It’s no surprise that Bourbon Heritage Month is one of our favorite times of the year! Each September, enthusiasts everywhere come together to celebrate the culture, history, and all things bourbon. Pour yourself a glass and enoy the rich history of this whiskey!
Bourbon Heritage Month 101
Despite bourbon being one of the oldest spirits still enjoyed by millions of people all over the world, many are still unfamiliar with a few key facts about bourbon. For example, what is the difference between bourbon and whiskey? Does it need to be made in Kentucky to be considered bourbon?
Here a few bourbon facts …including a few from our own Union Horse spirits.
All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.
There is an old saying that bourbon must be made in Kentucky, however, this is a common misconception. “Kentucky Bourbon” is only produced in the state, but bourbon in fact can be made in any of the 50 American states. Once the overall standards for bourbon are met then it's bourbon.
Speaking of overall standards, by law, bourbon must be produced in the USA, made of a grain mix of at least 51% corn, distilled at less than 160 proof (80% ABV), aged for a period of time in new, charred white oak barrels and be free of any additives, with the exception of water to reduce proof where necessary.
In 1964, an act of Congress declared bourbon as “America’s Native Spirit” and the country’s official distilled spirit. And on August 2, 2007, the US Senate declared September 2007 as "National Bourbon Heritage Month."
At Union Horse, exceptional grains are sourced from Midwest farms, carefully selected, milled in-house, fermented, distilled, and aged to create our whiskie specifically that Reserve Bourbon that you all love so much.
Our whiskies are tested for complexity and full flavor before moving into the bottling stage. All bottling and labeling is done in-house and Patrick Garcia, our Master Distiller/Co-founder, hand signs and numbers each and every bottle.
And finally… the best way to enjoy bourbon? There is no perfect way, just enjoy it! Cheers.
While Bourbon Heritage Month does provide a reason to celebrate… Whether you are a bourbon enthusiast or a casual bourbon drinker, we know it can be enjoyed however, whenever, or wherever you want. Here are some ideas to help you celebrate this month and beyond…
Mixing up a cocktail at home or for a small group of friends on the patio is an excellent way to toast the month. Click here for some of our favorites.
Host a bourbon tasting for your fellow bourbon fanatics and drop some knowledge on them with the help of our handy bourbon facts!
Set up a distillery tour with us. All private tours are led by a Union Horse Brand Ambassador along with cocktails and flight preparation by our in-house bartender. $17 per person and must be purchased in advance by contacting tours@unionhorse.com or calling 913-492-3275.
Attend our monthly Union Horse Social. This month you can join us on September 14th from 5-10 PM. Follow us on our IG/FB/Website for more details!
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