#53 - Limestone and Bourbon

Best of Kentucky Bourbon Print by designedbydallas on Etsy, $40

Whether you drink bourbon (or alcohol at all, for that matter), check this out... It's an interesting little fact of Kentucky culture. :)

Yesterday during our zipline tour in Louisville (I'll be blogging about that also), our guide told us about the importance of limestone in the bourbon industry.

95% of the world's bourbon is made in Kentucky!

Kentucky Bourbon Art Print by MCRomagueraArt, $39

Why is Kentucky the home of bourbon?

In one word, limestone!

One of the things I noticed when I moved to Kentucky was the build up of this white mineral deposit on the filter of my aquarium and in my fountain. I later learned it was calcium deposits because the water here in much of Kentucky runs through limestone which filters out a lot of minerals (such as iron) and adds calcium and magnesium. Water low in iron and high in calcium and calcium is good for the fermentation process of alcohol and for the flavor of whiskey.

Bourbon is a type of whiskey. Not all whiskey is bourbon. In order for whiskey to be called bourbon:

1) It must be made in the United States.

2) It must be made from a grain recipe which is at least 51%  but no more than 79% corn.

3) The whiskey must be aged for at least 2 years in new oak barrels that are charred inside. Most bourbon is aged 4 years or longer.

4) It must be distilled to no more than 160 proof.

5) Nothing can be added to enhance color, sweetness, or flavor.





Another random, yet related fact:

Bourbon Soap/Lotion Dispense by EstepWoodWorkandSuch on Etsy, $10

This past month, Maker's Mark announced their plans to cut the alcohol content of their bourbon from 45% to 42%. It takes a long time to age bourbon and Maker's Mark was hoping to increase their supply of bourbon by decreasing the alcohol content slightly. Let's just say that didn't go over so well. Last week, due to the backlash from customers, Maker's Mark announced they won't be watering down their bourbon after all. You can read more about it here.