​What makes bourbon bourbon

• Ingredients – Corn, Barley and Rye (or Wheat) - MUST BE AT LEAST 51% corn in the Mash Bill (recipe)

• Charred Oak Barrel – American White Oak

• Made in America

That's it - can you believe it?  All the incredible taste variations come for the same ingredients, all stored in charred oak barrels and, of course, all distilled right here in the good ole USA.  We'll wait while you let that sink in...

• Aging at least 2 years or has to be noted on bottle

• The distilling process

• Bottled in Bond Act - what it means

• Tasting (how to taste) – always 3

• Staring Down the Barrel (intro to great people exploring the craft)

Great gift ideas for the Bourbon fan in your life:

​

Bourbon Boys apparel, of course. It's stylish and serves as a great conversation starter with other bourbon fans!

​

Bourbon ice ball makers.  Elevate the bourbon tasting experience with an upgraded ice option like these from the Whiskey Ball team. 

​

Bourbon glasses. 

​

Bottle of Bourbon. Buy your bourbon fan a bottle of goodness and impress them with a little knowledge from the following episodes:

• Can't miss gifts - Woodford Reserve (episode 1)

• For the bourbon lover - Wild Turkey Rare Breed (episode 5)

• For a 'not so mainstream' bottle - Bib & Tucker (episode 8)

• For someone you like, not love - find an 'under $20' option (episode 6)

• NC bourbon Fans - Southern Star and Conviction (we haven't covered these, yet, but hope to soon)

​

A classic for over 100-years... a good Old Fashioned is always a treat.

​

• 1-1/4 oz Bulleit Bourbon

• 2 teaspoons simple syrup

• 3 dashes Angostura bitters

• 1 orange peel

• 1 oz cranberry juice

​

1. Add two teaspoons of simple syrup, three dashes of bitters and Bulleit Bourbon to a large rocks glass.

2. Add ice.

3. Stir gently until the level of the ice and liquid equalize.

4. Zest an orange peel over the glass then add the peel to the drink as a garnish.

​​

Have you noticed the Bulleit label always seems crooked? We did and we found out why in Podcast 5.

Dessert and smiles served in a glass...

​

• 1 (generous) tablespoon Blade & Bow bourbon

• 1-1/2 cups of heavy cream

• 1/4 cup confectioner's sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

1. Beat cream, sugar, bourbon and vanilla in medium bowl (mixer on high speed) until stiff peaks form. Cover.

2. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

 

Want to know the story behind the Blade & Bows keys? Episode 2 uncovers the story.

Sometimes simple is the answer... 

​

• 2 oz of Russell's Reserve 10-year

​

Want to smooth it out a little? Add a piece of ice or two.

​

Voila, you've got yourself a treat!

​

Cheat code: this recipe works well with lots of bourbons.

​

Kurt highlights the unique family connection at Russell's Reserve in episode 3.

Not for the faint of heart, any drink that requires 8 steps to make better be good. We think it's worth the effort! 

​

• 8 oz Hard Apple Cider

• 4 oz Maker's Mark Bourbon

• 2 teaspoons Honey

• 2 tablespoons Raw Sugar

• 1 tablespoon Cinnamon

• Lime wedge to coat rim

• Cocktail Shaker

• Apple Slices for garnish

​​

1. Place sugar and cinnamon in large saucer and mix well.

2. Cut a lime wedge and rub the rim of your serving glass.

3. Drag edges of glass through cinnamon and sugar coating.

4. Set aside.

5. Place Cider, Bourbon, honey and ice in a cocktail shaker.

6. Shake until ice cold.

7. Strain cocktail mixture serving glass.

8. Garnish with an apple wedge and serve!

​

Was it worth it? Let us know at bourbonboysnc@gmail.com!

​