The origins of bourbon are steeped in history and folklore, but most people attribute the creation of bourbon to the Reverend Elijah Craig. Born in Virginia in 1738, Elijah Craig eventually settled in Kentucky and became a Baptist minister.
It is said that in 1789, Elijah Craig began distilling whiskey in his small distillery in Georgetown, Kentucky. He is often credited with being the first person to age whiskey in charred oak barrels, which gave it a unique flavor and character. These barrels were stamped with the words “Bourbon County Whiskey,” and this is how the whiskey became known as bourbon.
However, it is important to note that the exact origins of bourbon are still debated among historians and whiskey enthusiasts. While Reverend Elijah Craig is often credited with being the first to distill bourbon, there are other claims to its creation as well.
One such claim comes from another distiller named Jacob Spears. Spears is said to have been the first to label his whiskey as “Bourbon” in the early 19th century. He was a veteran of the War of 1812 and operated a distillery in Bourbon County, Kentucky. Some argue that his use of the term “Bourbon” for his whiskey predates Elijah Craig’s contributions.
Another contender for the title of the first bourbon maker is Evan Williams. Williams, a Welsh immigrant, set up a distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, in the late 18th century. He is often credited with being one of the earliest commercial whiskey producers in the area. While there is no concrete evidence to support Williams as the first bourbon maker, his contributions to the whiskey industry cannot be ignored.
It’s worth mentioning that the history surrounding bourbon is not always clear-cut, and there are many stories and legends that have been passed down through generations. The exact details of who made the first bourbon may never be definitively known, but what is certain is that bourbon has become an iconic American spirit with a rich and storied past.
While Reverend Elijah Craig is often credited with being the first person to distill bourbon in 1789, there are other claims to its creation as well. Jacob Spears and Evan Williams are among the contenders for the title of the first bourbon maker. The history of bourbon is complex and filled with legends and stories, making it difficult to pinpoint a definitive answer to who made the first bourbon.