Bourbon in Spirits(5)

What’s a good cocktail recipe to use with apple-flavored bourbon?

Apple-flavored bourbon pairs well with citrus. You can use apple bourbon whiskey to make fall-inspired cocktails that require just a few ingredients. For an orchard twist cocktail, add to a rocks glass filled with ice equal parts apple bourbon and cranberry juice, and top with a splash of club soda and a twist of lime. Apple soda is a refreshing way to enjoy the flavors of fall. To make this cocktail, simply add the flavored bourbon to club soda and toss in a lemon wedge. For an even easier way to enjoy this flavored bourbon, you can pour the bourbon over ice and sip.

What’s the difference in bourbon and whiskey?

Bourbon is a type of whiskey. To be considered bourbon, the whiskey must be made in the U.S., from at least 51 percent corn mash, distilled in new charred oak barrels, with no other additives beyond water. When bottled, all bourbon will be no less than 80 proof. Whiskey cannot be called bourbon if it doesn’t meet these standards.

What’s a good bourbon to buy for sipping?

If you want to enjoy your bourbon neat or on the rocks, you’ll want a smooth bourbon for sipping. Some signs of good quality bourbon are a lower proof, between 80 and 100, an oaky, fruity, or honey-sweet aroma, and light to moderate viscosity (thickness). The aging process will also tell you a lot about the quality of bourbon. For the smoothest experience, choose bourbon aged at least two to four years in oak or new charred oak barrels. The oak breaks down over time and softens the taste of the bourbon during the aging process.