Derby Bourbon Spirit Dinner April 27, 2010

All Bourbon comes from Kentucky. Umm, not quite. Keep reading!
It’s a popular misconception that, like Champagne only being from Champagne, France, that Bourbon only comes from Bourbon County, Kentucky. Yes, most Bourbon comes from Kentucky, but this uniquely American whiskey must be corn based to be considered Bourbon, whether it’s distilled in Louisville or Las Vegas.
This history of Bourbon goes back 200 years. Early settlers of Western Pennsylvania from Scotland and Ireland brought their whiskey-making traditions with them. The Continental Congress put a tax on whiskey production which led to the “Whiskey Rebellion” of 1791 to 1794. George Washington struck a deal with the rebelling settlers and offered incentives if they moved to (then part of Virginia) Kentucky. Thomas Jefferson, the governor of Virginia, offered pioneers sixty acres of land in Kentucky if they would build a permanent structure and raise “native corn.” And as a thank-you to the French for their assistance in the war, many places were given French names (Bourbon County).
This was a very interesting turn of events, since no one could ever use that much corn in a year. Whatever was a pioneer to do with that much corn? For starters, how about turning it into whiskey? Still, it’s a lot of whiskey, so how about exporting it? Subsequent, long trips down river to ports like New Orleans in charred, probably used barrels, by this whiskey from “Old Bourbon County” added some very convenient—and tasty—aging to the whiskey, along with a delicate amber color.
Join us in welcoming Matt Rhode of Glazer’s as our presenter. Oh, and since the Kentucky Derby is just days away, you can get ready, if you so desire, to fortify your liquor cabinet with some of the best Bourbon from Kentucky. Or just come for the Bourbon, each of which is thoughtfully paired with a tasting course from Grovewood’s award-winning kitchen. A complimentary recipe book of the dishes served (but adapted for the home kitchen) will be presented.

Complete menu details available at our website, www.grovewoodtavern.com . Click on Spirit Dinner!