Bourbon Is Boss
Bourbon is a classic American whiskey made from corn. The name is derived from the town where corn is made, Bourbon County, Kentucky. All the bourbon made in the USA is standardized according to federal regulations. The majority of bourbon made in the USA is made from almost 70% corn which has been aged for at least 4 years. Other grains frequently used to make the bourbon include wheat, rye or barley. Once the grain is fermented, it is distilled and allowed to age. All the bourbon is diluted with water and bottled.
Federal regulations have made a mandate that bourbon can not be distilled above 160 proof and must be bottled at no less than 80 proof.
The types of bourbon are variable from batches depending on whether the bourbon was derived from a single barrel or a single batch.
A glass of bourbon can be enjoyed in more ways than one. Some connoisseurs of alcohol love to sniff this whisky- because of its strong aroma. Bourbon is best consumed with some ice.
Alcohol Breath test: How Does It Work?
Few people have an idea what an alcohol breath test is. The test simply measures how much alcohol is in your blood by measuring a sample of the air you breathe out.
The test is typically performed by law enforcement officers using a variety of portable machines. In the old days one was asked to blow up a balloon in one big breath and then the air collected was released in a graduated tube with yellow bands. As the concentration of alcohol increases the number of yellow bands in the tube change to green. The green bands then reflect the amount of alcohol you have in your body. For the electronic method, one just blows into the machine which quickly checks the amount of alcohol in your breath and gives a read out on the machine.
Alcohol breath tests are painless and usually quite accurate. Any person with an alcohol levels of 0.08% and above is considered legally drunk. Many states have dropped this legal limit to 0.04-0.05%.
One has to understand that the level of alcohol in the breath and the driving ability are not related. Some individuals may have very low levels of alcohol and yet may not even be stand up straight whereas others may have high levels and drive perfectly.
Today, there are portable machines available for sell to the public. The test may help you decide whether to drive or not. Anytime you drive with alcohol on board, not only are the risks of a car accident increased, but the legal implications are ominous if you get caught.
Sweet, Sweet, Sangria All Summer Long!
Sangria is a punch made from red wine. The essentials ingredients in this punch include a red wine, some type of fruit, a sweet juice or syrup, carbonated water and a small amount of an alcoholic spirit. The fruits may range from orange, apples, kiwi or banana.
The sweet syrup can be honey or some type of sweet juice (e.g. orange juice).
Because there are so many variations of sangria, the alcohol content is quite variable. While red wine has traditionally been used to make sangria, one can even use white wine. And even the fruits can be varied from peaches, nectarines and even tangerines.
Today, a tinge of cinnamon is almost always added to the punch to give it a sharp taste.
Sangria is best served cold and thus is a common summer drink.
Sangria is available in most wine and grocery stores in bottled containers. However, to add variety and taste, one can easily make their own sangria using a variety of fruits and syrups.
Joe Bartender’s Guide To Brandy
Brandy is an alcoholic drink produced by boiling wines which has been made from grapes, apples, olives or any other fruit. The amount of alcohol in a brandy is variable and ranges from 40-60%. Brandy is typically and after meal drink at social events. The majority of brandy available is dark colored- the dark signifies that the drink has been aged. In most cases, only the brandy made from grapes is aged. When one uses the term brandy, the drink usually has been derived from grapes.
Brandy is made in many parts of the world including the USA, France, Portugal, South Africa. Germany, Mexico, Greece, Italy, Cyprus and Spain.
The most well known of all the brandy is that made in France called Cognac. It is the gold standard and all other brands are compared to it. Some of the best grapes in France are used to make cognac. The grapes are not always great for eating but still make a superb brandy. The brandy is aged in special casks made from limousine oak. The majority of cognac is aged for several years before use
When one buys a bottle of cognac, there is a label which indicates how old the drink is. Most people prefer to buy Cognac which is more than 2-4 years old
Make Me A Martini!
A martini is a cocktail made with a combination of gin and dry white vermouth. Some people may choose vodka instead of the gin. Martini is a favorite drink for many social gatherings. Once upon a time, when people drank martini it signified higher education, social status and power.
Martinis are simple to make. The 1:5 ratio includes using half an ounce of sweet or dry vermouth and 2.5 ounces of gin or vodka. The drink is usually served cold and may be garnished with an olive or a slice of lemon.
Today, martinis have undergone a few changes. Flavored martinis are commonly available for a new breed of drinkers. Bartenders constantly add juices, fruits, various creams and chocolates to the martini.
Even the garnishes have also been changed lately. Instead of the traditional olive and lemon, now one can add stuffed olives, anchovies, sun dried tomatoes and marinated capers. In some parts of the USA, the cocktail is made of margarita on the rocks with olive juice. Martini is a drink usually enjoyed at the same time as having dinner.