Bourbon is the perfect gift to give this holiday season, especially for the Bourbon enthusiast in your life. Tastes ranging from beginner level Bourbon drinks (ideal for those just discovering Bourbon), right through to the high-end varieties suitable for a Bourbon enthusiast. It also helps to know that Bourbon goes beyond just drinks, most brands offer different items such as glassware and apparel. If you’re wanting to have an extra special Christmas this year, consider gifting some of these Bourbon selections and make sure everyone has a great holiday season!
Whether you’re just starting to explore the world of bourbon or you’re an experienced enthusiast, selecting the perfect bottle of bourbon can be a challenge. To simplify the process, it’s important to understand exactly what makes a bourbon a bourbon, its history, and how different types and flavors of bourbons vary from one another. Armed with this knowledge, you can make an informed decision about which type of bourbon will best suit your taste.
Bourbon is defined as a type of whiskey made primarily from corn mash and aged in charred white oak barrels. It must contain at least 51 percent corn, be distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% ABV), and aged for at least two years in new charred oak barrels. Bourbon has been around since the late 1700s, when it was first produced in Kentucky by settlers using local ingredients such as corn and rye. Despite its long history, it wasn’t until 1964 that Congress officially recognized bourbon as “America’s Native Spirit.”
Bourbon comes in many shapes and sizes—from light and sweet to heavy and full-bodied—and is known for its smooth flavor profile with notes of vanilla, caramel, baking spices, nutmeg, cinnamon and oak. Because it is distilled differently depending on where it is made (Kentucky vs Tennessee), each type has a unique flavor profile that should be taken into consideration when making your selection. Prices for bourbons also vary widely depending on quality; some are more affordable while others are quite expensive but worth every penny!
Now that you know what makes a bourbon a bourbon, its history, and the different types available on the market today, you can make an informed decision about which type will best suit your taste buds. No matter if you are a beginner or experienced enthusiast looking for something special to add to their bar cart , choosing the right bottle of bourbon doesn’t have to be difficult—just remember to keep all of these factors in mind when making your selection!
Happy hunting!
Personal Favorites
Elijah Craig 18
Belle Meade Reserve
HighWest Campfire
Nelson Brothers Reserve
Yellowstone Select
Blackened (It’s okay…I’m a music guy)
Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch
Smoke Wagon Small Batch
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey
Weller Special Reserve
#DrinkResposibly #21andUp #DontDrinkandDrive
