Whether you’re a born + bred Lexingtonian or a recent arrival, one thing that defines the city is the omnipresence of bourbon. In honor of National Bourbon Day, celebrated annually on June 14, we decided to take a deep dive into the history of this beloved spirit.
What makes bourbon, bourbon?
Just after the American Revolution, a little place called Bourbon County, Kentucky became synonymous with a process already familiar to the European settlers of the region — allowing corn, barley, or rye to ferment into a mash that is then distilled, producing what we call whiskey. However, experts are still at odds about whether bourbon’s namesake came from the region.
Still, here in Kentucky we take pride in differentiating the characteristics of regular whiskey vs. our beautiful bourbon. It is a $9 billion industry after all. In order for a whiskey to be considered a bourbon, it must:
- Be made in the US
- Consist of between 51 percent and 79 percent corn
- Age for at least two years in an oak barrel
Distillers in the area also claim that Kentucky’s limestone spring water also gives Kentucky bourbon its recognizable flavor. So take that, Texas.
The story of National Bourbon Day
Bourbon really made a name for itself around 1785, when distillers from Europe came to Kentucky armed with an encyclopedia full of distilling knowledge.
While the exact history of National Bourbon Day is up for debate, many claim that this was the time of year this migration occurred, helping bourbon evolve into what it is today.
Where to celebrate
Now that you’re equipped with all the bourbon trivia you need to know, the last thing to do is celebrate. Here’s some of our favorite spots:
