Bourbon

Glossary:

Bourbon is an American whiskey made from corn and other grains, and is strongly associated with the state of Kentucky. Bourbon can, however, be legally produced anywhere in the United States. An Act of Congress passed in 1964 made bourbon the official spirit of the United States.

By US law, bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn. Most bourbons are distilled in Kentucky, and aged in charred white oak barrels for at least two years. Depending on the manufacturer and process, wheat, rye or barley may be used in production.

Nutrition Information

Serving size: 30mL

Calories 67 (280 kJ)
from alcohol 61
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0.0 g 0%
Saturated Fat 0.0 g 0%
Trans Fat 0.0 g
Total Carbs. 0 g 0%
Fiber 0 g 0%
Sugars 0 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg 0%
Sodium 0.0 mg 0%
Potassium 0.0 mg 0%
Protein 0 g
  • : Nutritional information disclaimer
  • *: Percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your diet needs.

Brands and Variations of Bourbon

Basil Hayden's

Four Roses

Jeremiah Weed

Jeremiah Weed is a bourbon-based liqueur produced and sold in the United States. It has a limited market and can be difficult to obtain. It is a favourite of United States Air Force personnel, and has a somewhat unique following amongst fighter pilots. Jeremiah Weed is 50% alcohol by volume.

Jim Beam

Jim Beam is currently the best selling brand of bourbon in the world.

The Jim Beam distillery has been family operated for seven generations, after being founded in 1795. The name comes from Colonel James B. Beam, who rebuilt the business following Prohibition in the United States.

The Jim Beam company produces several varieties of bourbon and whiskey, as well as food products that include bourbon as an ingredient.

The Jim Beam company is owned by Fortune Brands.

Jim Beam Black Label

Black Label is a premium bourbon offering from the Jim Beam company. It is aged longer than other brands (8 years) and has slightly more alcohol, at 86 proof (rather than 80 proof like most bourbons).

Black Label took a Double Gold rating at the 2009 World Spirits competition.

Maker's Mark

A handcrafted bourbon made in Loretto, Kentucky.

Old Crow

Old Crow is a bourbon whiskey created in the 1830's by Dr. James Crow. "Old" refers to the aged property of the bourbon, having been aged for at least three years.

Old Crow was made famous by writers such as Mark Twain and Hunter S. Thompson. It is also notable as being the first sour mash process bourbon.

When bourbon sales started to decline in the later half of the century, the Old Crow brand suffered more than most. In 1987, Jim Beam (now Fortune Brands) bought National Distillers and shut down the Old Crow distillery.

Fortune Brands puts little effort into marketing Old Crow. It is essentially now the same whiskey as Jim Beam's cheaper labels.

Rebel Yell[home page]

A brand of whiskey produced since 1849, distinctive for using wheat rather than rye in the mash.

Wild Turkey

Wild Turkey is a brand of bourbon whiskey owned by the Campari Group.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed[home page]

Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a blend of 6, 8 and 12 year old Wild Turkey bourbons, and is a "barrel-proof" bourbon, meaning that it is bottled straight from the barrels with no added water or diluting agents.

The lack of diluting agents makes this bourbon smooth and strong. It is labeled as a 108.4 proof, or 52.2% alcohol by volume.