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What is Bourbon?
Bourbon has been around for centuries and has a rich and storied history. Often referred to as “America’s Native Spirit,” bourbon was first created in the 18th century in Kentucky. The name “bourbon” describes any whiskey made in the United States and has a mashbill of at least 51% corn. Different grains are used for different varieties, including barley, malted barley, rye, malted-rye, wheat, and corn. The taste is often compared to that of smoke, leather, and baking spices. It’s a complex flavor profile that must be tasted to be understood.
What is a Bourbon Tasting?
Bourbon tastings are a terrific way to enjoy this unique spirit. When hosting a bourbon tasting, it is important to have a variety of bourbons on hand so that guests can taste the unique and assorted flavors and the differences between them. A variety of glasses should also be available so guests can thoroughly enjoy the aroma and flavor of the bourbon. Water and light snacks should also be served, as they can help to cleanse the palate between tastings. If you’re interested in hosting your own bourbon tasting, below are some tips to get you started.
Plan the Tasting
The first step in planning a bourbon tasting is to decide how many bourbons you want to try. Remember that it is important to have a variety of bourbons available, so be sure to choose bourbons from different distilleries.
The second step is to decide how you want to present the bourbons. You can arrange all the bourbons in one line and have guests try them one after another, or you can group similar bourbons together. The latter method is easier and more fun for everyone.
Once everyone is seated and has bourbon in hand, you can start the tasting by having each person taste one bourbon that they have already tried. You can then introduce one bourbon that they haven’t tried yet. As you continue tasting, make sure you take notes on the tasting sheets so that you can repeat your favorites at future tastings.
Select the Bourbons for your Tasting
When it comes to choosing the bourbon for your tasting event, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to choose a variety of bourbons that represent the different flavor profiles available. There are straight bourbons, blended bourbons, and single-barrel bourbons. Each type has its own unique flavor profile.
Second, it’s important to have bourbons of different ages so that your guests can compare the flavors. Make sure you have enough bourbon for each guest to enjoy several rounds of tastings.
Next, think about the Proof, or alcohol content, of the bourbon you select. The higher the Proof, the more intense the flavor will be. If you’re unsure what Proof to choose, start with something in the middle range and adjust up or down based on your preferences.
Finally, consider how many guests you’ll have at your tasting. You’ll want to have enough bourbon on hand for everyone to enjoy a few drinks, so plan accordingly.
How to Prepare for your Bourbon Tasting?
When it comes to hosting a bourbon tasting, preparation is key. Here are a few things you can do to ensure your event is a success:
- Choose your bourbons carefully. There are many types of bourbon, so take some time to select a few that will appeal to your guests. Consider both the flavor profile and the price point when making your selections.
- Set up a tasting area in advance. This will help you avoid any last-minute scrambling when it’s time to start the event. Make sure you have plenty of glasses and enough space for all your guests to move around comfortably.
- Prepare some food ahead of time. While bourbon can be enjoyed on its own, having some snacks on hand will help keep everyone’s energy up during the tasting.
What You'll Need for your Bourbon Tasting Party:
For your bourbon-tasting event, you will need the following:
- A variety of bourbons. You can choose to focus on a particular distillery or select a variety of bourbons from different distilleries.
- A platter of light snacks, such as chips or crackers with cheese.
- A platter of sliced fruits to pair with the bourbon, such as apples, oranges, or bananas.
- Glasses for each guest. Glencairn whiskey glasses are considered some of the best.
- Additional glasses for water. Water is important for diluting the bourbon when needed and allowing your guests to cleanse their pallets.
- Bourbon ice cubes:
- Bourbon tasting notes sheet. A bourbon tasting notes sheet should list all the bourbons being tasted and provide brief descriptions of their flavor profiles. This will allow guests to track which bourbons they have tried and what they thought of each one.
To make bourbon ice cubes, simply pour your favorite bourbon into an ice cube tray and freeze for at least 4 hours. Once they’re frozen, you can add them to your glass of bourbon and enjoy them as usual. The wonderful thing about using these ice cubes is that they won’t water down your drink as they melt since they’re already made with bourbon.
Glencairn whiskey glasses are considered some of the best for bourbon tastings because of their unique shape. The glass has a wide bowl that tapers in at the top, allowing for aromas to be concentrated. This is important because bourbon is all about smell. Glencairn glasses also have a heavy base, which makes them sturdy and easy to hold. And finally, the glass has a small opening, forcing you to take small sips to savor the flavor.
Finally, enjoy your bourbon tasting!
For each guest, pour a bit of each bourbon into a Glencairn glass. Be sure to carefully evaluate each bourbon and have your guests take notes on the tasting sheet. Then, compare notes on favorites, the ones they would not drink again, and how the bourbons taste compared to how they smell. Finally, enjoy your bourbon tasting!
For more from The Bourbon Wall, check out our posts on our Blog Page.
