Eric Schmitz – Enjoy the Bourbon

Bourbon has a strong culture worldwide with multiple ways to enjoy and serve it. Having a little familiarity with the spirit can go a long way when out on the town. Bourbon Whiskey tastes great and is the United States of America’s only native spirit. Since its creation it has made quite a name for itself. Being one of the best spirits out in the market, the versatility of the drink and its popularity is driving consumption worldwide. So, pour yourself a glass and let’s find out the top 10 reasons to sit back with friends and family and enjoy the bourbon: Bourbon is, truly, the United States of America’s native spirit. Bourbon was born out of the American heartland. From fields with ample amounts of corn and grains, the age-old tradition of whiskey-making was paired with using clean, limestone filtered water and aging the bourbon in charred oak barrels. The outcome results in some of the best tasting spirits the world has ever tasted. Bourbon is the best of the best; Quality is built in With so many whiskey options on the market, bourbon is a stand-alone whiskey. Fun fact: all bourbon is a whiskey, but not all whiskeys are bourbon. And, the distinction is for good reason. Bourbon has federally mandated purity laws that sought to combat forgery alcohols, tainted with additives or watered down booze with little to no quality. The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 helped create the quality of bourbon we have today. No additives, only high quality ingredients and time in a barrel. Options for days Bourbon has so many options. And unlike many other spirits out there, bourbon isn’t infused with every imaginable flavor known to man. Instead, it’s options are based on the distillery mash build, aging time, blends, small batch blends or signed barrel bottles. This allows anyone with any budget to find a bottle they prefer and cultivate their love for bourbon. Every liquor store will have different and new bourbons each time you visit, so if you don’t see something, try again next week! Bourbon culture and tradition Bourbon had its day in the 1800’s, but around prohibition it almost was lost to the world. Thankfully, over the past decades, we have seen an increase in its popularity and demand. More and more folks are looking to have a connection with the food and drink they consume. It’s easy to understand why more people are migrating towards bourbon. Its traditional way of making bourbon, with the 3 simple ingredients, corn, wheat, and rye, allow people to know exactly what they are drinking. No high-fructose corn syrup here for those who are concerned. On top of the simple ingredients, drinking culture in general has been gaining popularity. Shows like Mad Men began to glamorize the 1950’s cocktails scene and in large and small towns all across the US, bars and speakeasies began showcasing new and old spirits. Bourbon drinking accessories Building on the popularity of bourbon, vintage and vintage-looking cocktail glasses and accessories began hitting the shelves. Even I was on the hunt and found some vintage rocks glasses that I gave to my Dad as a gift. It’s a great go- to gift option for people you know who enjoy bourbon. There are cold stones, ice sphere kits, decanters, coasters, bourbon storage shelves, glasses, barrel bottle displays… and the list goes on. There are not as many options for people who enjoy other spirits as their drink of choice. Bourbon drinkers, on the other hand are able to have an All-American, rustic drink cart with a few nice glasses, coasters and a good bottle of bourbon on display. Bourbon as a healthy option? You bet! Bourbon can be a good alternative to other alcohols; as with anything, moderation is always key. Unlike beer and some other alcohols, bourbon has no carbs and even though it tastes sweet, it has no sugar. There are other studies from well-known and celebrated universities and medical centers that boast about the health benefits. A glass of bourbon a few times a week can help keep weight off, lower blood pressure, stave off heart disease, fight against diabetes and some cancers. Pair this with exercise and yearly visits to your doctor and you could be on track to gain many more years to enjoy great bourbons. Impress your friends Friends are always some of the best people to try and impress. As they are some of the closest people to you, when you get together to share time, food, or drink try a new bourbon or a mixed drink with them. They will be impressed with even a little bit of knowledge or trivia that you can share with them about bourbon. If you are new to bourbon yourself, check out a few of these easy cocktails that are great to try at home. But if you are really trying to impress your friends, buy them a round of “old-fashions” the next time you are out. Hell, I’ll take an invite to join you. Sophistication Aside from the impressive factor, I found that I truly prefer bourbon over any other drink. There is definitely nothing wrong with a beer or other drink, but bourbon has a way of making an impression on the people you are with. It’s a bold and confident drink choice that gives off a level of sophistication when enjoyed responsibly. So the next time you are out for a business drink, opt for a bourbon or bourbon mixed drink. It will lend a touch of class to your look and personal brand. Bourbon as food, and more Bourbon has become such a staple in the household that people have found a way to incorporate them into their daily lives and the food they eat. Almost every time I watch a food show there seems to be bourbon incorporated in a dessert, main dish or side. Even a short walk around the nearest outdoor mall or shopping center and you will see bourbon’s impact on food and other merchandise. Bakeries with bourbon balls, bourbon infused chocolate. Food Courts with bourbon chicken, bourbon infused whipped cream to go with your latte. Bath and Beauty stores with bourbon bath bomb, lip balm, and beard oils. And I am no different, I have a bottle of Blanton’s Maple Syrup sitting on my shelf just waiting to bathe my next batch of french toast or my bottle of Maker’s Mark ready to splash some bourbon into my homemade whipped cream to top my pumpkin pie. Banton's Maple Syrup Bourbon’s effect on local economies Bourbon has entire economies built around it. First, think of the impact that you have on the economy from your home by just buying bourbon. You get to drive, ride, or walk to the liquor store to purchase a bottle of bourbon and inevitably pick up a few other items. By doing so you are supporting your local economy and small business store and the clerk that checked you out. Now take a look at that bottle you just purchased and think of the people, energy, supplies, and products that go into making that bourbon. It can be a bit daunting to think of all the steps it takes to make a bottle of bourbon. The grains are grown and cultivated. Water is filtered and pumped to make the mash with the grains. Then oak trees are cared for, felled, and crafted into staves. Metal workers craft the barrel rings. All of the distillery men and women that work the lines, design and blow the glass bottles, print the labels, and care for the barrels. Barrels stored in the warehouse which were built by local construction workers and masons. Once the bourbon has aged, it is bottled, packed, shipped, and driven to the store you just left. Now, the next time you take a sip of that aged bourbon, remember the life it has lived before getting to you and know that your enjoyment has helped build a life, career, and future for all of those who worked to support and supply that delicious amber drink, now in your glass. Cheers, to great bourbon!