The Bourbon Bramble Icenhauer's, Austin #BourbonBoozeSchool

Well, we got taken to school.

Bourbon Booze School! A bourbon tasting and education session hosted at Icenhauer's, located in the historic Rainey Street District of Austin.

I knew so little about bourbon-- I wasn't even sure if bourbon was a whisky, or whisky a bourbon. I was bourbon-dumb, for certain, but bartender Stuart Thompson brought me, and my peers, up to speed this week, giving an intimate group of bloggers and industry folks the lowdown about the country's favorite liquor.

Did you know.......

• Bourbon is a whiskey made with at least 51% corn, aged in never-used white oak barrels, the interior of which is charred before filling. It has zero flavor or color additives: just corn, water, wheat or rye, and malt, and must be between 80 and 160 proof. 
• Although the lion's share of whisky is made in the state of Kentucky-- 95%, it can be produced in any of the United States to be called bourbon.
• Bourbon barrels can be used to age the liquor only once-- used barrels are utilized in the aging of other liquors.
• Bourbon is America’s only native spirit, as declared by Congress in 1964.

Thompson mixed 5 seasonal bourbon cocktails for us, using Bulleit brand bourbon, exclusively, frequently infused in-house with various herbs, fruits, spices, and nuts.

From left to right: The Bourbon Bramble, Pecan Bourbon Peach Smash, Apple Bourbon Sidecar, Rosemary Bourbon Punch, Maple Old Old Fashioned

Before #BourbonBoozeSchool, I can't say I was much of an informed bourbon drinker, but after learning more, tasting some premium liquor, and enjoying creative, lively cocktails, I'm on the bus! Why don't you try your hand at one?

The Bourbon Bramble
recipe courtesy of Stuart Thompson, Bartender,
Icenhauer's, Austin

1.5 oz Bulleit Bourbon
.5 oz St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
.5 oz Creme de Cassis (black currant liqueur)
1 oz fresh lemon juice

Combine all ingredients together in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into coupe glass. Enjoy!

Thank you for the invitation to #BourbonBoozeSchool, Icenhauer's, and the education and refreshment, bartender Stuart Thompson. Can't wait to be back!

Disclaimer: I was provided the opportunity to attend this event,
and enjoy cocktails, free of charge.