Bourbon Regulations

Question 1

What do federal regulations state the mash bill of Bourbon must be comprised of?

Answer 1

Minimum 51% corn; traditionally includes malted barley and rye or wheat

Question 2

What is that maximum final distillation strength of Bourbon?

Answer 2

160 proof

Question 3

What is that maximum strength of Bourbon as it enters the barrell??

Answer 3

125 proof

Question 4

What is the minimum length of time “Straight” whiskey must spend in barrel?

Answer 4

2 years

Question 5

If a Bourbon is aged less that 4 years, what information must be included on the label?

Answer 5

The exact age of the youngest whiskey in the bottle.

Question 6

What additives are permitted in Bourbon production?

Answer 6

Only pure water. No other coloring, flavoring or blending materials are permitted.

Question 7

What type of containers must Bourbon be aged in?

Answer 7

Charred new oak barrels

Question 8

What is minimum proof at bottling for Bourbon?

Answer 8

80 proof

Question 9

What are the criteria for a spirit to be labeled “Bottled-in-Bond”?

Answer 9

The product of a single distillery, made by a single master distiller
Distilled in one distilling season (Jun-June, July-Dec) in a single year
Aged at least 4 years
Bottled at exactly 100 proof
No additives other than pure water
Labeled as a product of the distillery where it was made

Question 10

What is the final distillation proof of American Whiskey?

Answer 10

Less than 190 proof

Question 11

What additives may be included in “Straight” Whiskey?

Answer 11

None - The addition of harmless coloring, flavoring and blending materials is prohibited