Knowing and Understanding Bourbon

Although several styles of whiskey have been produced in the U.S. from the colonial period until the present, only one--bourbon--has been officially identified as America's native spirit. Since a 1964 act of Congress made that distinction, we will begin our look at American whiskies with bourbon.

According to Federal regulations, for an American whiskey to be labeled as bourbon it must be made from a mash containing between 51% and 79% corn. If the corn content is higher, the product must be designated as corn whiskey. Bourbon is a straight whiskey and, according to the law, must be distilled at 160 proof (80% alcohol) or less and must be aged a minimum of two years in new charred oak barrels. As a practical matter, though, most bourbon is aged at least four years and often longer. Since it is a straight whiskey, no blending is permitted and there are no additives, with the exception of water to reduce the proof. Most bourbons are marketed as 80-proof products, but some, particularly the newer boutique, small-batch, single barrel and barrel proof products are much higher in alcohol content.

American Whiskey Facts

• Bourbon and Tennessee whiskies are straight whiskies.
• Bourbon must be made from a mash containing between 51% and 79% corn.
• Bourbon must be aged in charred, new, oak barrels.
• Tennessee whiskies are produced like bourbons but with an extra step of filtration through maple charcoal prior to aging.
• American blended whiskies are assembled from a number of straight whiskies and grain neutral spirits.

Edited from:
Knowing and Understanding Distilled Spirits
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