Kentucky bourbon is famous for its rich flavor and equally rich heritage. But what makes Kentucky so suited for bourbon production? Can bourbon only be made in Kentucky? What is the difference between regular bourbon and straight bourbon? Our guide to the Bluegrass State’s most famous export answers those questions and more.
WHAT IS KENTUCKY BOURBON?
Kentucky bourbon is a premium multi-grain American whiskey. It’s made predominantly of corn for its sweetness and complemented with a combination of malted barley, rye or wheat. It must be distilled and aged in Kentucky in new charred oak barrels for at least one year. Kentucky bourbon is renowned for its signature vanilla, spice, and caramel flavors with a delicious lingering finish.
IS ALL BOURBON FROM KENTUCKY?
Not all bourbon comes from Kentucky—but 95% of it does! There are talented distillers in almost every state of the USA making bourbon, not just Kentucky. This is because the 1964 Congressional statute governing bourbon declared it “a distinctive product of the United States”, not Kentucky alone. As long as it meets the legal requirements, it earns the title “bourbon”. Some purists may argue that true bourbon can only come from Kentucky, because the regulations which ensure quality are more stringent—for example, bourbon from other states has no minimum age and is sometimes sold after a few months of maturation. Kentucky straight bourbon is even more precisely controlled to create a superior project.
WHAT IS KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON?
The main difference between a standard bourbon, a regular Kentucky bourbon, and Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey comes down to age. As mentioned above, bourbon distilled in any other state can be sold after a few months; while Kentucky bourbon has to spend at least a year maturing in new oak barrels. Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey must be distilled in Kentucky and aged in charred new oak barrels for a minimum of two years. At Wild Turkey, we go further.
Our core range of Kentucky straight bourbons, including the famous Wild Turkey 101, are blended from barrels aged for at least five years. Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a unique vatting of six-, eight- and 12-year-old whiskeys. And some of our single barrel and other limited-edition whiskeys start at even higher ages.
WHY IS SO MUCH BOURBON MADE IN KENTUCKY?
Kentucky is the home of bourbon, with conditions that are just right for its production. The fertile soil, limestone-rich water, warm summers, and cool winters are all contributing factors. Add to that over two centuries of heritage, and it’s easy to see why the best bourbon is made in Kentucky.
HOW IS KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON MADE?
Kentucky Straight Bourbon starts out like all bourbons, but it’s what happens next that makes each one unique. While some distillers stick to the basics, others take it further, leaving their own signature on every batch. Making it to Kentucky Bourbon, and eventually Kentucky Straight Bourbon, takes more time and care. Here’s a look at how bourbon makers put their personal touch on the process…
MASHING
A grain bill of corn (at least 51%), plus rye, malted barley, or wheat is ground and mixed with hot water to create a mash. The mixture is heated to convert the grain starches into fermentable sugars. To discover more about the importance of the grain bill and mash, see our guide to the difference between bourbon and rye whiskeys.
FERMENTATION
Yeast is introduced to the cooled mash where it ferments the sugars over several days. This produces alcohol, carbon dioxide, and various flavor compounds.
DISTILLATION
The fermented mash is distilled twice. The main distillation takes place in a column still, followed by a secondary distillation—in Wild Turkey’s case, using a modified pot still called a doubler. The distillation concentrates the alcohol and separates ethanol from other forms of alcohol, resulting in a cleaner, more refined spirit.
AGING
The distillate is transferred to charred new oak barrels for aging. The barrels are stored in rickhouses, where temperature and humidity variations affect how color and flavor develop, as the liquid interacts with charred wood. Kentucky’s hot summers and cold winters create optimal aging conditions. After one year of aging in Kentucky, it is officially Kentucky bourbon; after two years, it’s classified as Kentucky straight bourbon.
BOTTLING
After the whiskey comes of age, the bourbon is proofed to the desired point with the addition of water and the finished product is filled into bottles. In the case of Wild Turkey 101, it’s bottled at 101 proof, to ensure a bold, intense flavor; while Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight Bourbon is bottled at a more approachable 81 proof.
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON
Kentucky straight bourbon is renowned for its rich flavor and lingering afterglow. The aging process imbues it with signature flavors of vanilla, spice, and caramel, with notes of oak. Wild Turkey 101 Kentucky straight bourbon is rich and intense, with aromas of vanilla, toffee and orange. Spices and dried fruit flavors join caramel smoothness on the palate, and there’s a deeply satisfying finish with a satisfying burn as well. We recommend sipping it neat, on the rocks, or in an Old Fashioned—or rather, a Bold Fashioned!