Bourbon is many things. But one thing it shouldn’t be is intimidating. Even if you’re brand new to the spirit, it’s easy to get into the proper swing of things. Here, we’ve put together a Bardstown-centric primer that will set you on the path to becoming a bourbon connoisseur.
- Get The Basics
Let’s start with a few FAQs and trivia — the bourbon basics!
- What the heck is bourbon, anyway? Bourbon is a type of barrel-aged American whiskey made from at least 51% corn mash and aged in a charred, new-oak barrel. Good to remember — all bourbon is whiskey. However, not all whiskey is bourbon.
- Why is it called bourbon? Scholars point to the French House of Bourbon as the name’s inspiration, though others point to Bourbon County, KY (our personal choice!) and Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
- Where is bourbon made? In 1964, Congress officially dubbed bourbon “America’s Native Spirit.” So, authentic bourbon should be made in the U.S. The center of it all, of course, is Kentucky, where 95% of all bourbon is distilled.
- Why is Kentucky the ultimate bourbon destination? Because it was more or less invented here. In 1789, Baptist minister Elijah Craig is alleged to have developed bourbon, taking advantage of the area’s limestone reserves, which, along with an ideal climate and fertile soil, create just the right conditions for bourbon-making.
- Why is Bardstown known as The Bourbon Capital of the World®? Kentucky’s second-oldest town is home to 11 local and regional distillery experiences. Several of these are official stops along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, a uniquely Kentucky experience that shows visitors the craftsmanship and tradition of the state’s signature spirit.
- Learn Some Bourbon Tasting Tips
Now that you’ve learned a little about bourbon, you can start enjoying some bourbon! There’s no “wrong” way to drink bourbon, of course, but here are a few quick tasting tips for maximum enjoyment.
- Get yourself a Glencairn glass: The aroma of bourbon is a big part of the tasting experience — and the Glencairn glass is specially designed to bring out the “nose” of the bourbon you’re drinking.
- Take a look at what you’re drinking: The color of your bourbon is important, too. If the bourbon is lightly colored, it’s going to have a lighter taste. If it’s darker, it’s been aged longer and will be more robust. As you continue your bourbon journey, you’ll figure out what your preference is.
- Have a sip: Bourbon was made for sipping, not chugging! Hold the bourbon in your mouth for a few seconds, taking note of the “notes” that you’re tasting. You may sense everything from oak to vanilla to caramel. When you swallow, complexities will arise, with peppery and leathery flavors coming to the fore.
- Give it the old “Kentucky Chew”: You can’t chew your bourbon, can you? Not really, but the “Kentucky Chew” is a method worth trying. It’s easy — the steps are as follows: Swirl, Breathe, Sip, Swish, Swallow!
- Make Some Classic Bourbon Cocktails
Bourbon is great on its own — but it’s also the perfect base spirit for some legendary cocktails.
- Old Fashioned: Bourbon, sugar, Angostura bitters and an orange peel or cherry for garnish. Serve in a lowball glass.
- Mint Julep: Bourbon, sugar, fresh mint and crushed ice. Serve in a sterling silver mint julep cup.
- Manhattan: Bourbon, sweet vermouth and orange bitters. Serve in a stemmed martini glass.
- Whiskey Sour: Bourbon, lemon juice, sugar, and optionally, a dash of egg white. Serve in a rounded Delmonico glass.
- Go Deeper
As you quickly become a bourbon connoisseur, you may want to dig even deeper into the process. Just a few options for unique bourbon education experiences in Bardstown include:
- Bourbon Capital Academy: A recent addition to the Bardstown bourbon universe, the Bourbon Capital Academy is a deep dive into the spirit. Taking place in the newly renovated Brindiamo Penthouse, the Fundamentals course is perfect for newbies, offering attendees a detailed look into both bourbon and Bardstown’s role in its legacy.
- Mint Julep Tour & Masterclass: My Old Kentucky Home is one of Bardstown’s historic treasures. On a Mint Julep Tour, you’ll explore the iconic mansion, led by costumed guides, and learn how the classic cocktail intersects with My Old Kentucky Home’s heritage. During the Mint Julep Masterclass, the site’s expert mixologist will teach you how to make a mint julep in the correct (i.e. Kentuckian) fashion.
- You Do Bourbon: How would you like to bottle your own personalized bourbon? During the You Do Bourbon experience, venture into Heaven Hill Distillery’s laboratory, where you’ll taste exclusive products, select your favorite — and bottle it yourself!
- Come To The Bourbon Capital of the World® During Special Events
Mingle with your fellow bourbon connoisseurs in Bardstown. Each year, the destination hosts a number of special events. For more than 30 years, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival has brought together 60 distilleries, more than 50 experts and master distillers and thousands of bourbon lovers for a weekend full of interactive happenings, parties, panels and more. Launched in June of 2024, National Bourbon Week is a new annual tradition that invites well-established enthusiasts and curious newcomers to enjoy tastings and festivities — as well as the launch of the already legendary Bardstown Collection, a rare collaboration between seven distinguished distilleries.