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Bourbon whiskey

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Storage buildings used to age Jim Beam bourbon whiskey in Kentucky.

What is Bourbon Whiskey?

Bourbon whiskey, often just called bourbon, is a special kind of American whiskey. It is made mostly from corn and has a sweet, smooth taste. Its name comes from the French House of Bourbon, but many think it is named after Bourbon County in Kentucky or Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

Where Does Bourbon Come From?

Even though bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States, it is most famous for coming from the Southern United States, especially Kentucky. For a long time, people thought of bourbon as a product from the rural South. But today, many cities also enjoy bourbon.

Why Do People Like Bourbon?

Bourbon has been made since the 1700s and is a big part of the U.S. today. In 1964, the U.S. Congress said bourbon is a special product of the United States. To be called bourbon, the whiskey must be made in the U.S. using at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels. People around the world enjoy bourbon in many ways, and it helps the economy of Kentucky and other places.

Bourbon can be drunk on its own, with water, over ice, or mixed with other drinks. It is also used in cooking to add flavor to foods like waffles, chocolate cake, and pumpkin pie.

Images

A cart displaying various bottles of bourbon whiskey.
An old bourbon bottle from Gettysburg, showing a piece of history from the 19th century.
Historic distillery buildings in Kentucky that produce famous bourbon brands.
A refreshing mint julep served in a frosted silver cup, perfect for a cool summer treat.
Bottles of various types of liquor displayed on a shelf.
Barrels that once held bourbon whiskey, now ready for new contents at a distillery.

Related articles

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Bourbon whiskey, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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