Prideful Goat bourbon is proudly made in the beautiful hills of Kentucky, a state known for its rich bourbon heritage. Situated in the heart of the United States, Kentucky has a long and storied history of producing world-class whiskeys, and Prideful Goat is no exception.
The distillation process of Prideful Goat begins with a carefully selected blend of grains, including 78.5% corn, 13% rye, and 8.5% malted barley. This unique combination of ingredients gives the bourbon its distinct flavor profile, with the corn providing sweetness, the rye adding spice and complexity, and the malted barley contributing to a smooth finish.
After the grains are milled and mixed with water, they undergo fermentation, where yeast is added to convert the sugars into alcohol. This process takes place in large fermentation tanks, allowing the flavors to develop and mature over time. The yeast used in Prideful Goat is carefully selected to enhance the desired characteristics of the bourbon, ensuring a high-quality end product.
Once fermentation is complete, the liquid is distilled in copper stills, a traditional method that has been used for centuries. The copper helps to remove impurities and adds depth to the flavor profile. The distillation process separates the alcohol from the other components, creating a clear, high-proof spirit known as “white dog” or “new make.”
But Prideful Goat doesn't stop there. The next crucial step in the bourbon-making process is aging. The new make is carefully transferred into new American oak barrels, which have been charred to a specific level known as char #3.5. This charring process caramelizes the sugars in the wood, imparting rich flavors and color to the bourbon as it matures.
The barrels are then placed in temperature-controlled warehouses, where they are left to age for a minimum of 15 years. During this time, the bourbon undergoes a transformation, as it interacts with the wood, absorbing flavors and developing complexity. The aging process allows the whiskey to mellow and harmonize, resulting in a smooth and well-rounded spirit.
Kentucky's climate plays a significant role in the maturation process, with its hot summers and cold winters causing the bourbon to expand and contract within the barrels. This movement allows the whiskey to extract more flavors from the wood, adding depth and character to the final product.
After 15 long years of patiently aging, the barrels are carefully selected by the master distiller, who ensures that only the finest and most exceptional bourbon is chosen to bear the name Prideful Goat. Each bottle is then filled, labeled, and prepared for distribution, ready to be enjoyed by bourbon enthusiasts around the world.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of visiting distilleries in Kentucky and experiencing firsthand the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into making bourbon. The pride and passion of the distillers and their commitment to producing the highest quality spirits are truly inspiring.
Prideful Goat bourbon is made in the hills of Kentucky, a region renowned for its bourbon production. The careful selection of grains, the traditional distillation process, and the extended aging in charred oak barrels all contribute to the exceptional quality and unique flavor profile of this 15-year-old bourbon. So, whether you're a bourbon connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of whiskey, Prideful Goat is sure to impress with its rich history and outstanding craftsmanship.