How did American whisky get the name "Bourbon"?

Question

What defines a 'Bourbon'? Is it only made from rye or corn or can it be made from other grains?

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Answer 1

The name Bourbon

When American pioneers pushed west of the Allegheny Mountains following the Revolution, the first counties they founded covered vast regions. One of these original, huge counties was Bourbon, established in 1785 and named after the French royal family. While this vast county was being carved into many smaller ones, early in the 19th century, many people continued to call the region 'Old Bourbon.'

"Located within 'Old Bourbon' was the principal Ohio River port from which whiskey and other products were shipped to market. 'Old Bourbon' was stenciled on the barrels to indicate their port of origin. 'Old Bourbon' whiskey was different because it was the first corn whiskey most people had ever tasted, and they liked it. In time, 'bourbon' became the name for any corn-based whiskey."

That's how the name originated. Not sure if it can be made by other grains

Answer 2

Here is what wikipedia.org says about Bourbon Whiskey.


Bourbon is an American form of whiskey named for Bourbon County, Kentucky. By United States law, it consists of at least 51% corn — typically about 70% — with the remainder being wheat and/or rye, and malted barley.[1] It is distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof, and aged in new charred oak barrels.[1] A two years maturation process is not a legal requirement for a whiskey to be called "bourbon," but it is a legal requirement for "straight bourbon."[2] However, in practice, most bourbon whiskeys are aged for at least four years.

Bourbon must be put into the barrels at no more than 125 U.S. proof.[1] After aging it is diluted with water and bottled. Bottling proof for whiskey must be at least 80 proof (40% abv)[3] and most whiskey is sold at 80 proof. Other common proofs are 86, 90, 94, 100 and 107, and whiskeys of up to 142 proof have been sold. Some higher proof bottlings are "barrel proof."

Bourbon can legally be made anywhere in the United States where it is legal to distill spirits. Legitimate production is not restricted to Kentucky, although currently all but a few brands are made there, and the drink is associated strongly with that commonwealth.[4] Illinois once produced nearly as much bourbon whiskey as Kentucky, and bourbon continues to be made in Virginia. In the past bourbon has been made in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Missouri and Kansas.

Answer 3

What Defines Bourbon

Answer 4

You got some pretty good answers there Owl. Only thing I can add is the why 'Bourbon' part.

That part of the US was originally settled by the French (Remember the French-Indian wars the early colonists faced?), and Bourbon County took its name from the French Royal Family.

At this point, like many European farm products, it takes its name from the main place that produces it, and is a protect-able trade mark. (Like Champagne, Romano Cheese, etc).

Answer 5

Federal regulation now defines "bourbon whiskey" to only include "bourbon" produced in the United States

it consists of at least 51% corn — typically about 70% — with the remainder being wheat and/or rye, and malted barley

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How did American whisky get the name "Bourbon"?
What defines a 'Bourbon'? Is it only made from rye or corn or can it be made from other grains?

Answer 7

Named after Bourbon county Kentucky.

Bourbon must be made in Kentucky, must be made from mostly corn mash, and must be aged in new barrels for a certain amount of time (one year?).
Here is more info:

Answer 8

Only whiskey made in Kentucky can properly called bourbon. Whiskey made in other states has other names; for example, Jack Daniel's is called Tennessee Whiskey because it's made in Tennessee.