The Happy Hour Guys for 5 Napkin Burger: What Is Bourbon?

[ChadzBeerReviews]

I thought Bourbon could only be made in Kentucky? Like how Scotch can only be made in Scotland and lambics can only be made in Belgium?

[back40films]

@ChadzBeerReviews

We thought that too, but according to the law passed in '64 (with the terrible title of 'The Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits' - woof!) the only stipulation of locale is that it be produced in the United States. It's just that 95% of the Bourbon made in the US is made in KY, so most people associate it with that state. Actually one of the oldest distilleries - Michters - was originally in Pennsylvania! (Who knew?) Cheers, Chad!

[ChadzBeerReviews]

@back40films I think it's one of those cultural/hegemonic "laws" as opposed to something legally binding. Kind of like how American lambic style beers are called "Wild ales". Sure, they could call their beer a lambic and probably wouldn't get sued, but they adhere to a cultural moray.

[lagersandales]

@ChadzBeerReviews That impression is incorrect. One of my

favorite bourbons is made in NY, Virginia Gentleman comes out

of VA, and micro-distilleries are spreading bourbon throughout the

country. There's no "law"- written or not- that stipulates bourbon

must be from KY. That perception's a hangover from Prohibition

and the fact that bourbon production centered in KY after 1933 for a

# of reasons.Also, a "moray" is an eel.I think you meant "more",but I do like the idea of a cultural

eel.