Emma Jones
When Bourbon Greets Winter’s Chill
The hustle and bustle of summer have lost their place to the chilling whispers of winter. The sensational season is early this year, just in time for us to drape ourselves in heavy plaids, cradle mugs of hot cocoa, and enjoy the beauty of Kentucky covered in snow. But the fruit of old man winter’s arrival isn’t just scenic landscapes. For the folks in the Bluegrass State and beyond, it brings some liquid sunshine – the delightful distilleries’ seasonal bourbons. Oh yes, as the frost descends upon Kentucky pastures, bourbon enthusiasts are treated to an array of indulgent drinks that define winter comfort.
Why Winter is Bourbon’s Best Buddy
For the unacquainted, you might be wondering why bourbon and winter sound like childhood best friends. Well, to understand this, you need to dip into the fascinating science of bourbon production.
Bourbon, like all whiskeys, is matured in wooden barrels. Each year, as the warmer months give way to lower temperatures, the spirit within contracts and draws several essential characters out of the barrel. These seasonal variations during the maturation process give bourbon its beguiling complexity and depth. Imagine savoring those warm, cozy flavors – of toasted oak, vanilla, and subtle spice – on a cold winter’s evening! It’s no wonder winter bourbons are such a hot favorite.
What Kentucky Has in Store for Us This Year
Proof in the Chilly Pudding
Each winter, distilleries in Kentucky rise to the occasion, and 2021 is no different. The upcoming winter-whiskey selection promises flavors as diverse as Kentucky’s fertile landscapes. Barrel proof bourbons with their high alcohol by volume (ABV) are likely to be the darlings of this season 2021. Their fortified nature not only adds a punch to your cocktails but also brings an appealingly rich palate – exactly what you need to cut through that frosty nip.
The Classic Regulars
Of course, our beloved regulars like Maker’s Mark, Elijah Craig’s Small Batch, Woodford Reserve, and Knob Creek are expected to be around. These staples carry their signature profiles – a sweet muddle of charred oak, caramel, vanilla, with fruitier undernotes – perfect for cozying up by the fireside, or sharing with friends and family.
Experimental Seasonal Releases
Kentucky is home to pioneers who love to push the envelope of whiskey creation. Stay tuned for adventurous, experimental releases that challenge our notion of what bourbon can be. Maybe it will be a tuning of the grain bill, barrel finishes in port or sherry casks, or a tweak in the distillery process. Anything is possible in the magic world of bourbon.
Some Parting Warmth
As we brace ourselves for the coming winter, let’s raise a toast to the resolute spirit of Kentucky distilleries. They are our beacon in the long, frost-clad nights – keeping us warm, keeping spirits high, and etching memories into the hearth of time. Get ready, bourbon enthusiasts! The ride into winter’s bliss is better with a glass of Kentucky. Old man winter is here, and he’s brought with him a trunk full of delightful bourbons that mark the holiday rush and the onset of a Kentucky winter full of fun, frolic, and heated bourbon glasses seeking warm hands.
