ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bourbon

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //ˈbɝbən// UK //bˈɜːbən// bour·bon Archaic

n. a type of American whiskey made mostly from corn. It is usually aged in new oak barrels, which gives it a sweet and smoky flavor.

n. a specific variety of American whiskey distilled from a mash containing at least 51 percent corn and aged in charred new oak containers. Often associated with the Kentucky region and subject to strict legal production standards.


SIMPLE

He ordered a glass of bourbon at the bar.

CONTEXTUAL

The bartender explained that this particular bourbon has strong notes of vanilla and caramel from the oak barrels.

COMPLEX

While Scotch is defined by its peaty malted barley, bourbon derives its distinctively sweet profile from the high corn content and the chemical reactions occurring within charred white oak staves.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the liquid in general; countable when referring to a specific brand or a glass of the drink.

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