RULES FOR BOURBON VS WHISKEY CODE

How many times can you use one new barrel for making bourbon?Īs per the regulations, you can only use new barrels for making bourbon once. The spirit only has to be made within the United States.įun fact: bourbon whiskeys are actually made in every state except Hawaii. Yes, the spirit can be called bourbon even though it isn’t made in Kentucky. FAQsĬan you call it bourbon if it’s not made in Kentucky? As a result, this bourbon variation is smoother and has a more mellow profile than bourbon. The Lincoln County Process requires the spirit to through sugar maple charcoal filtering. However, the main difference in Tennessee whiskey lies in the distillation step, wherein the spirit is required to undergo the Lincoln County Process. Tennessee whiskey follows most of the production methods used for bourbon, such as using no less than 51 percent corn in the grain mixture, aged in new, charred oak barrels, distilled at no more than 160 proof, and bottled at no less than 80 proof. The bourbon industry defines Tennessee whiskey as having to be made exclusively in Tennessee, whereas bourbon can be made anywhere in the country. No, Tennessee whiskey isn’t considered a bourbon, although they are nearly identical. Is Tennessee Whiskey Considered A Bourbon? Minimum Age Requirement: At least two years.Geographic Origin: Anywhere in the United States.Minimum Age Requirement: At least four years, and inside a federally-bonded warehouse/distillery.Geographic Origin: Made in the United States, but it must be made during a single distilled season at one distillery by one distiller.Bourbon Types & Their Requirements Bottled In Bond Bourbon

The bourbon industry categorizes these additives under HCFBM, which stands for harmless coloring/flavoring/blending materials. However, you might pick up a bottle labeled “flavored whiskey” or “blended whiskey,” which allows additives and flavorings. Additives, Colorings & FlavoringsĪs mentioned earlier, additives, colorings, and flavorings are prohibited in straight bourbon production. You can get most bourbons at this strength. Bottlingīourbon must have at least 80 proof, or 40 percent alcohol by volume, upon bottling. Water may be added to lessen the proof of the distilled whiskeys if necessary, but other flavorings are prohibited. Proof Barrelīourbon must be distilled at no higher than 160 proof and put inside the barrel to age at no higher than 125 proof. On the other hand, you will find some bourbons that use only one type of grain. Other grains like malted barley, wheat, and rye are added to translate to a more nuanced palate. Scotch is primarily made with malted barley, which also aids in the fermentation process. This is because bourbon must be made with a mash bill of at least 51 percent corn, which is already naturally sweet. You might’ve noticed that bourbon has a sweeter profile than Scotch, which is slightly more bitter and sour. Since bourbon cannot be infused with artificial colorings or flavorings, the bourbon barrels are the ones that contribute to better aging and color. The bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak containers, unlike other distilled spirits that can be aged using used barrels. The bourbon industry requires bourbon to be aged inside a specific barrel. On the other hand, those aged in new, charred oak barrels longer will take on much of that smoky, bourbon-y goodness from the wood. Bourbon aged for a minimum of two years will probably still have the original flavor of the cereal grains. Age Requirementīourbon must be aged for a minimum of two years before it may be called straight bourbon.īourbon aged less than four years has to state the duration of its aging on its label clearly, and for blends, the age statement on the label must be of the youngest whiskey in the bottle.Īging plays a huge part in the final taste of bourbon. Most bourbons are made in Kentucky because of the limestone-rich soil, which imparts unique flavors and minerals to the grain and water. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have to be made in the Bluegrass State of Kentucky, although 95 percent of the world’s bourbon supply is.

RULES FOR BOURBON VS WHISKEY CODE

According to the Code of Federal Regulations, only whiskey produced in the United States can be called bourbon whiskey.

Rules for bourbon vs whiskey