During the first series, we will learn what makes bourbon unique, as well as, introduce the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. In series 2-5, I will share my bourbon trail trip itineraries and a few insider tips!
Part One: What is Bourbon?
So, what is bourbon? What makes it different from whiskey? There are several rules that help to distinguish the essence of bourbon. Those in the industry often call these rules the ABC’s of bourbon:
A–Bourbon must be made in America.
According to the 1964 Senate Concurrent Resolution 19, bourbon is “a distinctive product of the United States.”
B–Bourbon must be aged in a new charred, oak barrel.
*Note: Previously, rules stated that the barrels had to be made of white oak.
C— Corn! To be a bourbon, the recipe must contain at least 51% corn.
D— Bourbon cannot be distilled above 160 proof.
E— Bourbon cannot enter the barrel at more than 125 proof.
F— Bourbon bottles must be filled at 80 proof or higher, or 40% alcohol by volume.
G–Genuine! Bourbon cannot have anything added to it throughout the entire process–except water. No added flavors or color, except the color that comes from the charred oak barrel.
If you’re still wondering what the main difference is between bourbon and whiskey…think about it this way: whiskey is essentially grain, water, and yeast (similar ingredients as bread and beer) …without any rules!
Bourbon, on the other hand, has rules.
Kentucky: The Bourbon State
As mentioned in the rules above, bourbon has to be made in America. Bourbon does not have to be made in Kentucky. However, Kentucky is the leading state for bourbon production.
Bardstown, Kentucky is currently known as the Bourbon Capital of the World, as it has the most distilleries per capita of any other city in Kentucky.
Before Kentucky was known for bourbon, it was known for its whiskey. Immigrant farmers from Ireland and Scotland soon started to make whiskey from their excess corn harvest. Prior to this, rye was the main ingredient in whiskey. As the popularity of whiskey began to grow, so did the production. The corn-based whiskey from a little county named Bourbon County (named after French royals) soon became known as bourbon. In more recent times, instead of being a byproduct of frugal farmers, bourbon has become its own niche in the world of distilled spirits.
(Source: Bourbon, Straight; The Uncut and Unfiltered Story of American Whiskey, Charles K. Cowdery).
Hit The Trail…The Kentucky Bourbon Trail!
According to my last Google search, Kentucky has over 86 distilleries and each year more pop up! Many of these distilleries offer tours of their facilities, where visitors can watch and learn how bourbon is made.
In 1999, The Kentucky Distillers’ Association trademarked the term “Kentucky Bourbon Trail” and created passport books featuring distilleries that are members of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. Now, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association has created essentially two tours: the original Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour (featuring 18 signature distilleries), as well as, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour, which came onto the scene in 2012. The craft tour is different from the original trail tour in that they are marketing it for a more intimate, hands-on experience compared to some of the larger tours at the other distilleries.
Note: It is important to know that there are several awesome distilleries that are not members of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, and therefore are not featured in the Bourbon Trail Passport & Field Guide (e.g., Buffalo Trace) but are still worth the drive and the time to taste and explore!
distilling operation at Stitzel-Weller, 2023.
When my family and I first set out to tour the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, we had no idea what to expect. Along the way, we have enjoyed the rolling hills of Appalachia, viewing the limestone rock that holds up Kentucky–and is what gives its water such purity for its bourbon concoctions, visiting all 18 of the original trail distilleries and learning the vocabulary of the bourbon-making process.
Most importantly, our adventures on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail have given us plenty of memories and stories to share.
Stay tuned for Parts 2-5, where I will share more photos and information about the fermentation and distillation processes, helpful bourbon vocabulary terms, trip itineraries, insider tips, and stories about my family’s time exploring the backroads of Kentucky!
Order your Bourbon Trail Passport and Field Guide HERE.
Wilderness & Rye 