Building A Bourbon Collection? Here Are 6 Ways To Go About It Without Breaking The Bank
A whisky prominently produced in Kentucky in America, bourbon is traditionally made using at least 51% corn and carries a subtly sweet taste and a deep flavour. Now, Indian markets are slowly witnessing the entry of bourbon in the retail space which means connoisseurs will be eager, more than ever, to expand their bourbon collection. Amateurs new to the realm of bourbon are just as curious about the spirit and those with a home bar of their own might just slowly begin to curate collections featuring premium bourbons.
However, building a bourbon collection from scratch can be a tad tricky – and slightly heavy on the pocket. While imported bourbons might be expensive, there are some workarounds which can in fact help the amateur to build an exclusive, sophisticated collection which showcases some fine variations of the spirit without it pinching the pocket.
If you are one of those starting out on building such a collection, here is a handy guide that you can glimpse at while sourcing good quality bourbons, without breaking the bank:
Start With 2-3 Versatile Tasting Notes
While curating a collection of bourbons for your home bar, what matters in the initial stages is quality-over-quantity. Instead of choosing a big and expensive bottle of just one bourbon, try to source 2-3 smaller bottles for a more diverse collection. Here’s what to start with:
– a light-bodied classic bourbon can be an excellent choice for making cocktails
– a slightly robust bourbon with hints of vanilla and nutty notes can be suitable for serving by itself
– a full-bodied, rich bourbon is another alternative for connoisseurs offering this rich spirit on the rocks at a tasting experience
Diverse Making
Versatility also accounts for bourbon which is made using diverse grain blends. Along with its traditional 51% corn, bourbon is produced with the addition of rye or wheat blends which lend it more flavour. Try to source bourbons which
– are high-proofed and bottled to retain their robust flavours and slightly more intense notes
– are wheated bourbons with a softer and smoother textural element
– are infused with rye whisky that brings in slightly spicy flavour components
Also Read: 5 Bourbon Cocktails For Indian Monsoons – Beyond The Old Fashioned
Read Labels
The above moments are where labels play a role. Read the age statement to know for how many years the youngest whisky in the bottle has been stored in casks. If the bottle says ‘straight bourbon’ it means the youngest whisky has been aged for at least 2 years in new, charred American oak barrels as per bourbon making regulations.
Next comes the ABV which denotes how high-proof or concentrated the spirit is. A lower-proof bourbon is actually a better starting point for beginners. Also pay attention to whether the drink is small batch/single barrel/blended – visible on the label – as markers of quality blends and production processes.
Indian-inspired Bourbon Whiskies
For the curator putting together a home bar in Indian regions, one other variation to look out for is that which is inspired by the local flavours and blends of the subcontinent. Indian liquor brands are now experimenting with bourbon-style blends and corn-forward mash bills. Having one of these bottles in your collection will enable you to stay updated with the bourbon’s influence on Indian liquor markets and give you a more diverse experience at a tasting.
Travel Opportunities And Bourbon Prices
If you are a frequent flier, tapping into the growing travel retail market to source good quality bourbon might be an option that is easier on the pocket. When you stumble upon an exclusive edition or a premium bourbon at fair prices in an airport’s duty free store, you might want to source a small bottle for adding to your collection without cutting a hole in your pocket. This is especially useful while purchasing limited edition, exclusive bourbons that will be available in the market only for a short duration.
Build The Collection Gradually
While patience is an attribute much underestimated, building a liquor collection requires just that. Consistently look for interesting bourbon variations over a period of time and curate a selection which features 3-4 such premium bottles, brought together over months. Think of it as buying bourbon in stages, which not only reduces the pressure on your pocket, but also enables you to procure what has been trending over longer time periods.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
