5 Facts You Need to Know About Bourbon

At Mac's Chophouse, we have a passion for great bourbon. With a sweet, oaky flavor and notes of vanilla and caramel, this American-made spirit is perfect for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail. Today, we're sipping on five facts you need to know about this iconic American spirit.

Bourbon is Uniquely American

Bourbon gets its name from Bourbon County in Kentucky where it was first created. The earliest known reference to bourbon whiskey comes from an advertisement in an 1821 issue of the Western Citizen newspaper. In 1826, a Lexington, KY grocer wrote to a local distiller named John Corlis, telling him he heard that charring the inside of the barrel improves the flavor of the aging whiskey. 

Today, bourbon can be made and bottled in any state. Kentucky is still the home of the best bourbon makers, but if you see a bottle of bourbon that's not from Kentucky, don't worry – it's still the real deal, as long as it's made in the United States!

Bourbon Can Only be Made in the United States

Bourbon has been declared a "distinctive product of the United States" by Congress. This means that in order to be classified as bourbon, the spirit must be produced in the United States. For those located outside of America, if you're looking for a true bourbon experience, you'll have to travel to the land of the free and the home of the brave. But once you get there, you'll be able to enjoy some of the finest bourbons in the world, so it's definitely worth the trip!

Bourbon or Whiskey? 

All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. In order to be classified as bourbon, the whiskey must be made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn. The rest of the grain mixture is usually a combination of wheat, rye, and/or barley. Depending on the mixture used, the flavor of the bourbon will be different. 

Bourbon is Aged in Charred Oak Barrels

In order to be classified as bourbon, the whiskey must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. This is what gives bourbon its distinct flavor.  The barrel also imparts a lovely amber color to the whiskey. Bourbon aging is an art and one that takes years of practice to perfect. But it's worth it because a well-aged bourbon is truly a thing of beauty. 

There are More Barrels of Bourbon Than People in Kentucky!

Yep, you read that right. As of 2017, Kentucky had 1.9 million residents and 6.8 million barrels of bourbon aging in warehouses across the state – that’s more than three barrels for every person. So it’s no wonder that Kentucky is known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World.”

Visit Mac's Chophouse for Great Bourbon

Bourbon has been a staple of American culture for centuries, and there's no better place to enjoy it than at Mac's Chophouse on Marietta Square. We have a wide selection of bourbons to choose from, so whether you prefer to sip it neat or in a cocktail, you're sure to find one that you'll love. Stop by today and sip on some history! Cheers!