Bring on the Bourbon
This June 14th, we come together to honor the origins of one of America’s most beloved native spirits—bourbon. National Bourbon Day celebrates Kentucky’s longstanding distilling tradition, which can be dated back to the late 18th century when early settlers began crafting whiskey with locally grown corn, building the foundation for the iconic bourbon we know and love today.
Making Magic
Here in Kentucky, bourbon is more than just a spirit—it’s a tradition built on grain, water, and time. It begins with a mash bill of at least 51% corn, while the rest can be rye, wheat, or barley, each adding its own subtle nuances that further enhance depth and complexity.
Grains are then finely milled and combined with Kentucky’s limestone-rich water, imparting bourbon with its distinct smoothness. Fermentation follows, where yeast is added to the mash to convert grain sugars into alcohol, producing what is affectionately known as “distiller’s beer.” This liquid is heated in pot stills to extract alcohol from water, then aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels.
From Barrel to Bottle
The barrel aging process is where bourbon truly matures, refining its distinctive flavor profile and developing its deep amber hue. Over time, the barrel imparts the essence of the oak, acquiring notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. Once ready, it’s filtered and diluted to the perfect proof—anywhere from 80 to 125—before making its way into the bottle.
Bourbon and Beyond
Bourbon’s boldness lends itself not just to Old Fashioneds and Mint Juleps but also serves as a secret weapon in the kitchen. Its depth enhances not only savory marinades, sauces, and glazes but also complements the sweetness of many desserts and baked goods. It’s no wonder why chefs and bartenders alike love to experiment with this versatile ingredient.
Building a Better Bar
At Dine Company, we proudly uphold our own tradition of offering everything you need to serve bourbon with style and ease. Whether you like it neat, on the rocks, or crafted into a cocktail, we have the perfect barware for everyone—from expert mixologists to the aspiring home bartender.
From mixing glasses and shakers to bar spoons, jiggers, strainers, and unique accessories, we offer an extensive selection of bar supplies and signature glassware options from top industry brands like Barfly, TableCraft, Libbey, and Anchor Hocking.
Looking to keep your bourbon perfectly chilled?
Dine Company offers a wide variety of premium ice machines and bin designed to accommodate various sizes, production capacities or applications. Explore options from trusted brands such as Manitowoc, Scotsman, and Ice-O-Matic.
In need of the perfect storage solutions for craft cocktail ice, such as spheres, cubes, sticks, or other specialty ice? The Matrix – Royal Series Craft Ice Storage Freezer from Krowne ensures your ice stays at the perfect temperature without compromising its quality. Designed for efficiency, this fully insulated freezer with built-in flip top cover, offers ideal capacity and functionality for the modern cocktail bar.
Don’t forget to browse our selection frozen drink machines and refrigerated drink dispensers from Eurodib and Grindmaster-Cecilware. Anyone up for a Bourbon Slush?
Shopping Made Simple
No matter if you’re prepping, cooking, or serving food and drinks, Dine Company has everything you need in one place. Visit us in-store, explore our online selection, or enjoy the convenience of free store pick-up. No membership required—everyone’s invited!
For any inquiries or assistance in finding the right equipment or smallwares for you, please call or text 502-637-3232 to speak to one of our product specialists for complete pricing and availability. You are also welcome to visit us in person at 3110 Preston Hwy, Louisville, KY 40213.
Remember to raise a glass this June 14th and celebrate National Bourbon Day with Dine Company!
