In its original form, this Southern classic used whiskey as its base, along with a secret combination of spices. Sometime in the 20th century, the original recipe was changed, and whiskey was merely used as a flavoring, while the drink was based on a neutral grain spirit.
First created by Martin W. Heron in New Orleans, Southern Comfort is appreciated for its smooth flavor, with hints of fruits and spices. It can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but it also works well as a cocktail ingredient. In 2016, the brand was bought by Sazerac, a company that is trying to bring Southern Comfort back to its original form.
Invented by Antoine Peychaud in the 1830s, this bitter was originally developed as a health tonic. Peychaud was a New Orleans apothecary of Creole origin who based the drink on an old recipe that his father brought from Haiti. He mixed the drink into hot toddies and offered it to his customers and friends.
It is believed that the Sazerac cocktail was modeled on Peychaud’s combination. Although the exact recipe is not known, the base of Peychaud’s bitters is made with gentian, while the dominant flavors are fruity, herbaceous, and spicy.
Bourbon is an American whiskey that is primarily made from corn mash, the minimum requirement is 51%, while other options may include rye, barley, or wheat. Although most production is located in Kentucky, bourbon can technically be made anywhere in the United States.
The whiskey is almost always aged, and the process must take place in new charred oak casks, but the regulations do not specify the minimum aging period. If it is labeled as straight bourbon, it indicates that the whiskey has been aged for at least two years, and all bourbon whiskey must be bottled at the minimum of 40% ABV.
VARIATIONS OF Bourbon
Tennessee whiskey is a label used for a specific type of whiskey produced in Tennessee that has to meet several quality and production standards. The production process is similar to bourbon, and the mash has to be made with 51% corn. After distillation, it has to go through a filtering step known as Lincoln County Process—which involves filtering or steeping whiskey in sugar maple charcoal.
The only exception to this rule is made for Prichard's whiskey. All Tennessee whiskey has to be aged in new, charred oak, but the exact aging period is not regulated. It is bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume). Tennessee whiskey it typically amber-colored, and the charcoal-filtering provides for its signature smooth and mellow character.
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