The Occasional Observer

From Jim Beam's website:

In 1964 Congress declared bourbon a "distinctive product of the United States" and it was recognized as "America's native spirit."

For a spirit to be called "bourbon," it must be made from a mash mixture of at least 51 percent corn and must be aged in new, charred oak barrels.

Bourbon has been the preferred drink of presidents (Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson), famous writers (Mark Twain) and countless other politicians, performers and notable citizens.

As whiskey ages, a portion evaporates over time. It is this portion that the late Master Distiller, Booker Noe, referred to as the "Angels' Share"— the portion the angels' would enjoy for themselves.

Jim Beam Bourbon was around when George Washington — a distiller himself — was alive. At the time, the Constitution was only 19 years old. Since then, the Constitution has been amended 27 times, but the formula for making Jim Beam bourbon remains the same. [Note: I think they meant to say that the Declaration of Independence was 19 years old, as the Constitution was only 8 in 1795]

As we approach Independence Day, I hope you all perform your patriotic duty to consume bourbon.