FAQ: Bourbon

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT... BOURBON!  

What makes whiskey a bourbon?

Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made in a specific fashion. Federal laws are what define it. A whiskey can be called a bourbon as long as it adheres to the following rules:

• Bourbon must be produced in the United States.
• It must be fermented from at least 51% corn and distilled to no higher than 80% alcohol
• The distillate must be aged in new, charred, oak barrels.
• It cannot be higher than 62.5% alcohol (125 proof) when it goes in to the barrel
• It must be bottled with at least 40% alcohol (80 proof)
• There is no required length of time for aging a whiskey for it to be classified as "bourbon". However, if a whiskey is to be classified as "straight bourbon"  there is a minimum age requirement and quality restrictions. Any bottle labeled "straight bourbon" must adhere to these additional rules:
• Straight bourbon must be aged for a minimum of 2 years
• If it's aged less than 4 years the label must include an age statement
• It cannot contain any coloring, flavoring or neutral grain spirit

Does bourbon have to come from Kentucky?

Most often, bourbon is associated with it's birth place, Kentucky. But, contrary to popular belief, Bourbon can be made any where in the country. There are stellar examples of bourbon coming from all over the United States. New York, in particular, is home to some of the best craft distilleries and has become the epicenter for quality-crafted bourbon.

What bourbon should be in your glass tonight?

Our shelves are overflowing with an eclectic selection of bourbon. Right now, the staff is really digging straight bourbon from local distilleries. And by local, I mean NY! All of them offer an excellent quality to price ratio, which is not easy as they are using high-cost local grain and it is a labor-intensive product to make. Those that have tried them have not been disappointed. Stop by Ancona's in Ridgefield or Wilton and pick up one of these killer bottles:

Taconic Distillery Straight Bourbon Dutchess Private Reserve - Stanfordville, NY
Rough Rider Double Casked Straight Bourbon - Long Island, NY
Widow Jane 10 year Straight Bourbon - Rosendale, NY

Feeling adventurous? Take a road trip to NY -- it is leaf / bourbon peeping season, after all!