Bourbon is a quintessential American spirit. So naturally, it deserves to be recognized. A holiday would be nice. Or maybe a whole month. On that note, September is Bourbon Heritage Month. It’s pretty awesome that 1/12 of the calendar year is dedicated to bourbon. So behold: some fun facts about that tasty American whiskey.
– Bourbon must be at least 51% corn, and can be composed of nothing besides water, grains and yeast.
– There are more bourbon barrels in Kentucky than there are people.
– Bourbon must clock in between 80 proof and 160 proof, and it must begin its aging process at no more than 125 proof.
– Bourbon has the most regulated spirits production process in the world.
– Bourbon takes its name from Bourbon County, Kentucky. However, in an ironic twist of fate, local law now prohibits bourbon production (or liquor of any kind) within the county.
– Bourbon must be aged in new American oak barrels.
– 95% of all Bourbon is made in Kentucky.
– In 1964, Congress recognized bourbon as a “distinctive product of the United States.”
These facts, and roughly 80,000 bourbon barrels per year, come courtesy of Wild Turkey.
And check out this infographic for more Bourbon-soaked details.
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