Cheers to Bourbon: Top 15 Fun Facts Every Whiskey Lover Needs to Know

1. Kentucky's Surprising State Drink

When Kentucky's state drink gives bourbon a "soft" knockout punch: The official state drink of Kentucky isn't its beloved bourbon, but rather Ale-8-One, a ginger-citrus flavored soda that has been bottled in Winchester, Kentucky since 1926, even earning the title of the "original soft drink" of the Bluegrass State in 2013.
Source => visitwinchesterky.com

2. Roosevelt's Charred New Deal

When Roosevelt charred up a New Deal cocktail, he made sure it had a smoky twist and oak-y undertones: Bourbon gets its distinct color and flavor from being aged in brand new, charred oak containers, a requirement introduced in the 1938 New Deal which was influenced by cooper union and timber industry lobbyists, cementing its status as the quintessential American spirit.
Source => angelsenvy.com

Did you know that whiskey distillation is a global competition for smoothness? Discover how the US, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and Japan create their distinct whiskies through varying distillation processes. 🥃🌍

=> Fun Facts about Whiskey

3. Bourbon Aging: Location Matters

Everyone knows that age is just a number, but when it comes to bourbon, it's also a matter of location, location, location – just like choosing the perfect Florida retirement home: Climate can significantly affect the aging process of bourbon, with warmer climes causing faster aging and evaporation compared to the slow, leisurely pace set by cooler environments. This means that barrels cozying up in different parts of a warehouse may end up with entirely distinct flavor profiles for your sipping pleasure.
Source => eightoaksdistillery.com

4. Bourbon's Power Packed Proof

In a world where vodka is 80 proof, and Thor's mighty hammer couldn't raise its power, our beloved bourbon holds steadfast to its flavor-packed strength: Bourbon is required to be distilled at a maximum of 160 proof and aged in barrels at a proof of 125 or lower, with the latter once being 110 after Prohibition and later increased to 125 in 1962, providing distillers with the power to tweak the barrel entry proof to impact the flavor and chemical balance, while adding water at the beginning of the process can actually reduce unwanted compounds and result in a smoother delight for our taste buds.
Source => rabbitholedistillery.com

5. The Nomadic Bourbon Barrel

Bourbon barrels: the gift that keeps on giving, like the booze-fueled genie of your dreams! From swapping their genie pants for pirate hats with rum to taking on the fiery zest of tequila and masquerading in the mysterious realm of gin, these spirited vessels become delightfully seasoned nomads: They wander from distilleries to breweries, cideries, and wineries, imparting their sumptuous flavors to varying libations, and when finally worn, metamorphose into classy furniture or add a smoky charm to seafood dishes.
Source => barrellbourbon.com

6. The Bourbon Barrel's Second Life

Roll out the barrel for a second shot at life, and no, we're not talking about a Frankenstein experiment: By law, bourbon barrels cannot be reused for aging bourbon, often finding their way into various industries, giving us such delightful oddities like bourbon-barrel aged craft beers, hot sauces, and even furniture – a true testimony to the bourbon industry's resourceful woodwork.
Source => holyghostdistillery.com

7. Cinderella Transformation of Bourbon Barrels

They say you can't turn a sow's ear into a silk purse, but the humble bourbon barrel has a Cinderella-like transformation up its sleeve: Once it has fulfilled its destiny of aging bourbon for at least two years, it's given a new lease on life to enhance other spirits such as Scotch or tequila with its wonderfully oak-infused goodness.
Source => oakandeden.com

8. Bourbon and Monarch Butterflies' Connection

Ever wondered what Bourbon and monarch butterflies have in common? They both owe their charm and sophistication to a single, unassuming plant called milkweed: By planting milkweed in your backyard, you help protect and preserve endangered species like the monarch butterfly, promoting pollinator habitat and thereby contributing to a healthier environment and community. So, pour yourself a finger of the good stuff, knowing you've done your bit to keep the world abuzz!
Source => lpm.org

9. 95% of Bourbon Proudly Made in Kentucky

They say you can't spell "Kentucky" without "bourbon" – wait, that's not right, but it might've been if the alphabet were more accommodating!: Bourbon has a history in Kentucky spanning over two centuries, with legal requirements dictating its production in the state, resulting in a whopping 95% of all Bourbon made in the Bluegrass State.
Source => 10best.com

10. Bourbon Barrels Outnumber Kentuckians

They say "too much of anything is bad"...unless it's bourbon barrels, in which case Kentucky disagrees: With over 10.5 million barrels aging gracefully in its distilleries, there are nearly three barrels for every resident over the legal drinking age in this spirited state!
Source => thomasnet.com

11. Bourbon's Secret Legal Life

Heard it through the corn-vine, have you? Our good friend Bourbon has been tip-toeing around the legal world of whiskey, hushing its secrets in charred oak chambers: The sneaky tipple must contain at least 51% corn in its mash bill, according to the law, and is aged exclusively in new charred oak barrels, bestowing upon it that devilishly smoky flavor and a touch of sweetness we all adore.
Source => newriffdistilling.com

12. Bourbon's Corn Obsession

Corn you believe it? Bourbon has a not-so-secret obsession with America's beloved crop: It must be made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn, as per federal regulations, ensuring every sip's uniqueness is defined by its mash bill.
Source => ecfr.gov

13. Whiskey Olympics: Jack Daniel's Victory

Step aside, Beer Pong – it's time for the Whiskey Olympics: The Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee reigns supreme as the heavyweight champ of U.S. whiskey distilleries, flaunting a massive capacity with two gargantuan 72-inch beer stills and four 54-inchers to boot, leaving smaller bourbon contestants in the dust with their mere one or two stills.
Source => chuckcowdery.blogspot.com

14. Unlocking Bourbon's Complexities

Sip and smell what your bourbon is cookin': To fully appreciate the complexities of your bourbon, use a quality glass like the NEAT or Glencairn, and pay close attention to its appearance, aroma, taste, and finish - with a special focus on sniffing out the diverse scents, as your sense of smell is 10,000 times more sensitive than your sense of taste.
Source => bourbonr.com

15. Bourbon Sipping Walrus Technique

For those with aspirations of becoming a bourbon-sipping walrus: try The Kentucky Chew technique! This boozy ballet, originally choreographed by the late Beam Generation 6 member Booker Noe, includes admiring the whiskey's color and legs, sniffing it daintily to avoid nose-burn, swishing it around your mouth, and smacking your lips together like a swaggering sea mammal as a way to appreciate every nuance of its complex flavors.
Source => thewhiskeywash.com