FORECAST: EVERYTHING. Kentucky’s weather plays a big role in the maturation of bourbon. In the hot summers, the liquid expands into the walls of the barrels, like those seen here at Barton 1792; in the cold winters, it contracts, carrying back color and flavor from the char. We’re having all that weather – and more! – this week alone. It’s nearly 70 today, with high winds and thunderstorms forecast tomorrow as the temperatures drop into the 20s and snow possible on Saturday. I sure hope the bourbon doesn’t get confused.