What makes bourbon…bourbon?

To be legally labeled as bourbon in the United States, a whiskey must meet specific rules and requirements outlined by federal regulations. The rules for calling a whiskey "bourbon" are governed by the U.S. government agency known as the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Here are the key rules or laws for calling whiskey a bourbon:

  1. Mash Bill: Bourbon must be made from a grain mixture, or mash bill, that consists of at least 51% corn. The remaining grains can include malted barley, rye, and wheat.

  2. Distillation Proof: The spirit must be distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume) and entered into the barrel for aging at no more than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume).

  3. New Charred Oak Barrels: Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. The use of previously used barrels disqualifies the whiskey from being labeled as bourbon.

  4. Aging: Bourbon must be aged in the oak barrels for a minimum of two years. There is no specific maximum age requirement for bourbon.

  5. Proof at Bottling: Bourbon must be bottled at no less than 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume). There is no upper limit on the bottling proof.

  6. No Additives: Bourbon must not contain any additives, except for water to reduce the proof if necessary.

  7. Location: While bourbon can be produced anywhere in the United States, it is often associated with the state of Kentucky. However, it is essential to note that there is no legal requirement for bourbon to be produced in Kentucky to be called bourbon.

  8. Labeling: The label of a bourbon must clearly indicate that it is a "bourbon" and may include additional information such as age statements, distillery name, and batch information.

  9. Certificate of Label Approval (COLA): Before a distiller can legally sell bourbon in the United States, they must obtain a COLA from the TTB. The COLA ensures that the label complies with all regulations and requirements for bourbon.

By adhering to these rules and regulations, whiskey producers can rightfully label their product as "bourbon" and ensure its authenticity and compliance with federal standards.