Bourbon, one of the world’s most iconic spirits, is enjoying a renaissance as small-batch distillers innovate and refined palates reach for modern-day incarnations of this ‘wild west’ elixir.
Bourbon’s identity has long been associated with the ideals of the American heartland; unlike other whisky styles, which are now also produced in new world nations, bourbon remains a wholly American spirit, as confirmed by Congress in 1964.
A spirit with a proud tradition and a loyal following, it has always been the working man’s tonic; a cure-all for drinkers looking for robust flavours and homegrown comfort. Now, new, high-quality, artisanal bourbons are not only helping the distilling industry prosper when so many other uniquely American industries struggle but are winning back bourbon’s place on the top shelf in the process.
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Buffalo Trace
Made and bottled at an award-wining distillery on the banks of the Kentucky River, bourbon’s most coveted fields, Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon is a class act that’s welcoming into the fold other lovers of dark spirits. Made at the Buffalo Trace distillery in Franklin, with locally-sourced corn, plump rye, and malted barley, even new bourbon drinkers will discover hints of vanilla, toffee, and candied fruit in each sip, as well as a deep-rooted complexity. Look for the silk-like finish, thanks to eight patient-years of aging in heavily-charred Ozark Mountain white oak barrels.
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Eagle Rare
Bourbon drinkers looking to experience a more refined flavour can reach for the ten-year-old Eagle Rare Single Barrel bourbon, an impeccably smooth, 101-proof bronze-hued spirit that’s also by the Buffalo Trace distillery and which is perfect served on a couple of ice cubes.
Created by master distiller Charles L. Beam, this premium bourbon benefits from a little extra aging, which brings toasted honey-wheat, smokey tobacco, orange peel, and hints of charcoal to the palate, complemented by a seductively smooth yet dry finish, with hints of spice thanks to a rye spirit base.
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1792 Ridgemont Reserve
Finally, for a bourbon that epitomizes the quality that this all-American spirit is reaching, look out for the 1792 Ridgemont Reserve. Produced by Barton Brands Distillery, 1792 Ridgemont is the official toasting bourbon of the Kentucky Festival and represents a generation of pedigree bourbons that demand the respect of a single-malt whisky or fine cognac.
At 93.7 percent proof, this boutique bourbon, which is named for the year Kentucky became a state, boasts all the characteristics of a cast-strength spirit, with a rich velvety hue, rich caramel, honeyed fruit cake, chocolate, and candied cherry tones, and a silky finish that makes it perfect for toasting those important life moments.
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