Olivia Taylor
Celebrating National Bourbon Heritage Month in Dayton, Ohio
You might not associate Dayton, Ohio with Bourbon, but you’d be surprised by the thriving bourbon scene in this Midwestern city! September is National Bourbon Heritage Month, a time to embrace America’s “Native Spirit” and treat yourself to the finest bourbon experiences locally. Here’s a guide on how to celebrate this liquid gold throughout the month right here in Dayton.
Learn Your Bourbon Basics
Before you start your bourbon adventure, it’s essential to get a handle on some bourbon basics. First off, not all whiskeys are bourbons. For a whiskey to qualify as bourbon, it must meet certain regulations. These include being made in the U.S., containing at least 51% corn, and being aged in new charred oak barrels. Knowing these facts will help you appreciate the bourbon experiences in Dayton even more.
Get a Bourbon Education
Bourbon Tasting Sessions
Several spots in town conduct bourbon tasting sessions, where experts break down the complexities of various bourbon types. Bourbon tastings are about much more than simply drinking. These sessions let you understand the whiskey-making process, identifying aromas and flavors, and learning how to properly taste bourbon. Completing one or two of these tastings can turn you into a bourbon aficionado!
Bourbon Workshops
A few venues in Dayton host bourbon workshops, where enthusiasts can learn the art of making bourbon. These workshops typically cover everything, from the initial process of mashing and fermenting to the final process of aging and bottling. Stepping inside the distillery and doing some hands-on work can foster a deeper appreciation of bourbon and its complex flavors.
Experience Bourbon Locally
Visit Local Distilleries
Dayton is home to several impressive distilleries, all worth checking out. Belle of Dayton distillery, located in the historic Oregon District, is a family-owned business that prides itself on small-batch spirits like their award-winning “Hell’s Vodka.” They, too, offer an array of bourbons that are worth sampling. Middle West Spirits is another exciting space that offers bourbon whiskey in addition to its clear spirits, while Indian Creek Distillery, situated on a picturesque farm setting, adds a dash of nature to your bourbon adventure.
Check Out Bourbon Bars
If you’d rather sit back and sip your way through National Bourbon Heritage Month, consider trying out the local bourbon bars around Dayton. The Century Bar, haunted by the memory of the Gilded Age, has been serving Daytonians for around a century now. With over 100 bourbon options, this spot could make you a bourbon believer. Another standout place is the Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery, well known for its substantial bourbon collection and classic comfort food.
Savor Bourbon Pairings
Last but not least, celebrate the month by indulging in some luscious bourbon pairings. Bourbon has unique sweet, smoky, and oaky flavors, that it pairs beautifully with certain foods. From chocolates to cheeses to barbecued meats, every pairing unravels new flavors and aromas in the bourbon. Local restaurants and bars often host pairing events, so be on the lookout for these decadent experiences.
National Bourbon Heritage Month in Dayton, Ohio is a spirited affair that teases out the refinement and complexity of America’s native drink. So, whether you’re a lifelong resident or just visiting, use this guide to explore the rich bourbon culture that Dayton has to offer.
