The Bourbon Thread
- Thread starter OddSox
- Start date
I sometimes mix 50/50 Cointreau/Cognac and have it over ice. Southern comfort mixed with Cognac or Chivas Regal is also good.
The definition of bourbon:
On May 4, 1964, the United States Congress recognized Bourbon Whiskey as a “distinctive product of the United States.” The Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits (27 C.F.R. 5.22) state that bourbon must meet these requirements:
* Bourbon must be made of a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn (maize).
* Bourbon must be distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof (80% alcohol by volume).
* Neither coloring nor flavoring may be added.
* Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels.
* Bourbon must be entered into the barrel at no more than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume).
* Bourbon, like other whiskeys, may be bottled at not less than 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume.)
* Bourbon that meets the above requirements and has been aged for a minimum of two years may (but is not required to) be called Straight Bourbon.
* Straight Bourbon aged for a period less than four years must be labeled with the duration of its aging.
* If an age is stated on the label, it must be the age of the youngest whiskey in the bottle.
* Only whiskey produced in the United States can be called bourbon.
GJ is about the only one I've really enjoyed. A mint julep has got to be one of the worst cocktails I've ever tried, but it was a 'when in Rome....'.
I would like to hear some about others favourite or something special.
Oh thank goodness I thought you meant the above :wink: (and were going to get Danmand started.)
I normally drink Jim Beam straight - has a bit of kick, isn't expensive, and not too sweet. But Jim has recently come out with 'Devil's Cut' which is quite good - nice oak/vanilla flavour without to much sugar...
They also have a cherry-flavoured 'Red Stag' bourbon which tastes like cough syrup...
Occasionally through Vintages, not General List. I have bought it there, not recently.
