THE COMPLEXITY OF ALCOHOL
wall decor made from old charred Oak
bourbon barrels. Bourbon as a brand is
flourishing.
TASTING IS BELIEVING
Depending on the production process,
bourbon whiskey can have a variety of
tastes, aromas, colors and finishes. People
gather to compare these qualities. While
master tasters can consistently evaluate
certain flavor profiles, lay people can ar-
gue over desirability and preferences (or
just kick back and tell stories). Bourbon
whiskey can be enjoyed either by itself
or as a mixer. Some people prefer it cold
(“on the rocks,” as ice can open up the
flavor), while others like it “neat.” Any
way it is preferred, bourbon whiskey can
bring people together, preferably not to
consume as much as possible, but to dis-
cover the varied effects it can have on
the senses.
FLIGHT OF THE BOURBON
Bourbon whiskey is rooted in Kentucky,
developed by the frontiersmen of colo-
nial America, and is enjoyed by many
around the world. It provides a vehicle for social interaction and
boon to the economy. Despite its rocky history, bourbon’s popu-
larity has soared and hopefully will continue to delight people for
years to come.
Figure 1, Image from: https://www.govinfo.gov/about/policies#copyright
was born. The distillation technique was brought over by Scots-Irish
immigrants. The recipe was formulated by frontiersmen on lands
now known as Bourbon, Kentucky.[1] The development and cura-
tion of Bourbon whiskey has been with us throughout American
history. It is intertwined in the great stories of Kentucky, impacting
the likes of Daniel Boone, George Washington and Ulysses S. Grant.
Bourbon whiskey endured the Civil War, the Great Depression,
and Prohibition, resurging from the country’s vice to its darling.
BOURBON BRINGS IN THE DOUGH
Bourbon whiskey is big business in Kentucky and demand is in-
creasing. In 2018, its annual production and sales were estimated
to produce over 20,000 jobs and $8.6 billion in economic output.
Annual tax revenue in Kentucky is estimated to be $235 million. In
recognition of the increasing popularity of the spirit, unprecedented
growth in the industry has occurred in the past decade. Kentucky
had 68 distilleries as of May 2018, up from 19 in 2009. Bourbon
whiskey attracted over 1 million tourists to Kentucky distilleries
in 2018.[5] Kentucky restaurants like to highlight their bourbon
menus. People check off spots they have been on the Bourbon Trail
and the Urban Bourbon Trail. Woodworkers sell furniture and
Dr. Higgins is a practicing otolaryngologist with subspecialty training in rhinology.
References:
1. Huckelbridge D. Bourbon: A History of the American Spirit. Harper Collins; 2014.
2. Cecil SK. Bourbon: The Evolution of Kentucky Whiskey. 2010.
3. United States Congress. Bourbon whiskey designated as distinctive produce of
U.S [Internet]. 21 Apr 1964 [cited 2 Sep 2019]. Available: https://www.govinfo.gov/
content/pkg/STATUTE-78/pdf/STATUTE-78-Pg1208.pdf
4. Regan G, Regan MH, Regan G. The Book of Bourbon and Other Fine American
Whiskeys. Jared Brown; 2009.
5. Coomes P, Kornstein B. The Economic and Fiscal Impacts of the Distilling
Industry in Kentucky. Kentucky Distillers’ Association; 2019.
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