The Bourbon Lifestyle
When you think of the bourbon lifestyle, what comes to mind? For some it conjures up the image of a bunch of old wealthy men discussing politics and making business deals in dimly lit, smokey cigar lounges.
For others, it conjures up the idea of inebriated connoisseurs, falling over themselves, not really caring what’s in the cup as long they can create a cocktail and adorn the beverage with maraschino cherries or sweet orange slices to make it look authentic.
For others, the lifestyle is bit moderate. This is not the let’s get drunk crowd by any means. It’s simply a casual lifestyle enjoy bourbon on special occasions, but most of their bar is made up of a range of spirits.
There are two common realities of true bourbon afficionados around passion and distinction. The first reality is the lifestyle begins with an enthusiasm and love for a beloved beverage. It is enjoyed regardless of class, race or gender. However, the second reality is bourbon lovers are a distinct group from the other beverage sippers. There is a bit of a sophistication that is common among them and evolves as one acquaints oneself. These bourbon lovers do take their bourbon experience seriously. Some are purists, they do not taint their bourbon with a bit of water, a cube of ice or mix it with any other liquid substance-especially bourbons of the highest quality. Bourbon lovers, enjoy learning about the spirits they consume- the distillery’s history, the master distiller, the batch, the state where it was produced and most importantly, how old it is.
While passion and distinction are the foundations for the bourbon afficionado, the Bourbon Lifestyle has several pillars. From my experience, I have noticed several commonalities between bourbon lovers around the nation. I’ve scraped the web to see if anyone has described the “Bourbon Lifestyle” in depth. I have yet to see anything that puts it all in one place–until now. Here, I layout the six pillars to the (“Bourbon Lifestyle”).
Pillar 1: Heritage
Respect and honor for certain aspects of the country’s heritage is the first aspect of the Bourbon Lifestyle. Before some get political with the word heritage, let me explain it in terms of the subject at hand. Bourbon is developed around strict parameters. At it’s most basic element, it must be made with 51% corn. The United States of America is the largest producer and exporter of corn. In 2021, corn growers produced 15.1 billion bushels or about 177 bushels per acre per producer. So consuming Bourbon is to support one of the backbone of our economy–our farmers. Furthermore, to be considered bourbon, it must be made in America. In 1964, Congress passed a resolution declaring it be be a distinctive product of the United States. in 2007 a second resolution, sponsored by Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning designated September as National Bourbon Heritage Month and Bourbon codified as “America’s Native Spirit”.
Pillar 2: Quality
The second pillar is a demand for quality. With its strict standards in the distillation process, there is little room for error when it comes to the number of casks to be filled! Many distilleries take pride in the history and methods of production. Bourbon lovers hunt for the best of the best to build their collections. Many know the stories behind their favorite distilleries as well as the barrel and batch in which it was produced. Commitment to and demand for quality is at every level for the bourbon lifestyle and for Bourbonites, it extends even to the way we dress, where we live and with whom we surround ourselves. Drink Bourbon makes the gents want break out your re-styled bow tie and Nantucket reds and for ladies, their Lilly Pulitzer sundresses. Save the jeans, t-shirts, and cowboy boots for the…..brewry.
Pillar 3: Next Level Tastings
Bourbon aficionados have developed refined palates that can discern the subtleties of the the product. Bourbon lovers have three main ways to enhance their bourbon tasting experience:
Cocktails
Ranging form the simple additions of coke and ice to ornate beverages with caramelized pineapples or marinated in smoke, cocktails are the most common way to that new bourbon drinkers enhance their experience. The Bourbonite Society shares some of its favorites in Society News section.
Food
Just like wine has its own food pairings, so does bourbon! For decades, expert sommeliers have created courses on wine pairings. As more research goes into bourbon food pairings, I’m sure more opportunities to educate the masses will be possible. For now what we do know is there are few food items that are a perfect pair. But lets first get this out of the way…. Leave spicy foods alone! Unless you had masochistic tendences.
Instead as a start try these combinations:
- Fatty proteins like ham, milk, salmon, smoked brisket, bacon, steak
- Fatty candies like caramel, candy bards, and milk chocolate.
- Cheeses like aged cheese like gouda and blue cheese.
Cigars
Finally, taking your bourbon experience to another level is pairing your bourbon with cigars. Because bourbon has an inherent sweetness to it, it’s flavors mesh well with the spicy and smokey flavors of cigars. It’s best not to try this with a bourbon cocktail, but neat at room temperature. Maduro cigars pair well with Angel’s Envy and Basil Hayden. Slightly soaking the edge of the wrapping into the bourbon before you take a puff gives a whole other sensory experience for your tastebuds. It’s worth the try!
Pillar 4: Community
The Bourbon industry has a thriving community. With the age ranges skewing younger, and increasingly embraced by Asians, African Americans and women of all races, the market is ever expanding. Connecting with others is a way to build your tribe and make lifelong friends.
Bourbon clubs
Starting with bourbon clubs, everyday connoisseurs of the the spirit gather in ground in homes and around bars to taste the newest additions to the collections of other members and restaurants alike. Typically starting around 2-8 people who meet weekly for a evening to decompress and review the goings-on of the week. Others have lively tastings, tours, barrel picks and other experiences to strengthen the bond between members and their love of Bourbon.
Annual Celebrations/Observation
While Bourbon is enjoyed year round, connoisseurs especially look forward to annual themed traditions and meet ups with others throughout the year. These are a few dates they have on their calendars.
- Derby Day – Typically the first Saturday in May, an equestrian sporting event that actually adopts bourbon as its official beverage. In 2022, Woodford Reserve was chosen and offered in a commemorative bottle. The cocktail most associated with Derby Day is the Mint Julep.
- National Bourbon Day– On June 14 of each year, we raise a glass in honor of America’s native spirit.
- Bourbon Heritage Month– Beginning in 2007, September received this special governmental recognition.
- Industry Events
- James B. Beam Institute Industry Conference brings together industry professionals and tourism for three days of education focused on bourbon.
- Kentucky Bourbon Festival. The 31st annual festival will occur on September 16-18, 2022 brings together bourbon lovers from all over in Bardstown, Ky!
- Local events- Throughout the country, events crop up to celebrate the beverage. Roanoke Valley has events like Bourbon and Bacon and Bourbon, Bubbly & Brews. They may be upcoming events in your area.
Pillar 5: Road Trips
As you build community, you may have a core group that take road trips to other distilleries nearby. There are several getaways for Bourbon afficionados; however, the Penultimate experience is the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. With over 30 distilleries that beings at the Frazier Museum Welcome Center. You can enjoy tastings and distillery tours and experiences along the trail.
Whiskey Bars/Bourbon Bars
These are establishments that only specialize in whiskey and or bourbon. They typically have exclusive offerings and even some of the latest distillery offerings from the scene.
Pillar Six: Becoming a Steward
Finally if you are truly ready to enhance your Bourbon lifestyle, expand your network of bourbon lovers by teaching others. While the Wine Industry has Sommeliers, the Bourbon industry has Stewards. The Stave and Thief Society offers an online and in person training on bourbon and a certification exam. Their’s is the official training of the Kentucky Distillers Association. Having this distinction, seals your fate as an expert on bourbon wherever you are!
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Good bourbon has always been a proud tradition among our families and friends for generations. The Bourbon Lifestyle is for everyone. While it does has its own distinctions, the most important thing to understand about the bourbon aficionados is their love for the the craft, sharing conversations, hospitality, and celebrating in style with those that you love! The Bourbonite Society, I’ll continue to do my part in sharing mouth-watering bourbon-based food and drink recipes and information to help members build community, stay informed with industry updates, and celebrate America’s native spirit year round!
Additional References
What’s Fueling the Billion-Dollar Bourbon Boom? | VinePair
Bourbon Food Pairing 101 : Tips & Tricks | Bourbon & Banter (bourbonbanter.com)
How to Pair Any Bourbon with Food – Whisky Advocate
Official Bourbon of the KY Derby : BourbonCountry.com Official Travel Source
