Unlike traditional bourbons that are made entirely in one location, Burning Chair bourbon is a blend of bourbons sourced from three different states: Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Each bourbon used in the blend is aged a minimum of 4 years in new, charred American oak barrels, which imparts rich flavors and aromas to the final product.
The choice to source bourbons from different states allows for the utilization of unique flavor profiles and characteristics from each region. Indiana, for example, is known for producing bourbons with a high corn content, resulting in a sweeter and more robust flavor profile. On the other hand, Kentucky bourbons are often characterized by their smoothness and balanced flavors. By combining bourbons from these different regions, Burning Chair bourbon achieves a harmonious blend of flavors that is both complex and approachable.
The aging process in new, charred American oak barrels is a crucial step in bourbon production, as it contributes to the development of the spirit's distinctive characteristics. The charring of the barrels caramelizes the sugars present in the wood, imparting flavors of vanilla, caramel, and spice to the bourbon. This interaction between the bourbon and the wood also allows for the gradual oxidation of the spirit, mellowing its harshness and enhancing its smoothness over time.
Burning Chair bourbon embodies the artistry and craftsmanship that Dave Phinney is known for in the wine world. By blending bourbons from different states and aging them in new, charred American oak barrels, he has created a bourbon that is both unique and exceptional. The result is a spirit that showcases the best of what each region has to offer, while also highlighting Phinney's skill as a master blender.