America started off as a British colony, where the settlers would find themselves far away from the King’s capital, sandwiched in between sunny beaches, indigenous tribes, and a heap of natural resources and ripe land on which to farm and grow ingredients for their favorite pastime: drinking.

Corn was a new ingredient that was discovered. Being cultivated by the natives for millenia, it soon found its way into the spirit-making trade in America, which also brought their love for whisky with them. Now, you can easily find any whisky auction USA holds to be selling expensive bottles of American whisky that is now more commonly known as bourbon.

 

The History of Bourbon

The history of bourbon is closely tied to the United States, and it has indeed played a significant role in American culture. Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is known for its distinctive flavor, production process, and cultural significance.

Bourbon’s origins can be traced back to the late 18th century. While the exact origin of the name ‘bourbon’ is debated, it is widely believed to have been named after Bourbon County, Kentucky, or Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Bourbon County was established in 1785, and the area was known for producing corn-based spirits.

During the mid-17th century, corn was used as the base for beers. It was so common that people often drank it as a substitute for water, as it was much cleaner than the water available. However, another grain more recognizable by the European settlers was rye. Corn and apple were later added, whereas rye remained the primary ingredient in whisky distillation.

Throughout most of the 18th century, rum was also distilled, popular among coastal cities and Central American regions. It wasn’t until the late 18th century that Kentucky came into play.

 

The Whiskey Rebellion

In the late 18th century, the United States government imposed taxes on whiskey, leading to a rebellion in western Pennsylvania known as the Whiskey Rebellion (1791-1794). This event indirectly encouraged the migration of whiskey distillers to Kentucky, where they could produce their spirits with fewer regulations. The tax was imposed due to debts incurred during the war to free themselves from British rule, and was approved by then-president George Washington. However, the tax indirectly incited a full rebellion, the primary causes being war and a number of other reasons, but it was associated with whisky because it taxed its production rather than its sale.

The tax was levied in Scotland for Scotch as well, but it was levied during the sale. The Scottish then began to smuggle the liquor, escaping the tax but passing by through daily lives. This tax essentially meant that a people recently having gone through war and independence would be indentured into servitude once again, leading to a quick rebellion.

 

The Kentucky Route

Kentucky was discovered to have plenty of fertile land, wood, and water sources that were excellent for distilling alcohol. There, over more than 400 acres of land, the early settlers grew corn, which grew faster than any other grain imported from the UK. This led to rapid production and rapid growth of the spirit and the state.

Kentucky’s climate and natural resources, including limestone-filtered water and fertile soil, proved ideal for bourbon production. The state soon became the epicenter of bourbon production in the entirety of the US.

The taxes imposed still have their effect today, which is why bourbon whiskey in Kentucky is so expensive. There is a ‘barrel tax’ on it each year, which is why anyone who is looking to sell whiskey online has to put such a high price tag on it.

In recent years, Kentucky has seen a surge in bourbon-related tourism, with visitors touring distilleries, learning about the production process, and tasting various bourbons. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail, established in the late 20th century, has played a significant role in this tourism boom.

 

The Prohibition Era, Resurgence, and American Culture

The Prohibition Era (1920-1933) in the US dealt a significant blow to the bourbon industry, leading to the closure of many distilleries. During the prohibition, alcohol was banned unless it was used for medicinal purposes. This allowed a few distilleries to survive as they began producing medicinal whiskey using these legal exceptions. It also limited the supply of Scotch (Scottish whisky) into the US, which was one of the largest markets for the liquor.

After the prohibition ended, bourbon exports, as well as imports of other whisky variations, experienced a resurgence. In the mid-20th century, bourbon began to gain international recognition and popularity as the exports opened up. During this time, bourbon also became a feature in Hollywood. It became a symbol of American culture, often associated with the Wild West and the American frontier, where it resonated with the harsh and hard-boiled nature of the Wild West.

 

Cultural Significance

Apart from its significance in Hollywood and the Western picture, bourbon is deeply intertwined with American culture as a whole. It’s often associated with Southern hospitality, Kentucky Derby traditions, and iconic cocktails like the Mint Julep and Old Fashioned. Bourbon is also celebrated in literature, film, and music.

However, in more recent years, Bourbon’s cultural importance extends beyond Kentucky and the United States, as it has gained a global following. It’s considered a symbol of American craftsmanship and tradition, and its production methods are regulated by law to preserve its distinct characteristics. The industry continues to grow, with a wide range of bourbon brands and styles available to enthusiasts around the world.

Bourbon is made primarily from corn, which must constitute at least 51% of the mash bill. The distillate is aged in new, charred oak barrels, which imparts the whiskey’s distinct flavor. Bourbon also has certain specific legal requirements, such as being distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume) and entering the barrel at no more than 125 proof.

Keeping its distinction is crucial to the ‘bourbon’ brand as a whole, both for Kentucky and for the American people. Many, especially older adults and the Baby Boomer generation, prefer the hard and rough nature of the spirit, often taking it neat and without any sugar, additives, or flavors to dampen its effect.

 

Firewater and the ‘Hard’ Liquors

Whisky and bourbon whiskey became known for its high concentration of alcohol. Terms such as ‘firewater’ became pejorative nickname used to describe strong alcoholic beverages and bourbon was most commonly associated with it. Still, it is not specific to bourbon; rather, it is a more general term for hard liquor or spirits. The use of the term ‘firewater’ stems from the intense burning sensation that some people experience when consuming such strong alcoholic drinks, especially when they are taken as shots or consumed in larger quantities.

That is why it is considered a hard-hitting liquor, and why it is such a ‘masculine’ drink. Many take whisky or bourbon ‘on the rocks’ which means that it has ice added to it. Ice melts to combine the water with the whisky, making it ever so slightly milder as comparative to drinking it ‘neat.’

 

However, in more recent years it is understood that the term ‘firewater’ was referenced to how it the native American tribes mentioned this drink, and it has become a point of contention in the American public. Considering that the natives were the ones to cultivate corn for milleniea, long before the Americans or any other, we propose that the nickname fits, and should be given more import precisely due to this contentious issue.