By definition, bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is made from a mash of at least 51% corn. It must be aged in new, charred oak barrels for at least two years. The aging process is what gives bourbon its distinctive flavor and color while also creating a smoother finish.
The American oak barrels that are used to age bourbon impart a number of flavors into the spirit. These flavors include vanilla, caramel, toffee, spice, and chocolate. The level of these flavors will vary depending on the length of time the bourbon is aged, the type of oak used, and the char level of the barrels.
In addition to adding flavor, aging in oak barrels also helps to mellow the bourbon and make it smoother. The alcohol in the bourbon reacts with the wood, which helps to break down some of the harsher compounds. This results in a more complex and flavorful spirit that has a unique and smooth finish. The longer a bourbon is aged, the more mellow it will become while imparting more complex flavors from the barrel aging process.
As a result, Cumberland Falls Bourbon is aged for 4 years in charred American oak barrels to provide a deep and rich flavor.
By utilizing a special mash recipe of 78% Corn, 13% Rye, and 9% Malted Barley and combining this mixture with patiently aging the bourbon for 4 years in American oak barrels, the perfect balance of a flavor and drinkability is achieved. A 2023 John Barleycorn Double Gold Medal Winner, Cumberland Falls Bourbon, is handcrafted in small batches to ensure a rich flavor that can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks without a harsh finish.
