Old Emmer bourbon refers to a style of bourbon whiskey made using emmer wheat, an ancient grain, as part of the mash bill. This mash bill, the recipe of grains used in fermentation, typically also includes corn and malted barley alongside the emmer. While corn provides the sweetness characteristic of bourbon, the inclusion of emmer wheat can impart unique flavor profiles, potentially adding nutty, earthy, or even spicy notes to the final product.
The use of emmer in bourbon production highlights the growing interest in heirloom grains and their potential to create distinctive and complex whiskeys. This experimentation with traditional grains speaks to a desire for both novelty and a connection to historical agricultural practices. The potential benefits include not only unique flavor profiles but also the preservation of biodiversity in agriculture and the exploration of flavors possibly enjoyed in earlier eras. The resulting bourbons can offer consumers a taste experience beyond the familiar, contributing to a richer appreciation of the spirit’s versatility.
