Bourbon, that wonderful golden beverage is indeed something quite special; it is specifically American. Like so many other things, it is woven into the fabric of our nation from an early time to today. Yes, we might recall that at times our nation has had a love-hate relationship with liquor–and many other things, too. We suffered through the long Prohibition era which in retrospect only served to prove that government should have little, if any business in the alcohol market. Their laws and involvement to enforce those misguided laws proved untenable, unenforceable, and in so many cases, deadly. But these Prohibition laws did unintentionally create both the Speakeasy and NASCAR, if that’s your thing.
Today, freedom rings once again as America shrugs off most of the last remaining legal relics of that age and enters into a new era of libation liberty which celebrates our uniquely American beverage, bourbon. Some are calling it the “Native Spirit of America.”
Whiskey production in North America dates back some 400 years. It is a long tradition here even if National Bourbon Heritage Month was not declared by our government until 2007. Today, when bourbon is the choice, one may recall that he or she is actually drinking history. These high quality and expertly crafted expressions are brought to market for us years, or decades after they were initially produced. It is because of this that whiskey in general is an historic beverage. Bourbon specifically takes us back to simpler times in America, and brings us together with the best of friends, often to celebrate the happiest of occasions.
Around the bourbon belt in Kentucky, one could celebrate by visiting a distillery, and taking in a tasting or two. If you’re not in Kentucky, take the occasion to celebrate with friends and try a new bourbon brand or two this month!
