How was bourbon whiskey first made?

The earliest known production of bourbon whiskey in America dates back to the late 18th century. It is believed that early settlers in the United States brought Scottish and Irish whiskey-making traditions with them. These early distilleries were located primarily in Kentucky and Tennessee, where corn, wheat, and rye were plentiful.

The first bourbons were made by grinding corn, wheat, and rye into flour and then mixing the flour with water to create a mash. The mash was then fermented with yeast and distilled in a copper pot still. The resulting spirit was then aged in charred oak barrels. The charring of the barrels helped to give bourbon whiskey its characteristic flavor and color.

Over time, the production of bourbon whiskey became standardized and commercialized. In the 19th century, several large bourbon distilleries were established in Kentucky. These distilleries produced large quantities of bourbon that was shipped throughout the United States and the world.

Today, bourbon whiskey is still made in Kentucky, Tennessee, and other states. The process of making bourbon whiskey has changed little since the early days, and it is still considered one of the most distinctive American whiskeys.