With so many disgruntled with US government policy or the lack thereof, it’s a perfect opportunity to reflect on a few things they got right in our nation’s history. Take for instance the 19th Amendment of 1920, giving women the right to vote, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and most recently, in 2007, Congress unanimously voted September as National Bourbon Heritage Month.
(Photo by Kentucky Bourbon Trail)
To celebrate America’s ‘native spirit’ and National Bourbon Heritage Month, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival is held in historical Bardstown, Kentucky annually in September since 1991. Bardstown, known as the Bourbon Capital of the World, has made bourbon since 1775!
If you missed the festival of the world’s finest bourbon makers this year, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour features six Bluegrass bourbon distilleries to visit on your own.
(Photo by Kentucky Bourbon Trail)
Find out how Kentucky’s weather, pure limestone water and the Master Distiller’s craft are key to producing the color and signature taste of America’s official golden-hued libation.
Of course, no celebration is complete without a signature cocktail on the Wanderlush Diary.
To honor the U.S. government’s successful legislation in times past, including declaring September as National Heritage Bourbon Month, here’s a tea-infused bourbon cocktail appropriately named the Smashing Southern Gentlemen by Eric Simpkins of Gentlemen of Spirits, Atlanta, Georgia.
Smashing Southern Gentleman
2 slices ripe peach, plus 1 for garnish
¾ ounce simple syrup (1 ounce, if peaches aren’t quite ripe)
5 ½ lemon wedges
Mint leaves
1 dash cardamom tincture*
Black pekoe tea–infused bourbon** (Bulleit Bourbon is a lovely one to use.)
*Cardamom Tincture
Lightly toast half cup cardamom pods, then soak in 1 cup of 100-proof vodka for a week
**Tea-Infused Bourbon
Add 1 tea bag or 1 tablespoon loose black pekoe tea per 8 ounces rum. Steep for 2 hours, then strain.
Combine two peach slices, syrup and lemon in mixing glass and muddle. Add mint, muddle it, then add tincture, bourbon and ice. Shake and strain into double old-fashioned glass. Add crushed ice to fill. Garnish with sprig of mint and reserved peach slice.
For other things to do and see in Kentucky, visit www.kentuckytourism.com