Detroit City Bourbon: A Revival of Distilling Heritage
Detroit City Bourbon is a product of Detroit City Distillery, a company that has been instrumental in bringing craft distilling back to the city after a long absence. This bourbon aims to capture the spirit and resilience of Detroit through its unique mash bill and careful distillation process. It represents a growing trend of urban distilleries focusing on local ingredients and small-batch production.
The Story Behind Detroit City Distillery
Detroit City Distillery was founded in 2014, marking a significant moment in Detroit’s history as it revived the tradition of craft distilling within the city limits. Before Prohibition, Detroit was a hub for distilling, but that industry largely disappeared for decades. The distillery’s founders sought to bring back this heritage, utilizing local resources and innovative techniques to create distinctive spirits.
What Makes Detroit City Bourbon Unique?
Detroit City Bourbon differentiates itself through several key factors. Its mash bill, the specific blend of grains used, is carefully selected to create a complex flavor profile. While specific recipes can vary, the distillery often incorporates locally sourced grains when available, giving the bourbon a regional character. The distillation process itself is meticulously controlled to ensure high quality and consistency. This dedication to craftsmanship is reflected in the bourbon’s smooth texture and rich flavor.
The Distillation Process
The fermentation process is crucial, converting the sugars in the grains into alcohol. Detroit City Distillery employs specific yeast strains to influence the final flavor of the bourbon. Once fermented, the “wash” is distilled, typically twice, to purify the alcohol and concentrate the desired flavors. The resulting spirit is then aged in charred oak barrels.
Aging and Flavor Development
The aging process is critical in bourbon production. As the bourbon matures in the charred oak barrels, it extracts flavors and aromas from the wood. The barrel’s char level influences the color and flavor of the bourbon, contributing notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. The length of aging also plays a significant role, with longer aging typically resulting in a smoother and more complex spirit. You can learn more about Bourbon whiskey on Wikipedia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grains are used in Detroit City Bourbon?
The specific grains used vary depending on the batch, but corn, rye, and wheat are common components of the mash bill.
Where is Detroit City Distillery located?
The distillery is located in Detroit, Michigan, in the Eastern Market district.
Is Detroit City Bourbon a small-batch bourbon?
Yes, it is produced in small batches to ensure quality and consistency.
What does Detroit City Bourbon taste like?
It generally offers notes of vanilla, caramel, spice, and oak, with a smooth and balanced finish.
How should I drink Detroit City Bourbon?
It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in classic bourbon cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Summary
Detroit City Bourbon represents a revival of distilling in Detroit, offering a unique spirit crafted with local influence and meticulous attention to detail. Its small-batch production and focus on quality ingredients contribute to a distinctive bourbon experience that reflects the city’s spirit.
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