Bourbon Whisky Price in United States
Bourbon is an American whisky like no other, steeped in history and a class all its own. It must consist of a mash bill that is at least 51% corn, and it is matured in new charred oak barrels.
Contents!
This aging process imparts characteristic deep amber color and rich vanilla, caramel, oak, and spice flavors to bourbon. Different from any other whisky, bourbon has certain legal specifications that make it a much adored and hailed spirit around the globe.
It is a distinctive American spirit produced mostly through corn (a minimum of 51%) and aged inside new charred oak barrels. It hails from Kentucky and is attributed with a sweet, rich flavor palette that takes on caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice notes.
Well-known brands are Evan Williams, Woodford Reserve, and Maker’s Mark. Bourbon is versatile, best known for being sipped straight or on the rocks, as well as mixed in cocktails such as the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan. Craftsmanship and heritage make it a symbol of American distilling excellence.
Here is a state-wise price list for Basil Hayden Bourbon Whisky (750 ml) in the USA. The prices can vary depending on local taxes, retailer, and availability. The list below provides an estimate:
| State | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| California | $45 – $55 |
| Texas | $43 – $50 |
| New York | $50 – $60 |
| Florida | $45 – $55 |
| Illinois | $47 – $55 |
| Kentucky | $40 – $50 |
| Nevada | $45 – $53 |
| Colorado | $45 – $55 |
| Ohio | $43 – $52 |
| Washington | $48 – $57 |
The Origin and History of Bourbon
The origins of bourbon date back to the 18th century in the U.S., primarily in the state of Kentucky, where limestone-rich water was suitable for distilling. The exact origins of the name “bourbon” are somewhat debated, but the most accepted version claims it was named after Bourbon County, Kentucky. There’s a uniquely American product that was aided in its production by techniques like barrel aging, which gave the spirit its distinctive flavor.
Though Bourbon is associated with Kentucky, it can be made anywhere in the U.S. as long as it fits the legal requirements. Bourbon was so popular in the 19th century that in 1964 the U.S. government recognized it as a distinctly American product.
How is Bourbon Whisky made?
Bourbon is made through a complex series of steps:
- Mashing: The process starts with mixing grains (at least 51 percent corn; the rest a mix of rye, barley or wheat) with water. The mash is heated so that the starches turn into fermentable sugars.
- Fermentation: The mash is fermented later on with the use of yeast to make liquor.
- Fermentation: Yeast is added to the mixture to ferment the sugars present, producing liquor.
- Aging: The matured spirit is then aged in new, charred oak barrels for at least two years. This aging process helps to develop the smooth, complex flavors Bourbon is known for.
- Bottling After aging, the Bourbon is filtered and bottled. For specific labels such as “straight bourbon,” the spirit must age for a minimum of two years in order to be classified as such.
How many types of Bourbon Whisky are there?
There are different kinds of Bourbon, each with its own experience:
- Straight Bourbon: At least two years of aging for a smoother, deeper flavor.
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- Single Barrel Bourbon: Made from one specific barrel, this provides a more unique and diverse profile.
- Wheated Bourbon: Utilizes wheat rather than rye and thus lends a sweeter, less spicy flavor.
Popular brands of Bourbon are Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace. Each brand specializes in different expressions of Bourbon, giving consumers a lot to work with when it comes to flavor profiles from bold and spicy to light and floral.
Tasting Notes & How to Drink Bourbon Whisky
Bourbon has complex tasting notes that develop during its time in barrels. The primary flavors include:
- Caramel: The sweetness that comes from the caramelization of sugars in barrel oak
- Vanillin: A common flavor, often contributed by the wood.
- Oak: A more woody flavor imparted by the barrels.
- Spice: commonly cinnamon or nutmeg, contributed by the rye or other grains.
- Fruity Notes: Bourbons can have delicate fruit notes, such as dried fruit, cherries, and apples.
There are several ways to enjoy Bourbon Whisky:
- Neat: Straight bourbon, served without ice or mixers, so you can sample the full flavor.
- On the Rocks lying over ice to slightly dilute the whiskey and bring forward differing notes.
- Cocktails: Bourbon makes a famous cocktail. Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or a mint Julep.
Bourbon Whisky Global Influence
Although an emblem of American heritage, Bourbon has made an international impact. Bourbon exports have increased gradually, particularly in European and Asian markets. At the top of the list is the Bourbon tourism boom in Kentucky, which lifted distillery tours, tasting events, and festivals (the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, for one) and gave the spirit a reason to spread. Bourbon is now viewed as a premium and artisanal product, consumed globally.
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