Pre-prohibition style bourbon refers to a type of bourbon whiskey that is crafted in the style that was popular before the Prohibition era in the United States, which lasted from 1920 to 1933. During this time, the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were banned in the country. As a result, many distilleries were forced to shut down or transition to producing other products.
To understand pre-prohibition style bourbon, we need to delve into the history of bourbon itself. Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is primarily made from corn and aged in charred oak barrels. It has a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from other types of whiskey, such as Scotch or Irish whiskey.
Before Prohibition, bourbon production was thriving, and distillers had the freedom to experiment and develop unique flavors. The pre-prohibition style of bourbon is characterized by its rich, grain-forward complexity. It is typically made using a combination of corn, rye, and malted barley, which gives it a robust and flavorful base.
One of the key aspects of pre-prohibition style bourbon is the method of distillation. It is single distilled on a batch still, which means that the entire batch of whiskey is distilled at once, rather than through continuous distillation. This method allows for greater control over the flavor profile and results in a more distinct and nuanced product.
Another defining characteristic of pre-prohibition style bourbon is its aging process. It is typically aged for 8-12 months in smaller barrels, usually around 6 gallons in size. This shorter aging period compared to modern bourbons allows the whiskey to develop a fully matured flavor profile in a shorter amount of time. The smaller barrels also contribute to the flavor, as they provide a greater surface area of interaction between the whiskey and the wood, resulting in faster and more intense maturation.
The flavor profile of pre-prohibition style bourbon is often described as bold, with prominent notes of corn, spice from the rye, and a subtle sweetness from the malted barley. The shorter aging period may result in a slightly lighter body and less complexity compared to older, longer-aged bourbons. However, this style of bourbon is still highly sought after by whiskey enthusiasts for its historical significance and unique flavor profile.
Pre-prohibition style bourbon refers to a type of bourbon whiskey that is crafted in the style that was popular before the Prohibition era in the United States. It is characterized by its rich, grain-forward complexity, single distillation on a batch still, and shorter aging period in smaller barrels. This style of bourbon offers a unique flavor profile that reflects the historical traditions of American whiskey-making.