Bourbon is a well-loved American whiskey known for its rich and sweet flavors. Traditional bourbon is characterized by its caramel, vanilla, and oak notes, which come from the corn-heavy mash bill and the new charred oak barrels used in its aging process. However, some distillers experiment with different techniques to create unique flavor profiles. One such innovation is peated bourbon. In this article, we will explore what peated bourbon is, how it is made, its history, and some of the best peated bourbons available today.
Understanding Peated Bourbon
Peated bourbon is a type of bourbon whiskey that incorporates peat during its production process. Peat is a type of soil composed of decomposed organic matter, primarily mosses, which accumulates in waterlogged conditions. It is often used in the production of Scotch whisky to dry the malted barley, giving the whisky a distinctive smoky flavor. When used in bourbon production, peat imparts similar smoky characteristics, creating a unique and complex spirit that combines the sweetness of bourbon with the smoky notes of peated whisky.
What Is Peated Bourbon?
Peated bourbon is made using a process similar to traditional bourbon, with the addition of peat during the malting stage. Here are the key steps in its production:
Mash Bill: Like traditional bourbon, peated bourbon must contain at least 51% corn. The remaining grains can include rye, barley, and wheat.
Malting: During the malting process, barley is soaked in water and allowed to germinate. Peat is then burned to dry the barley, imparting smoky flavors to the grain.
Mashing: The malted barley, along with other grains, is ground and mixed with water to create a mash.
Fermentation: Yeast is added to the mash to convert sugars into alcohol, producing a fermented mash.
Distillation: The fermented mash is distilled to concentrate the alcohol and flavors.
Aging: The distilled spirit is aged in new, charred oak barrels, where it develops its flavor and color.
Characteristics of Peated Bourbon
Peated bourbon has several unique characteristics that distinguish it from traditional bourbon:
Smoky Flavor: The most notable characteristic of peated bourbon is its smoky flavor, which comes from the peat used during the malting process.
Sweetness: Despite the smoky notes, peated bourbon retains the characteristic sweetness of traditional bourbon, with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
Complexity: The combination of smoky and sweet flavors creates a complex and layered taste profile.
Aroma: The aroma of peated bourbon is also unique, with a mix of smoky, earthy, and sweet notes.
History of Peated Bourbon
The use of peat in whisky production has a long history, particularly in Scotland. Scottish distillers have used peat for centuries to dry malted barley, resulting in the distinctive smoky flavor of many Scotch whiskies. However, the use of peat in bourbon production is a more recent development. American distillers began experimenting with peat in the early 21st century, seeking to create unique and innovative spirits. The result is peated bourbon, a relatively new addition to the world of whiskey that combines American bourbon traditions with Scottish influences.
Production Process
The production process of peated bourbon involves several key steps, each of which contributes to its unique flavor profile:
Peat Harvesting: Peat is harvested from peat bogs, where it accumulates over thousands of years. It is cut into blocks and dried before being used in the malting process.
Malting: Barley is soaked in water and allowed to germinate. During this process, enzymes are activated that convert starches into fermentable sugars.
Peat Smoking: The germinated barley is dried using peat smoke, which imparts smoky flavors to the grain.
Mashing: The malted barley, along with other grains, is ground and mixed with water to create a mash. The mash is heated to activate enzymes that convert starches into sugars.
Fermentation: Yeast is added to the mash to convert sugars into alcohol. This produces a fermented mash with a low alcohol content.
Distillation: The fermented mash is distilled to concentrate the alcohol and flavors. The resulting spirit is clear and high in alcohol content.
Aging: The distilled spirit is aged in new, charred oak barrels. During aging, the spirit interacts with the wood, developing its flavor and color.
See Also: What to Mix with Smoky Whiskey?
Popular Peated Bourbons
While peated bourbon is still a niche product, several distilleries have released notable expressions:
Kings County Peated Bourbon: Kings County Distillery in New York produces a peated bourbon that combines American corn with peated malt from Scotland. The result is a smoky, complex bourbon with notes of caramel, vanilla, and peat smoke.
High West Campfire: High West Distillery in Utah offers a unique blend of bourbon, rye, and peated Scotch whisky. This innovative blend creates a complex spirit with flavors of sweet corn, spicy rye, and smoky peat.
Corsair Triple Smoke: Corsair Distillery in Tennessee produces a peated bourbon using three types of smoked malt: cherrywood, beechwood, and peat. The result is a rich and smoky bourbon with layers of flavor.
Westland Peated: Westland Distillery in Washington State offers a peated American single malt whiskey that combines malted barley with peat smoke. While not technically a bourbon, it shares many characteristics with peated bourbons and is worth exploring for fans of smoky spirits.
Tasting Peated Bourbon
Tasting peated bourbon is an enjoyable and educational experience. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your tasting:
Use the Right Glassware: A Glencairn glass or a tulip-shaped glass is ideal for concentrating the aromas of the bourbon.
Observe the Color: Hold the glass up to the light and observe the color. A darker color often indicates longer aging.
Smell the Aroma: Swirl the bourbon in the glass and take a gentle sniff. Note the different aromas, including the smoky notes from the peat.
Taste in Small Sips: Take small sips and let the bourbon coat your palate. Notice the initial flavors and how they develop over time.
Consider the Finish: Pay attention to the finish and how long the flavors linger. A good peated bourbon should have a long, satisfying finish with a balance of smoky and sweet notes.
Pairing Peated Bourbon with Food
Peated bourbon’s unique flavor profile makes it a versatile pairing for a variety of foods. Here are some pairing suggestions:
Smoked Meats: The smoky flavors of peated bourbon complement smoked meats such as ribs, brisket, and sausages.
Dark Chocolate: The sweetness of dark chocolate pairs well with the smoky and sweet notes of peated bourbon.
Cheese: Rich, creamy cheeses like blue cheese and aged cheddar can stand up to the bold flavors of peated bourbon.
Barbecue: Barbecue dishes with sweet and tangy sauces are a natural match for the complex flavors of peated bourbon.
Grilled Vegetables: The smoky flavors of grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant complement the peaty notes in the bourbon.
Storing Peated Bourbon
Proper storage of peated bourbon ensures it maintains its quality:
Store Upright: Keep the bottle upright to prevent the cork from drying out and to avoid contact with the alcohol.
Cool, Dark Place: Store bourbon in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations.
Seal Tightly: Ensure the bottle is sealed tightly to prevent oxidation.
Collecting Peated Bourbon
For bourbon enthusiasts, collecting peated bourbon can be a rewarding hobby. Here are some tips for starting a collection:
Research: Learn about different distilleries and their peated bourbon offerings. Read reviews and tasting notes to identify bottles that interest you.
Join a Whiskey Club: Joining a whiskey club or online community can provide access to limited releases and exclusive bottlings.
Attend Tastings: Attend whiskey tastings and festivals to sample different peated bourbons and meet other enthusiasts.
Buy Limited Editions: Keep an eye out for limited edition releases and special bottlings from distilleries.
Store Properly: Store your collection in a cool, dark place, and keep track of your bottles to ensure they are enjoyed at their best.
Conclusion
Peated bourbon is a unique and innovative spirit that combines the sweet and rich flavors of traditional bourbon with the smoky characteristics of peated whisky. By understanding its production process, history, and unique characteristics, you can fully appreciate what makes peated bourbon special. Whether you are a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or new to the world of whiskey, exploring peated bourbon can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. From tasting tips to food pairings and collecting advice, this article provides a comprehensive guide to enjoying and appreciating peated bourbon.
