We hear about the history of bourbon, but how is the spirit evolving into a worldwide powerhouse?
Bourbon is an American whiskey made primarily from corn and aged in charred oak barrels. Over time, the production and popularity of bourbon have evolved in several ways:
- Production: Bourbon production has become more efficient with modern technology, but many distilleries still use traditional methods, such as copper pot stills and barrel aging.
- Aging: The length that bourbon is aged has changed over the years. Initially, bourbon was typically aged for about two years, but many modern bourbons are aged 6-10 years or longer.
- Ingredients: While the primary ingredient in bourbon is still corn, some distilleries have experimented with using different grains and mash bills to create unique flavors and profiles.
- Regulation: Bourbon production is regulated by law, which specifies the requirements for labeling a whiskey as bourbon. These laws have evolved better to protect the integrity and authenticity of the product.
- Popularity: Bourbon has become more popular and widely recognized as a high-quality spirit in the United States and worldwide. This has led to a greater demand for premium bourbon and an increase in craft distilleries producing their unique bourbon brands.
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