Bourbon and Bourbon Knowledge.
Bourbon has been around for over a hundred years, but what makes it a bourbon?
There are LAWS for Bourbon, and we consulted Beam ambassador Bobby G for the insight into Bourbon.
“Yes, there are laws to being called a bourbon and they are as follows.” stated Bobby G.
- Must be made in the USA.
- Must be made from a minimum of 51% Corn.
- Can be distilled no higher than 160 proof aged and no higher than 125 proof.
- Must be aged in a new charred oak container.
- To be called straight whiskey must be aged 2 years in oak.
- Bourbon is aged a minimum of 4 years. If a bourbon is less than 4 years old, it must have an age statement on the label. If an age statement is on the label, it will be the youngest whiskey in the bottle.
- Must be bottled at no less than 80 proof.
- It can have no additives other than water prior to maturation.
Some examples: Jim Beam (white label) aged 4 years, Jim Beam Black aged 8 years, Makers Mark has a higher corn percentage which is closer to 70%, and Basil Hayden is also aged for 8 years, and it is an 80 proof high rye bourbon. Basil Hayden is a person, and he is the guy who is pictured on the label of Old Grand Dad.
Enjoy
(Thank you Bobby G!)
