Bourbon: Corn, Char and Character

Bourbon guide: corn, new charred oak barrels, styles and how to drink it

Grain. Barrel. Time.

Bourbon is America's native spirit.

Sweet, warming and full of vanilla and caramel, it has a character that is instantly recognisable.

But behind that smooth glass is a strict set of rules, a lot of corn and one very important barrel.

Here is what makes bourbon, bourbon.

What Is Bourbon?

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey.

To be called bourbon, it must follow several legal requirements.

It must be made in the United States.

Its grain recipe, called the mash bill, must contain at least 51% corn.

It must be aged in new, charred oak containers.

It must not be distilled above 80% ABV, must enter the barrel at no more than 62.5% ABV, and must be bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV.

And nothing may be added except water, so no colouring and no flavouring.

Does Bourbon Have to Come from Kentucky?

No.

This is one of the most common myths.

Bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States.

However, Kentucky is the spiritual home of bourbon, and the vast majority is made there.

Its climate and limestone-filtered water are often credited as part of the reason.

Why Corn Matters

Corn gives bourbon its natural sweetness and its rich, rounded body.

The rest of the mash bill usually includes rye and malted barley, or wheat instead of rye.

Each grain brings something different.

Rye adds spice and a drier edge.

Wheat gives a softer, gentler profile.

Malted barley helps fermentation and adds depth.

The New Charred Oak Barrel

This is perhaps the biggest single influence on bourbon's flavour.

Every bourbon must be aged in new charred oak containers.

Charring the inside of the barrel creates a layer of caramelised wood sugars.

As the spirit moves in and out of the wood with changing temperatures, it picks up colour and flavours of vanilla, caramel, toffee, toasted oak and spice.

Because the barrel can only be used once for bourbon, many used bourbon barrels go on to age Scotch whisky, rum and other spirits around the world.

Straight Bourbon

You will often see Straight Bourbon on a label.

This means it has been aged for at least two years and has no added colouring, flavouring or other spirits.

If a straight bourbon is aged for less than four years, the label must state its age.

High-Rye and Wheated

Bourbon fans often talk about high-rye and wheated bourbons.

A high-rye bourbon has a larger share of rye in the mash bill, giving more spice, pepper and a drier finish.

A wheated bourbon uses wheat instead of rye, giving a softer, rounder and often sweeter style.

Neither is better. They simply suit different tastes.

Small Batch, Single Barrel and Barrel Proof

Small batch usually means the bourbon is blended from a limited number of selected barrels, although there is no strict legal definition.

Single barrel means each bottle comes from one individual barrel, so it can vary slightly from barrel to barrel.

Barrel proof or cask strength means the bourbon is bottled at or near the strength it came out of the barrel, without much dilution.

Bourbon or Whisky?

Bourbon is a style of whiskey.

In the United States, whiskey is most commonly spelled with an e, while Scotland uses whisky.

Some American producers still choose the spelling whisky, so do not be surprised to see both.

What matters more is what is inside the bottle.

How Should You Drink Bourbon?

Neat, in a small glass, to taste the full character.

With a few drops of water to open the aromas.

Over a large ice cube for something smoother and cooler.

Or in a highball with soda or ginger ale.

Higher-strength bourbons benefit especially from a little water.

Classic Bourbon Cocktails

The Old Fashioned is the classic: bourbon, a little sugar, bitters and an orange peel, stirred over ice.

The Whiskey Sour shakes bourbon with lemon juice and sugar, sometimes with egg white for a silky texture.

The Manhattan stirs whiskey with sweet vermouth and bitters, and the Mint Julep mixes bourbon with fresh mint and crushed ice.

Bourbon and Food

Bourbon's sweetness and smoky oak make it excellent with barbecue, grilled meats and smoked dishes.

It also pairs well with pecan pie, caramel desserts, dark chocolate and salted nuts.

Choosing Your Bourbon

For mixing, a classic, well-priced bourbon works perfectly.

For sipping, look at small batch and single barrel bottles.

If you like spice, look for high-rye bourbons.

If you prefer softness, try a wheated bourbon.

And if you enjoy power, a higher-strength bourbon with a splash of water may be your favourite.

A Story Told by the Barrel

Bourbon is corn, water, yeast, time and fire.

Its character comes from rules, tradition and that single new charred barrel.

Pour a glass, take your time and let the caramel, vanilla and spice tell the story.

Explore Bourbon at EU Cellar

From easy-going everyday favourites to small batch, single barrel and higher-strength bottles, discover our bourbon whiskey collection.

Find the bottle that suits your glass, whether that is a slow neat pour or a perfect Old Fashioned.

Shop the Bottles

Shop all bourbon | All whisky and bourbon

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