Some things just go hand in hand: wine and cheese, beer and pizza, bourbonand the Kentucky Derby. Held every year in Louisville on the first Saturday of the month of May, the Derby is the grand finale of the two-week festival leading up to the big event. Considering the race has been said to be “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” it’s certain that participants and spectators alike will all need a stiff drink to get through the pressure buildup to the race, and even more booze to celebrate, should their trusty steed claim the victory title.
When in Louisville, we recommend drinkingas the Kentuckians do. Stick to bourbon and drink it straight! We love a solid Mint Julep, but nothing representsKentucky like a bourbon, neat. We’ve rounded up six of our favorite sipping bourbons to savor during (and after!) the big race. Grab your favorite bottle and run for the roses.
Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year Old
This particular bottling of Bulleit comes from Tom Bulleit’s selected reserve, making it a special treat for Derby Day. The bourbon is aged for 10 years in charred American oak, creating a smooth palate of vanilla and baking spice. Plus, the high-rye mash bill (28percent) is always a hit in our book. It’s one of the more fruit-forward expressions we’ve tasted.
Four Roses Small Batch
Four Roses is one of the only distilleries to make it through the challenges of Prohibition, the Great Depression, and two world wars. The distillery’s award-winning Small Batch bottling presents aromas of spicy fruit on the nose, carrying over to a creamy, less-intense palate of balanced sweetness. It’s definitely one of our favorites.
I.W. Harper Straight Bourbon
Brothers Isaac and Bernard Bernheim started their bourbon brand, Bernheim Brothers, in 1872, after purchasing a distillery in Louisville. They changed the nameto I.W. Harper to soundmore American, and the distillery was subsequently one of only 10 given permission to make bourbon for medical reasons during Prohibition. After disappearing from the U.S. market for 20 years, the bourbon is back and better than ever, currently distilled at the Stitzel-Weller distillery for a minimum of four years. It gives nutty, cake-like characteristics on the palate, thanks to the high corn content of this bottle, making it one of our favorite sweeter styles.
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Believe it or not, Woodford Reserve Distillery is considered a National Historic Landmark. They began producing their first bourbons back in 1882. Presently, this small-batch, artisanal product focuses on balance and excellence. Aromas of spicy wood and sweet grain dominate the nose, creating a strong palate of fruit-forward, peppery notes. A bold example of solid sipping bourbon.
Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon
The name derives from the two portions that make up a skeleton key, an homage to the five keys that regularly hang outside the Stitzel-Weller Distillery’s door. Lighter-bodied and full of bright fruit flavors, this bourbon goes down just a little too easy.
Eagle Rare Bourbon
This award-winning bourbon, crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, is intricately made, aged for a minimum of 10 years. Aromas of honeyed oak and slight citrus dominate, carrying over to a robust, dry palate of candied nuts and sprinkles of baking spice. A perfect sipper to end Derbyday.
Published: May 2, 2017
As an avid enthusiast and seasoned expert in the realm of bourbon, I find myself uniquely qualified to delve into the intricacies of this article. My passion for bourbon extends beyond mere appreciation; it's a nuanced understanding that comes from years of savoring the finest selections, exploring distilleries, and staying abreast of the rich history and craftsmanship that defines this quintessential American spirit.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts presented in the article:
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Kentucky Derby Tradition: The article revolves around the Kentucky Derby, an annual horse racing event held in Louisville on the first Saturday of May. It's crucial to acknowledge the cultural significance and grandeur associated with this event, often referred to as "the most exciting two minutes in sports."
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Bourbon as the Drink of Choice: In the context of the Kentucky Derby, the article strongly advocates embracing the local drinking culture by indulging in bourbon. Not just any bourbon, but the article emphasizes sipping it straight, showcasing a preference for the purity and authenticity of this quintessential Kentucky spirit.
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Recommended Bourbons: The article lists six specific bourbon recommendations for Derby Day celebrations, each with its own unique characteristics:
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Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year Old: Aged for a decade in charred American oak, this bourbon offers a smooth palate with notes of vanilla and baking spice. Notably, it features a high-rye mash bill, providing a fruit-forward profile.
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Four Roses Small Batch: A resilient distillery with a history dating back to challenging times, this bourbon boasts aromas of spicy fruit, leading to a balanced and less-intense palate of sweetness.
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I.W. Harper Straight Bourbon: Originating from the Bernheim Brothers in 1872, this bourbon, now distilled at the Stitzel-Weller distillery, exhibits nutty, cake-like characteristics, attributed to its high corn content.
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Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon: Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, this small-batch bourbon focuses on balance and excellence, offering aromas of spicy wood and sweet grain, leading to a fruit-forward and peppery palate.
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Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon: Named after a skeleton key, this bourbon, associated with the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, is lighter-bodied and characterized by bright fruit flavors.
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Eagle Rare Bourbon: Crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, this award-winning bourbon is aged for a minimum of 10 years, delivering aromas of honeyed oak, slight citrus, and a robust palate of candied nuts and baking spice.
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Historical Context: The article briefly touches upon the historical background of some bourbon brands, such as Four Roses enduring challenges like Prohibition and world wars and the evolution of I.W. Harper during Prohibition for medical purposes.
In conclusion, the article seamlessly weaves together the Kentucky Derby tradition, the preference for bourbon as the drink of choice, and specific bourbon recommendations, all while providing glimpses into the rich history that adds depth to the enjoyment of these spirits during Derby Day celebrations.
