Guests who visit our tasting rooms in both Saugatuck and Holland often ask our team how to drink bourbon. The answer is simple, though the world of bourbon and whiskey can be intimidating. Below we share some tips and tricks for tasting America’s native spirit – from our team members in Holland – while also noting the differences between the three whiskies we craft: Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskies, and Rye Whiskey.
What is Bourbon?
According to the United States, not all whiskey is bourbon.
Bourbon, according to the United States government, must meet these requirements:
- Must be made with at least 51 percent corn
- Must be distilled to no more than 160 proof // 80 percent alcohol by volume
- Must be aged in new, charred oak barrels
- Must be introduced to the barrel at less than 125 proof // 62.5 percent alcohol by volume
In addition, Straight Bourbon must be aged for a minimum of two years.
How to Drink Bourbon Whiskey according to Coppercraft Distillery:
Coppercraft Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a blend of 4+ and 11+ year-old sourced bourbons. The flavor profile is rich and smooth, thanks to brandy blending and proofing techniques that take three months from barrel to bottle. Details below from our team:
On the Nose: tobacco, oak
On the Palate: cinnamon
Finish: smooth, from start to finish
How to drink Coppercraft Straight Bourbon Whiskey, according to our team:
Will, Senior Production Specialist: I prefer and suggest drinking our Straight Bourbon Whiskey neat. Take the cork out, let it breathe for a bit, and then… drink about five of them : )
Matt O, Production Coordinator: On the rocks.
Matt D, National Marketing Coordinator: On the rocks.
How to Drink Coppercraft Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskies:
Coppercraft Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskies is a blend of 4+ year-old Coppercraft-distilled and 11+ year-old sourced Indiana straight bourbon whiskies. It packs a punch and has some spice to it.
On the Nose: oak
On the Palate: vanilla, caramel
Finish: hot and spicy
How to Drink Coppercraft Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskies, according to our team:
Will, Senior Production Specialist: I prefer Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskies in cocktails. I really like it with fresh lemon. Try adding a splash of ginger beer and a quarter of a lemon squeezed.
Matt O, Production Coordinator: Also on the rocks.
Matt D, National Marketing Coordinator: I like Blend of Straight Bourbon Whiskies in an Old Fashioned. Coppercraft has a classic Old Fashioned recipe here.
What is Rye Whiskey?
Rye whiskey according to the United States government, must meet these requirements:
- Must be made from grain that is at least 51 percent rye
- Must be aged in new, charred oak barrels
- Must be distilled to no more than 160 proof // 80 percent alcohol by volume
- Must be introduced to the barrel at less than 125 proof // 62.5 percent alcohol by volume
- Bottled at no less than 80 proof // 40 percent alcohol by volume
Rye Whiskey according to Coppercraft Distillery:
Rye whiskey is known for its peppery spice, and ours is no exception. Our award-winning Coppercraft Rye Whiskey moves across your palate, first with hints of cocoa and malt and then with a peppercorn spice that is distinctly rye. It’s a blend of 2+ year-old distilled and sourced rye barrels.
On the nose: Cocoa
On the palate: malty, peppercorn Spice
Finish: warm the whole way down
How to Drink Coppercraft Rye Whiskey, according to our team:
Will, Senior Production Specialist: I love this whiskey in a Black Manhattan cocktail. The spice of the rye plays well with a traditional amaro, such as Averna or Fernet Branca. Here’s the recipe:
- Black Manhattan
- 2 oz Coppercraft Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz amaro
- 2 dashes of bitters
Stir and serve over ice.
Matt O, Production Coordinator: I drink Rye Whiskey in a Rye Old Fashioned. Here’s the recipe:
- Rye Old Fashioned
2 oz Coppercraft Rye Whiskey
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 tsp water
Matt D, National Marketing Coordinator: Rye Whiskey is great in a Manhattan, with sweet vermouth and bitters. Served up or on the rocks. Coppercraft has a Manhattan recipe here.
Bourbon can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, but the very best answer if you are wondering how to drink bourbon question is this: in the company of good people. Grab your good people and visit our Distillery in Holland for a whiskey tasting or to purchase a bottle to bring home.
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