Bourbon Whiskey Questions
Curious about the ins and outs of the bourbon business?
Curious about the ins and outs of the bourbon business?
Questions Answered
Bourbon whiskey is a type of American whiskey made primarily from corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. It must be produced in the United States and meet specific legal requirements.
Bourbon differs from other whiskeys in its mash bill, which must contain at least 51% corn. It must also be aged in new charred oak barrels and cannot exceed 160 proof when distilled.
“Straight bourbon” is bourbon that has been aged for at least two years and has no additives except for water to adjust the proof.
No, by law, bourbon must be made in the United States to be labeled as such.
Most bourbons are bottled at 40% to 50% alcohol by volume (ABV), but some may be higher.
Common flavor profiles in bourbon include caramel, vanilla, oak, spice, and sometimes fruity or nutty notes.
Yes, bourbon can be enjoyed both neat (straight, without ice) or on the rocks (over ice).
There is no minimum aging requirement to be called bourbon, but to be labeled as “straight bourbon,” it must be aged for at least two years.
Yes, bourbon can become over-oaked if aged for too long, resulting in an unbalanced or overly woody flavor.
he primary regions for bourbon production are Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana.
The “Angel’s Share” refers to the portion of bourbon lost to evaporation during aging in barrels.
Yes, bourbon is a popular base spirit for many classic cocktails, including the Old Fashioned and Mint Julep.
Bourbon, made from grains like corn, rye, and barley, is generally considered gluten-free, but cross-contamination during production is possible.
Unopened bottles of bourbon can last indefinitely, but once opened, the flavor may degrade over time due to oxidation.
Store bourbon upright in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Bourbon must meet specific legal requirements to be labeled as such, including being produced in the U.S., containing at least 51% corn, and meeting certain proof and aging criteria.
Yes, mixing different bourbons to create a unique blend is a common practice among whiskey enthusiasts.
Bourbon is made in the U.S. and primarily from corn, while Scotch is made in Scotland and typically from malted barley.
“Bottled in Bond” is a label that indicates the bourbon meets specific legal requirements, including being aged for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof.
Yes, Kentucky, often called the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” offers numerous distilleries open for tours, providing insights into the bourbon-making process.
Remember, the world of bourbon is vast, and there’s always more to explore beyond these FAQs!
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