BourbonStyle

Bourbon is an American whiskey made mostly from corn and aged in new charred oak containers. It is defined by federal law, and in 1964 Congress declared it a distinctive product of the United States. The rules make it rich and sweet: corn gives the sweetness, and the fresh charred barrel gives the colour, vanilla and caramel.

The Rules

• Made in the United States
• At least 51% corn in the mash bill
• Distilled to no more than 160 proof
• Aged in new charred oak containers
• Into the barrel at no more than 125 proof
• Bottled at 80 proof or more
• Nothing added but water: no colouring or flavouring
• No minimum age (Straight Bourbon needs two years)

The Bourbon Family In WOW

• Bourbon: Bourbon is an American whiskey made mostly from corn and aged in new charred oak containers. It is defined by federal law, and in 1964 Congress declared it a distinctive product of the United States. The rules make it rich and sweet: corn gives the sweetness, and the fresh charred barrel gives the colour, vanilla and caramel.
• Bourbon - High Rye: A bourbon whose mash bill carries more rye than usual, roughly 20% or more, with corn still the majority grain. The extra rye brings spice and a drier finish while keeping bourbon's sweetness.
• Bourbon - Wheated: A bourbon that uses wheat instead of rye as its second grain. Without rye's spice, wheated bourbons, often called wheaters, tend to be softer, rounder and sweeter.
• Bourbon - Four Grain: A bourbon made from four grains together: corn, rye, wheat and malted barley. Corn remains at least 51%; the rye and wheat share the flavouring role.
• Bourbon - Blended: Blended bourbon is at least 51% straight bourbon, mixed with other whiskey or neutral grain spirit. It is lighter and less expensive than straight bourbon.

On The Label

• "Straight Bourbon": aged at least two years; under four years, the age must be stated
• An age statement is the age of the youngest whiskey in the bottle
• A state name, such as Kentucky, means it was distilled in that state
• Bottled-in-Bond, Single Barrel and Small Batch are Traits you can filter on

What To Expect

Caramel, vanilla, toasted oak and baking spice over a sweet corn base. High rye bourbons add pepper and mint; wheated bourbons are rounder and softer. Older bourbons bring more oak, leather and dark fruit.

Why It Matters

Bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States, though most comes from Kentucky. Its name is usually traced to Bourbon County, Kentucky, or to Bourbon Street in New Orleans; historians still argue about which. Because the rules require a new barrel every time, used bourbon barrels go on to age much of the world's Scotch, Irish whiskey and rum.