Emma Jones
Bourbon: Beyond the Basics
For many, bourbon defines the epitome of a fine drink. Its robust flavor, smooth finish, and rich history create an air of sophistication that is hard to ignore. However, for the more adventurous drinker, simply having a glass of this time-tested brown spirit might not cut it. Enter the world of fat-washed bourbon.
Fat-Washed Bourbon: What Is It?
The process of fat-washing might initially seem unappetizing or even wasteful to bourbon purists particularly because of the word ‘fat’ in the name. But fear not, it’s not what it sounds like. Fat-washed bourbon is not a descriptor for an unhealthy or weight-gaining alcoholic drink; in fact, it’s a complex flavoring method that can yield some quite intriguing and delicious results.
But what, exactly, is a fat-washed bourbon? Fat-washing is a technique used in mixology that involves infusing a spirit with the flavors of a type of fat. It might sound a bit odd but it’s a technique that has been used for years to bring out new characteristics and unique flavors in drinks.
The Science Behind Fat-Washing
Your science classes may come in handy here. Long story short, alcohol, being a non-polar solvent, is able to dissolve other non-polar substances, including fats. When alcohol is allowed to mix with fats, it absorbs the flavors that the fats carry. The end product is a spirit that’s flavoured with the essence of the fat used, but without the oily or greasy texture.
Using Fat-Washing with Bourbon
When it comes to bourbon, fat-washing can take on a whole new level of creativity. The fat used for the washing process can come from a wide range of sources. Proponents of the method have been known to experiment with everything from rendered bacon fat to duck fat, even coconut oil. Each of these fats imparts distinct flavors to the bourbon. Bacon, for example, can add a rich, savory note that melds surprisingly well with bourbon’s inherent sweetness. On the other hand, coconut oil can give your bourbon a tropical twist.
Creating a Fat-Washed Bourbon at Home
Believe it or not, making your own fat-washed bourbon at home can be quite the fun experiment. All it requires is a choice fat, the bourbon of your liking and some patience. The process takes around a week and goes something like this:
1. Render the Fat
Whatever fat you’re using, you’ll first need to render it down into a liquid form. This usually involves heating it gently until it melts.
2. Mix with Bourbon
Once you have your rendered fat, mix it in with your bourbon. The ratio can vary, but a general rule of thumb is to use about 1 ounce of fat for every 750 milliliters of bourbon. After mixing, let this concoction sit at room temperature for a few hours.
3. Freeze the Mixture
In order to separate the fat from the bourbon, you’ll need to put your mix into the freezer. As the mixture cools, the fat will solidify, rising to the top of the mixture.
4. Remove the Fat
After the mixture has been frozen and the fat has solidified, you can simply skim off the solidified fat from the top. What remains is your fat-washed bourbon, ready to be enjoyed in your favorite drink.
A New Frontier in Mixology
Like with all trends in the world of food and drink, the use of techniques like fat-washing is bound to evolve with time. What might seem strange or even off-putting now could be the gold standard for future generations. But until that time comes, enjoying a glass of fat-washed bourbon may just serve as proof of our penchant for pushing the boundaries of tradition and constantly reinventing how we enjoy our favorite indulgences.
