h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Is it true that bourbon must be made In Kentucky?

No, but it can't be called Kentucky bourbon if it isn't and this is the carnet of "true" bourbon. Most people tend to think of all American whiskey as bourbon, but Jack Daniel's is actually a Tennessee whiskey and Southern Comfort a Louisiana spirit.

It has always been my belief that Bourbon must be distilled in Kentucky; for this reason, in spite that it's essentially the same product, Jack Daniels' can not call itself 'Bourbon' (the name coming from a county of the same name in Kentucky). This might be akin to allowing the term 'Scotch' to only be used for that wonderful beverage from Scotland.

Although best left to convention, in certain places these geographical distilling distinctions are indeed enforced with the strength of law.

This would be a huge assistance to the drinking public if extended a step further by rendering the product of Suntory (for example) 'Japansh' or a French whisky 'Fransh' thereby removing the confusion from a possibly already altered brain chemistry.

This could start a whole new line of conversation,
Who can find the daftest name for a national drink.

I'll submit that little known spirit from Belgium

Belsh

Can anyone find anything better




whisky

Kiwifruit Wine from New Zealand is pleasing to the palate

Brazilian spirits - Brazilch

As in: "Me and the boys went out and got all Brazilched last night. Now I feel terrible."

Legally speaking, Bourbon has to be made from a mash that as at least 51% corn, aged at least two years in new charred oak barrels, and at least 40%. No need to be produced in Kentucky unless you want the label to read "Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey."

All academic to me as I prefer Laphroaig and Wild Turkey Rye for my whisk(e)y drinking.

Not mixed together I hope?

Nope. Generally not even the same week.

cheers

On the daft names front, Morrisons Supermarket in the UK run a range of "own label"versions of famous drinks. I've never tried them, as I doubt they're very good, but I think the marketing team were having a few and getting the giggles as they named the vodka "Morinov" and the vermouth "Moretti". The whisky is, of course, "Clan Morrison".