet vanilla and brown sugar, with flavours of vanilla, maple syrup and citrus with some spice, and a silky, warm and pleasing finish. This particular whiskey is treated like the standard product but the mellowing is repeated after the whiskey reached maturity the first time around.
One way to serve this whiskey is to add ginger ale or a couple of dashes of Angostura Bitters and serve in a tankard or tall glass over ice. An orange slice adds the finishing touch.
Jim Beam
One of the great rivals is Jim Beam, now owned by Suntory with the distillery founded in Kentucky. The Double Oak Whiskey is matured in a second charred oak barrel to create a woody, slightly spicy and green flavoured spirit. The flavour is also redolent of caramel, toffee with oak spiciness.
Woodford
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey has a slightly paler amber colour to both Jack Daniel’s and Jim Beam. This is described as having a sophisticated nose with spicy, peppery charred and sweet toffee notes.
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You need to try Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey as it is 95% rye which makes it rather special. The one I have is 4 years old and comes from Indiana. Whilst I am a big fan of single malts this is one bourbon I will continue to sample. It’s a little bit sweeter than most but the flavour depth is reasonable. It also serves as a talking point for many because I don’t think it is commonly available.