John Lee Bourbon is proudly made in the heart of Kentucky, the birthplace of bourbon. This region is renowned for its rich history and tradition of crafting exceptional spirits. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of visiting several distilleries in Kentucky, including the one where John Lee Bourbon is produced.
The distillery is nestled in the picturesque countryside, surrounded by rolling hills and fields of golden corn. It exudes a sense of timelessness and craftsmanship, which is reflected in the quality of the bourbon it produces. The distillery itself is a sight to behold, with its towering copper stills, aging warehouses, and the unmistakable scent of aging bourbon permeating the air.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the distillery is the meticulous process by which John Lee Bourbon is made. It all begins with the careful selection of the finest grains, including corn, rye, and malted barley. These grains are then ground, mixed with water, and cooked to create a rich, sweet mash.
Once the mash is ready, it is fermented using a specially cultivated strain of yeast. This fermentation process can take several days, during which the yeast converts the sugars in the mash into alcohol, creating a flavorful and aromatic distillate known as “white dog.”
The next step in the bourbon-making journey is distillation. The white dog is carefully distilled in copper stills, where it undergoes a process of heating and cooling, separating the alcohol from impurities and creating a clear, high-proof spirit. This spirit is then aged in new, charred American oak barrels, which give John Lee Bourbon its distinctive flavor and character.
The aging process is a crucial step in the creation of bourbon, and it takes place in the distillery's expansive warehouses. These warehouses are filled with row upon row of barrels, stacked to the ceiling. As the bourbon matures inside the barrels, it absorbs flavors from the wood, developing rich caramel, vanilla, and spice notes.
The barrels are carefully monitored and periodically sampled to ensure that the bourbon is aging to perfection. The U.S. government supervises this process, ensuring that John Lee Bourbon meets the strict standards and regulations for bourbon production.
After years of patient aging, the bourbon is finally ready to be enjoyed. Each bottle of John Lee Bourbon is meticulously crafted, filled, and labeled by hand, a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of the distillery's team.
John Lee Bourbon is made in the beautiful state of Kentucky, where the bourbon-making tradition runs deep. The distillery's commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail ensures that every bottle of John Lee Bourbon is a testament to the rich heritage and flavor profile that bourbon lovers around the world have come to cherish.