Boone County bourbon is distilled by the Boone County Distilling Co., a small distillery located in Independence, Kentucky. The distillery was re-established in 2015 by Jack Wells and Josh Quinn, who are the current owners of the company. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to visit the distillery and learn more about their bourbon production process.
One of the things that struck me about Boone County Distilling Co. is their commitment to craftsmanship and tradition. They take pride in producing high-quality bourbon using traditional methods, and this is evident in the care and attention to detail that goes into every batch.
To start the bourbon-making process, Boone County Distilling Co. sources their grains from local farmers in Kentucky. This not only supports the local agricultural community but also ensures that they have access to the finest ingredients for their bourbon. The grains are then milled and combined with water to create a mash, which is then fermented using a specific strain of yeast.
After fermentation, the mash is distilled in copper pot stills. Copper is known for its ability to remove impurities and contribute to the overall flavor profile of the bourbon. The distillation process separates the alcohol from the mash, resulting in a clear liquid known as “new make” or “white dog” whiskey.
At this stage, the new make whiskey is carefully aged in new, charred oak barrels. Aging is a crucial step in the bourbon-making process as it allows the flavors of the whiskey to develop and mellow over time. Boone County Distilling Co. ages their bourbon for a minimum of four years, ensuring that it achieves the desired level of complexity and smoothness.
During my visit to the distillery, I had the opportunity to taste some of their bourbons, and I was impressed by the depth of flavors and the smoothness of the spirits. Each bottle of Boone County bourbon is handcrafted and individually numbered, adding to the overall sense of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
In addition to their traditional bourbon, Boone County Distilling Co. also produces a variety of other spirits, including rye whiskey and vodka. This demonstrates their versatility and commitment to exploring different styles of spirits while still maintaining their dedication to quality.
Boone County Distilling Co. is a small but passionate distillery that is dedicated to producing exceptional bourbon. Their commitment to tradition, craftsmanship, and quality is evident in every bottle. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend visiting the distillery and experiencing their bourbons firsthand.