Bourbon is currently experiencing a great period of success, with each passing year introducing even better options. Although it may be costly, it is an excellent time to be a bourbon enthusiast due to the abundance of options available.
Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, Thirst has got you covered! Allow us to introduce our top picks for the Best Bourbon Brands in the Philippines 2023.
Jack Daniels No.7 1000ML/700 ML
Jack Daniel’s No. 7 is a popular whiskey among fans all over the world. It owes its smooth and sweet taste to the process of charcoal-mellowing the spirit before it is matured.
Jack Daniel’s Old No.7 Whiskey goes through a unique process where it is slowly mellowed using sugar maple charcoal and aged in handmade barrels. It is not timed but rather determined to be ready by expert tasters based on its appearance, smell, and taste. This method has been used for over 100 years, just like how Jack Daniel did it.
The drink has a bright amber color and smells like vanilla, caramel, and oak. When you taste it, it feels soft and has a balance between sweetness and woody flavors.
This drink has a well-balanced taste profile that combines sweet and woody flavors with a medium body. It features hints of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak.
Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select
Woodford Reserve offers a classic bourbon that is highly praised for its well-balanced taste. It has a multitude of flavor notes, including floral, grain, and wood.
Woodford Reserve is a whiskey brand with a rich history. It is made at the Labrot & Graham’s Distillery, which dates back to 1780. Over time, various types of whiskeys have been made at this location, including the most recent one, Early Times, before Woodford Reserve was produced there.
Although production ceased and the distillery was left abandoned in 1973, it was later bought back by Brown-Forman in 1993. After that, they came up with Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select in 1996, which was described as a “new type of premium bourbon.”
Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Bourbon is a blend of pot still whiskey produced at their Woodford Reserve Distillery in Woodford County and column still spirits from the Brown-Forman Distillery located in Shively, Kentucky.
While the exact ratio of the blend is unknown due to the distilling capacity at the Woodford Reserve Distillery, it is likely that the mixture contains a significant amount of barrels from the Brown-Forman Distillery.
What is Bourbon Whiskey?
Bourbon whiskey is an American alcoholic beverage made from a mash of at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. It is one of the most popular types of whiskey in the United States and many other countries, with some brands being world-renowned.
While there are different types of bourbon, it’s all distilled from fermented grains such as rye, wheat, and barley. The corn helps to create the sweet flavor that is the signature of bourbon. Bourbon has a deep-amber color and a smoky character that comes from its barrel aging process. It also has notes of vanilla, caramel, oak, and spice.
What makes for good bourbon?
Bourbon, which has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, is considered a true American heritage. While many bourbon brands exist today, the question remains: what defines a good bourbon whiskey?
Here are some answers:
Complex & Rich Flavor
Bourbon whiskey’s complex and rich flavors are highly enjoyable, featuring distinct vanilla, cherry, caramel, baking spices, and oak notes in a good quality blend.
There are many variations in the world of bourbon beyond just the basic flavors.
Bourbons that are wheat tend to have a smoother taste, whereas bourbons with high levels of rye are likely to have a more pronounced flavor of grassiness and spice.
Bourbons that have aged for a longer period of time tend to have more intricate flavors such as wood, savory, and leather. On the other hand, younger bourbons are typically characterized by their sweetness and fruitiness.
Aroma
A high-quality bourbon should have a distinct and noticeable aroma.
Good bourbon whiskey has a more noticeable aroma because our sense of smell contributes 80% to our sense of taste.
When you open the bottle of bourbon, you will notice a complex smell that resembles bourbon whiskey. Similar to its taste, you’ll be able to detect fruity, floral, spicy, grainy, sweet, and woody notes.
Unique Texture & Body
A good bourbon whiskey can be distinguished by its unique texture and body, which are derived from the barrel.
To enhance the texture and body of good bourbon whiskey, it is typically not subject to chill filtering. This allows the natural congeners of the bourbon to remain, resulting in a distinctive mouthfeel.
What to look for when buying bourbon?
When it comes to buying bourbon, there are a few things you should know. Bourbon is a type of American whiskey made primarily from corn (maize). It must contain at least 51% corn and be produced in the United States. The name “Bourbon” comes from the French Bourbon dynasty, which ruled France during the 1700s.
When shopping for bourbon, you’ll want to look for labels that say “Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey” or “Straight Bourbon Whiskey”. This indicates that the whiskey has been aged for at least two years in new charred oak barrels and is made with no added flavoring or coloring. You can also look for labels that say “Single Barrel” or “Small Batch”, which indicate that the whiskey was made from a single barrel or small batch of barrels, respectively.
If you’re looking for something special, consider trying out some of the more unique bourbons on the market, such as Four Roses Bourbon or Buffalo Trace Bourbon. These brands have won numerous awards and are known for their distinct flavor profiles.
FAQs
1. How is bourbon different from whiskey?
Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made primarily from corn, aged in charred oak barrels, and has a distinctive flavor profile. Whiskey is a broad term for any type of spirit distilled from fermented grain mash. Some types of whiskey include Scotch, Irish, Rye, and Canadian whiskies.
2. What does bourbon taste like?
Bourbon has a complex flavor profile that includes notes of vanilla, caramel, oak, and spice. Depending on the type of bourbon you choose, it may also have hints of fruit or floral aromas.
3. What do u mix with bourbon?
If you like the taste of bourbon, use soda water. If you want your drink to be sweet, use ginger ale or ginger beer.
4. Why do people drink bourbon?
People drink bourbon for its unique flavor profile and complexity. It’s also a popular choice among whiskey connoisseurs, who appreciate the range of flavors that can be found in different types of bourbons.
Now make your next event one to remember with Thirst’s selection of the best Philippine bourbon brands! Get ready to experience an exceptional flavor journey like no other. Cheers!
