Kinsey bourbon is made in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a city known for its rich history and vibrant craft spirits scene. The brand was originally established in the 19th century and has recently been revived by the talented team at New Liberty Distillery, located in the heart of Philadelphia.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of visiting New Liberty Distillery and witnessing firsthand the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into producing Kinsey bourbon. The distillery itself is a beautiful space, with a combination of modern equipment and traditional techniques that create a truly unique and high-quality spirit.
The process of making Kinsey bourbon begins with a carefully selected mash bill of 51% corn and 49% barley. This combination of grains gives the bourbon a distinct flavor profile, with the sweetness of the corn complemented by the complexity of the barley. This mash bill is a nod to the traditional bourbon recipe, but with a touch of uniqueness that sets Kinsey apart.
Once the mash bill is prepared, it undergoes fermentation, where yeast is added to convert the sugars into alcohol. This fermentation process is closely monitored to ensure optimal flavor development and consistency. The distillers at New Liberty Distillery take great care in selecting the yeast strains used, as they play a crucial role in shaping the final flavor profile of the bourbon.
After fermentation, the mash is distilled using traditional copper pot stills. These stills are carefully designed to allow for maximum flavor extraction while maintaining the purity of the spirit. The distillation process is a delicate art, with the distillers carefully monitoring temperature and flow rates to ensure that only the finest spirit is collected.
Once the spirit has been distilled, it is transferred to oak barrels for aging. The barrels used for aging Kinsey bourbon are carefully selected to impart specific flavors and characteristics to the spirit. The bourbon is aged for a minimum of four years, allowing it to develop a rich and complex flavor profile.
During the aging process, the bourbon interacts with the wood of the barrels, extracting flavors such as vanilla, caramel, and spice. The temperature and humidity of the aging environment also play a role in shaping the final flavor profile of the bourbon. This attention to detail and patience in aging is what gives Kinsey its smooth and well-rounded taste.
After aging, the bourbon is carefully blended and bottled at the New Liberty Distillery. The team at New Liberty takes great pride in ensuring that every bottle of Kinsey bourbon meets their high standards of quality and craftsmanship.
Kinsey bourbon is made in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the New Liberty Distillery. With its carefully selected mash bill, traditional distillation methods, and patient aging process, Kinsey bourbon is a true testament to the craft and passion of the distillers at New Liberty.