To make the rules of bourbon easy to remember, I created a quick guide: the A through G of what it takes to legally earn the name bourbon.
To make the rules of bourbon easy to remember, I created a quick guide. The A through G of bourbon.
A is for America Bourbon must be made in the United States. About 95% of the world’s bourbon is made right here in Kentucky, including most of the premium brands you know and love.
B is for Barrel Bourbon has to be aged in a brand-new, charred white oak barrel. One barrel can last 80 to 90 years, and a single four-year-old tree can provide enough wood for two barrels.
C is for Corn The mash bill must include at least 51% corn. This isn’t sweet cookout corn. It’s field corn, and it brings out that signature sweetness.
D is for Distilled Proof The spirit can’t come off the still higher than 160 proof. Keeping the proof lower allows more flavor from the grains to stay in the spirit.
E is for Entry Proof The distillate must enter the barrel at no more than 125 proof. That’s why you’ll see some bottles labeled “barrel proof” or “full proof.”
F is for Finished Proof What ends up in the bottle has to be at least 80 proof. Kentucky’s traditional finished proof was 84, and some distilleries still honor that.
G is for Genuine Nothing can be added to bourbon. No artificial flavors, no added color, and no second-barrel finishing. It has to be genuine.
