We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Manufacturing

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Bourbon Distillery?

Dan Cavallari
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,443
Share

Bourbon is a type of alcoholic drink that is made in the United States. It is strongly associated with being made in Bourbon County, Kentucky, though it can be made anywhere in the U.S. and still be considered a bourbon. This spirit is made in a facility known as a bourbon distillery because the key ingredient, ethanol, is distilled through a specific boiling process. The main ingredient in bourbon is usually corn, though other fruits, vegetables, or grains can be used in a bourbon distillery operation. The spirit must contain at least 51% corn in order to be considered a bourbon in most countries.

The size of a bourbon distillery can vary significantly; in fact, some distilleries can be small enough to fit in one room, which means a hobbyist can distill his or her own bourbon as long as the operation adheres to local laws. Much larger bourbon distillery operations take up entire warehouses, as the stills for the process can be quite large if the company's output is very high. The amount of space will usually depend on the amount of equipment used in the process, as the number of large stills can affect how much space is required, as well as how many aging barrels are used. After the bourbon is distilled, it must be aged in oak barrels, which are usually stored on shelves or racks.

The aging process takes place within the bourbon distillery and it is monitored carefully by the distilling staff. Bourbon tends to gain flavor as it ages, though if it ages too long, that flavor can become unbalanced or otherwise too woody from the oak barrels. It is during this aging period that the bourbon also gains its color. Once the aging process is complete, the bourbon is usually combined with water to help cut the alcohol content; most bourbon whiskey is sold at 80% alcohol by volume, though other variations are common as well.

The bourbon distillery may also contain bottling facilities where the bourbon can be packaged for preservation and transportation. Bourbon is generally contained within a clear glass bottle to showcase the color of the whiskey, though many higher-end bourbons are then packaged in a tin or in a cardboard box to prevent light from affecting the quality of the spirit. The bottle is usually corked, or otherwise sealed with a screw top to prevent oxygen from affecting the flavor of the spirit.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Dan Cavallari
By Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Discussion Comments
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-a-bourbon-distillery.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.