| Bourbon is one of those drinks that go | | | | Just as California is known for wine and |
| extremely well with cigars. Cheese can | | | | Colorado is known for beer, Kentucky is |
| have wine, candy can have soda, toast | | | | known for Bourbon, though it can |
| can have orange juice, but Bourbon is | | | | technically be produced in any US state |
| all about getting a good smoke. Despite | | | | where distilling alcohol is not illegal. |
| this fact that Bourbon and cigars are a | | | | In the past it has been produced in |
| match made in tobacco Heaven, a lot of | | | | Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, |
| cigar lovers misconstrue what Bourbon is | | | | Tennessee, Missouri, and Kansas. In |
| really all about: it's more than a | | | | addition to Kentucky, Bourbon is |
| street in New Orleans. | | | | presently produced in Virginia. |
| Bourbon is a high maintenance alcohol, | | | | Still, it is the Bluegrass State that is |
| one that involves several regulations. | | | | off to the races when it comes to |
| The rules and laws that govern Bourbon | | | | Bourbon; it is a derby Kentucky has been |
| production are strict. In short, | | | | winning since the 1700's. |
| manufacturers must follow the below | | | | There is no single person credited with |
| criteria in order for whiskey to get its | | | | the invention of Bourbon - though Al |
| "bourb" on. | | | | Gore may claim to be the initial creator |
| Some people may assume that Bourbon is | | | | - but the history of it is known. The |
| just the same as whiskey or that it is | | | | Bourbon name was derived from Bourbon |
| barley, er barely, different, but | | | | County, a large Kentucky county founded |
| Bourbon is very distinct; it is a | | | | after the American Revolution. |
| whiskey made of corn. By US law, at | | | | Bourbon County had a penchant for |
| least 51 percent of a whiskey must be | | | | growing crops, and farmers soon found |
| made of corn in order to be called | | | | themselves with more corn than their |
| Bourbon. Most Bourbons are, however, | | | | livestock could eat. The extra corn was |
| made up of even more corn: they are made | | | | turned into whiskey, and bourbon was |
| up of around 70 percent and, being | | | | born. |
| cornier, often tell jokes that aren't | | | | Bourbon County was eventually divided |
| really all that funny. The remaining | | | | into smaller counties and residents |
| ingredients in Bourbon include wheat, | | | | began to refer to it as "Old Bourbon." |
| rye, and malted barely. | | | | When whiskey makers began shipping their |
| Another key component to Bourbon is age: | | | | liquor on the Ohio River, which served |
| it must be distilled and put inside | | | | as a major port, they stamped their |
| white oak barrels for a minimum of two | | | | sealed barrels with the name "Old |
| years. This, like corn content, is | | | | Bourbon." The name stuck and Bourbon |
| rarely an issue as most Bourbons are | | | | became a synonym for corn whiskey. |
| aged in barrels for around four years. | | | | In 1964, the US Congress made Bourbon |
| Once aging is complete, nothing can be | | | | the "native spirit," sealing its place |
| added to the Bourbon to change the | | | | in American history forever. |
| color, add flavor, or enhance sweetness. | | | | |