Bourbon is A Spirit You Shouldn’t Underestimate: Reasons to Give It a Try

Import tariffs. Chances are you’re sick of hearing about them. We’re not going there today, we’re putting bourbon in the spotlight instead. We love a good drink, easy as that. And bourbon is delicious! Here are 5 reasons to pour yourself a bourbon.

Bourbon is an American spirit. As a whisky lover you might first think of Scotch, but there’s a whole world beyond that. Whisky is made everywhere, and today we’re talking about that beautiful American dram.

If you already enjoy a bourbon now and then: good for you. Be sure to read the next article here on Whisky Monkeys. If not, sit back and trust us, by the end you’ll be thirsty.

The first reason to drink bourbon is its American character. Whisky has to meet all kinds of rules before it can be called whisky, and those rules vary by country.

In America, they make bourbon. In our article: So what exactly is bourbon? we break down the rules it has to follow. For starters, the mash bill must contain at least 51% corn. That’s a big part of why bourbon so often tastes soft and sweet.

Your taste buds are treated to vanilla, caramel, honey, and more. And believe us, that’s no hardship.

Because it’s so smooth, bourbon like Woodford Reserve is an ideal whiskey to start with. How often do people ask for tips for beginning whisky drinkers? Some recommend certain triple-distilled Irish whiskies, others point to Japanese whisky.

But don’t underestimate American bourbons. They’re perfectly suited for newcomers to whiskey. And the beauty is, there are also wonderfully complex bourbons out there. So once you’re in the mood for Americana, you can gradually level up your palate.

A third reason to give bourbon a shot: more and more craft distilleries are releasing fantastic bottles. They may not be the big names like Jim Beam or Elijah Craig, but they’re makers with real passion for their craft.

It’s a shame the current global turbulence makes it harder for these smaller players to survive, let alone expand their reach.

Planning a trip to the United States? Check out which distilleries are nearby and pay them a visit. Not only is it great for the folks working hard there, you’ll have the time of your life.

And if you’re checking a suitcase at the airport, bring a bottle from the distillery you visited back home. Now that’s a souvenir.

While a whisky’s flavor is shaped by many factors, like the recipe and distillation style, a huge share comes from maturation. Compare bourbons with Scotch and one rule stands out: bourbons are always aged in new American oak barrels. No exceptions.

Those fresh barrels deliver big flavor, think vanilla and caramel, sweet notes that call to mind dessert or candy.

Have we convinced you to try a beautiful bourbon? There are loads of brands out there, from household names to hidden gems. And the choice is huge.

Cheers!