All terms Distillery glossary

Bourbon

Bourbon is an American whiskey made from a mashbill of at least 51% corn, distilled to no more than 160 proof, entered into new charred oak barrels at no more than 125 proof, and bottled at no less than 80 proof. It carries no minimum aging period unless labeled straight.

Illustration: Bourbon

The standards of identity for bourbon are set in 27 CFR Part 5. There is no geographic requirement beyond being made in the United States, despite the strong association with Kentucky. To call a product straight bourbon it must age at least two years, and any bourbon aged under four years must carry an age statement. Tracking the mashbill, entry proof, and barrel history per fill is what lets a distillery prove these claims.

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