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Bourbon

Pronunciation: bör-bön Also known as: Bourbon Whiskey

American whiskey made from at least 51 percent corn and matured in new charred oak barrels.

Bourbon is a legally protected type of whiskey in the USA. The mash consists of at least 51 percent corn, usually joined by rye or wheat and malted barley. It must mature in new, internally charred oak barrels, and strength may only be adjusted within limits after distillation.

The barrel interior provides strong vanilla, caramel and wood notes. Added colouring or flavouring is not allowed. The name goes back to Bourbon County in Kentucky, but production is possible in all US states, Kentucky being the most important. Straight bourbon has at least two years of maturation.

Related terms

CaskColumn stillRye whiskeyWhisky / Whiskey

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