National Bourbon Day 2023: Date, History, Activities

What occurs when corn, limestone, white oak, fire, and time are combined? You receive bourbon, one of the most popular intoxicating beverages in American history. Given that June 14 is National Bourbon Day, a brief historical overview is in order. Midway through the eighteenth century, Scots-Irish settlers in the region that is now Virginia and Kentucky began distilling maize, the only crop native to the region, which, due to its sweetness, produced excellent whisky. Another geographical factor contributed to the development of bourbon.The Limestone Shelf region, where all major American whiskies are still produced, imparted calcium to the local water while filtering out iron. It turns out that high-calcium, low-iron water is ideal for distilling liquor. Elijah Craig, a clergyman-turned-distiller, is responsible for the third key piece of the bourbon puzzle. Craig used old fish casks to store his spirits in the late 1780s.Unsurprisingly, fish-flavored wood did not improve the flavour of the whisky, so Craig began purifying the white-oak casks by charring the interior. Then, he stamped the barrels with their county of origin (in his instance, Bourbon County) and shipped them to New Orleans for 90 days. The charred oak and three-month journey combine to impart a silky, smoky, oaky flavour to the whisky. When New Orleans residents demanded more of “that whisky from Bourbon,” the name and liquor were created.

The background of National Bourbon Day

Bourbon is a relatively versatile spirit, so you have options whether you’ve just purchased a bottle or are seated at the bar. Drink it straight or on the rocks with a twist of lemon; use it as a substitute for most whiskey-based cocktails, such as Manhattans and Sazeracs; or combine it with ginger ale. And although Juleps are associated with the Kentucky Derby, there is nothing wrong with a little muddled mint any time of year.The United States produces award-winning wines, exceptional craft beer, an ever-increasing variety of high-quality ciders, and some excellent vodkas, as well as a vast quantity of excessively saccharine, bizarrely flavoured, and absurdly named swill. However, all of these (yes, even the cheap root beer schnapps) can be traced to other cultures or countries.

Only bourbon is indigenous not only to the United States but also to the American South, with 95% of it originating in Kentucky.There is something to be said for drinking like a genuine man or woman, despite the popularity of memes that mock the difficulties of adulthood. There is nothing wrong with beginning imbibing with inexpensive beer, wine coolers, or vodka mixed with whatever is in the fridge. Yet there comes a time when one must abandon the crimson Solo cups in favour of more refined spirits. Enter bourbon, which is typically more accessible than, for example, peaty single-malt Scotches or upscale tequilas.

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NATIONAL BOURBON DAY ACTIVITIES

Create a cocktail with bourbon.

After a long day at the office, a cocktail made with hibiscus bitters, basil-strawberry shrub, Peychaud, and ancho chilli dust may be precisely what you’re craving. For all other occasions, a classic cocktail, such as an Old Fashioned, will suffice. Old Fashioneds are perhaps the oldest and most well-known mixed cocktail, and their preparation is a breeze. In a highball glass, place one sugar cube (or one teaspoon of superfine sugar), several dashes of Angostura bitters, and a few droplets of water. Add two ounces of your preferred bourbon and several ice cubes; rapidly stir to chill. Feeling incredibly posh? Orange slice or maraschino cherry may be used as a garnish.

Host a bourbon sampling celebration.

If you are a purist, you may object to even these minimal enhancements; in that case, a bourbon tasting would be more to your liking. Invite a few pals over and request that they each bring a different bottle of wine (or collect money beforehand so that you can control the selection). Our recommendation is to add a few drops of distilled water to each pour; this will help to release the fragrances. Then, use your senses of scent and taste to identify the bourbon’s flavours and characteristics. Is it foresty, smoky, or fragrant and floral? Are there hints of sweetness or butter? Common bourbon descriptors include nutty, earthy, and herbal. Remember, the objective is to compare and contrast, just as you did in high school, in order to determine what you appreciate most about this spirit.

Observe the work of the masters from the comfort of your armchair.

Did you know that there is a feature-length documentary about bourbon? Neat: The Bourbon Film does not yet have a release date, but judging from the trailer and social media teasers, the delay will be well worth it. In the interim, check out KET’s one-hour programme “Kentucky Bourbon Tales,” which features interviews with master distillers.

NATIONAL BOURBON DAY DATES