Kentucky Bourbon (105) The Thirsty Traveler heads to Kentucky and bourbon country to visit the folks who have been distilling since Daniel Boone settled in these parts in the 1700s. Today, fine Kentucky Bourbon goes hand in hand with this region's Southern hospitality. Sit down to a home-cooked meal in a local mansion, then sip bourbon after dinner... now that's the life!
- In 1791, the Distilled Spirits Tax sent many angry moonshiners from Pennsylvania to Kentucky.
- Many distilleries brewed bourbon in Bourbon County until Prohibition in 1919.
- Buffalo Trace pumps steam into its warehouses in winter to give the bourbon additional cycles in and out of the wood.
- Each year 1.5 percent of the liquid evaporates through the cask and journeys to heaven. This is the "angel's share."
- The only three signature bourbons are: Elmer T.Lee, Booker Noe and Jimmy Russell.
- In 1964, the U.S. government finally protected the term "bourbon" and defined distillation guidelines.
- Bourbon is the only distilled spirit that increases in alcohol content the longer it is aged.
- Colonel Master's cook book, Hospitality Kentucky Style, features bourbon-laced dishes.
- As bourbon has a fruity zest, it is often included in desserts with peaches, oranges and cherries.
Bourbon and Cigars: Tips- "Cigar pairing" refers to matching like and complementary tastes of cigars and bourbon.
- You must match cigars and bourbons of like strengths. Bourbon's flavor spectrum ranges from light to full-bodied.
- You don't have to be an expert, just figure out which pairings work using your senses.
- Aficionados suggest taking a puff of a cigar and then quickly tasting the bourbon so it coats your mouth and fills your nose with its unique aroma.
- Most Kentucky bourbons have hints of orange, caramel, vanilla and/or some wood notes. A cigar with a little sweetness and woodiness would complement. A cigar with floral or leathery tones would clash.
Resources
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY
502-696-5924, mbrown@buffalotrace.com
www.buffalotrace.com
Maker's Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY
800-680-7890 (to place orders), www.makersmark.com
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train (Bob Perry, Chef), Bardstown, KY
502-348-7300
The Colonel's Cottage Inn
800-704-4917
masters@thecolonelscottage.com, www.thecolonelscottage.com
Old Talbott Tavern, Bardstown, KY
800-482-8376, www.talbotts.com
Southern cooking plus a Bed and Breakfast — and Kentucky bourbon
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