As a sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that bourbon, by definition, can only be made in the United States. This is because bourbon is a type of whiskey that has specific legal requirements for its production, and these requirements are exclusive to the United States.
To be considered bourbon, the spirit must meet several criteria. Firstly, it must be made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn. This gives bourbon its distinctive sweet and rich flavor profile. Additionally, bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels, which contribute to its unique woody and caramel notes.
The aging process of bourbon is also regulated by law. It must be aged in these new oak barrels for a minimum of two years, although to be called “straight” bourbon, it must be aged for at least four years. This aging process allows the spirit to develop its complex flavors and smoothness.
Furthermore, bourbon must be distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume) and entered into the barrel for aging at no more than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume). It also must be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume).
These regulations are outlined in the U.S. Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits. They were put in place to protect the integrity and authenticity of bourbon as a uniquely American spirit. This is not to say that other countries do not produce excellent whiskeys or spirits, but they cannot legally be called bourbon.
I have had the opportunity to taste and compare bourbons from various distilleries in the United States, and it is fascinating to explore the nuances and differences between them. Each distillery has its own unique production methods, grain blends, and aging techniques, which result in distinct flavors and characteristics.
It is worth noting that other countries do produce whiskeys that are similar to bourbon in terms of their grain composition and aging process. For example, in Scotland, there is a style of whiskey known as “Scotch Bourbon” that follows similar guidelines but cannot be called bourbon due to geographical restrictions.
Bourbon is an American-made spirit that can only be produced within the United States. The legal requirements and regulations surrounding bourbon production are specific to this country and ensure that the spirit maintains its authenticity and quality. While other countries may produce whiskeys that share similarities with bourbon, they cannot legally be called bourbon.