If this week’s celebrations have got you asking, ‘what makes a bourbon ,a bourbon?’ then I’m sure you’re not the only one.
Each style of whiskey brings with it its own unique set of rules to set it apart from its liquid counterparts.
The legal bit
The legal rules for distilling bourbon are defined by the United States Code of Federal Regulations.
The technical bit
Distillers must follow the following set of rules for their whiskey to be defined as a bourbon.
- The whiskey must be made in the United States
- Mash bill must be made from at least 51% corn
- The bourbon must be aged in new, charred American oak barrels
- Distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% ABV)
- Barreled at no more than 125 proof (62.5% ABV)
- Bottled at no less than 80 proof (40% ABV)
- Flavorings or colorings cannot be added
