Bourbon whiskey facts for kids

Bottles of bourbon whiskey at a liquor store.

Bourbon is a special type of whiskey. It is made by heating a mix of grains, called a "mash," which must contain at least 51% corn. After this process, called distillation, the liquid is stored in new, charred oak barrels. It must stay in these barrels for at least two years to be called bourbon. This aging process gives bourbon its unique taste and color.

What Makes Bourbon Special?

Bourbon gets its distinct flavor from a few key things. First, it must be made with at least 51% corn. This gives it a sweeter taste compared to other whiskeys. Second, it has to be aged in brand-new, charred oak barrels. The charring of the wood adds color and helps create many of the flavors you find in bourbon.

The "Sour Mash" Method

Many bourbon makers use a method called "sour mash." This doesn't mean the bourbon tastes sour! It means that when they start a new batch of bourbon, they add a little bit of the leftover liquid from a previous batch. This helps keep the quality and taste of the bourbon the same every time, making sure each bottle tastes just as good as the last.

Where Does the Name Come From?

The name "Bourbon" comes from the French Bourbon dynasty. This was a very important royal family in France. It's not completely clear how the whiskey got its name, but there are two main ideas. One idea is that it's named after Bourbon County, Kentucky, a place in Kentucky where a lot of bourbon is made. Another idea is that it's named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, a famous street also named after the same French dynasty. Both places are important to the history of this drink.

A Bit of History

People have been making bourbon for a long time, since the 18th century. This means it has a rich history, going back hundreds of years. It started as a local drink in America and has grown to become famous all over the world.

Images for kids

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  Nineteenth century bourbon bottle

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  American white oak barrels filled with new bourbon whiskey rest in a rickhouse, giving bourbon its well-known copper color.

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  The bourbon distilleries that produce Buffalo Trace (left), Maker's Mark (center), and Woodford Reserve (right), are National Historic Landmarks in Kentucky.

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  Used bourbon barrels awaiting fresh contents in Scotland