❖ 波本香草 vs 波本威士忌：名字相同但毫無關聯？揭秘香草味的真正來源

為什麼都叫波本呢？

為什麼「波本香草」與「波本威士忌」常被搞混？

Many people, when tasting Bourbon whiskey, notice a vanilla-like flavor and wonder: “Did they add Bourbon vanilla beans to it?” In fact, these two “Bourbons” have completely different stories. The names just happen to coincide, but they are not directly related.

The Story of Bourbon Vanilla

波本香草的學名叫 Vanilla planifolia，它的故鄉其實是中美洲，但 19 世紀初，法國人把它帶到了位在印度洋上的 留尼旺島，那時候這個島還叫「波本島（Île Bourbon）」，是為了紀念法國 波旁王朝（House of Bourbon） 才取這名字的。

But here was the problem: vanilla plants on the island could not produce pods on their own, because the local ecosystem lacked the specific bees needed for natural pollination. No matter how many flowers bloomed, no beans would form. In 1841, however, a 12-year-old boy named Edmond Albius invented a method of hand pollination. This breakthrough finally allowed vanilla to bear fruit on the island and led to the rapid expansion of vanilla cultivation.

Eventually, Bourbon vanilla became the backbone of the global vanilla market, accounting for over 70% of worldwide supply! Today, it is primarily grown in Madagascar, Réunion, and the Comoros islands, and is widely used in desserts, perfumes, and beverages.

Where did Bourbon whiskey get its name?

The “Bourbon” in Bourbon whiskey does not come from the Bourbon Island of vanilla, but from Bourbon County in Kentucky, USA. This place was named in honor of the French House of Bourbon, since France had supported the United States in winning the Revolutionary War. As a tribute, the name was given to the county.

Bourbon whiskey must be made primarily from corn (at least 51%) and aged in charred American white oak barrels in order to be legally called Bourbon Whiskey. This process is what gives it its unique flavor and aroma.

Why does Bourbon whiskey taste like vanilla?

Many people mistakenly believe Bourbon whiskey contains vanilla beans. In reality, the vanilla-like flavor comes from the barrels. When the oak is charred, the heat breaks down the lignin in the wood, producing a compound called vanillin. This is the secret behind the vanilla aroma in whiskey. Combined with the natural sweetness of corn, it creates the distinctive and alluring vanilla notes of Bourbon whiskey.

Is Bourbon whiskey related to Bourbon vanilla?

• Bourbon vanilla gets its name from Bourbon Island (today’s Réunion Island) in the Indian Ocean — a geographic origin.

• Bourbon whiskey’s name comes from Bourbon County in Kentucky, derived from the French House of Bourbon.

• The vanilla flavor in Bourbon whiskey comes from vanillin formed in charred oak barrels — not from vanilla beans!

• The two “Bourbons” are purely coincidental in name and have no direct connection.

波本香草 vs 波本威士忌

A Coincidental Name, Distinct Origins of Flavor

The “Bourbon” in Bourbon vanilla and Bourbon whiskey comes from different historical backgrounds and different geographical locations. Yet, by chance, their flavors share an enchanting overlap. The next time you enjoy a glass of Bourbon whiskey, you might sense a hint of vanilla — but don’t mistake it for added vanilla beans! That’s the magic of oak barrels and time.

The true essence of vanilla aroma still comes from naturally cured Bourbon vanilla beans, which bring richness and soul to desserts and fragrances.