Everything You Need To Know About Bourbon - A Beginners Guide

Summary

Kurt and Trenton from SLB Basement introduce a beginner-friendly guide to bourbon, discussing key aspects like mash bill, aging requirements, and the distinctions between straight bourbon, single barrel, and small batch. They clarify bourbon's geographical ties to the U.S., debunk myths about additives, and explore variations like wheated and high-rye bourbons. The hosts encourage viewers to become educated shoppers, enjoy the bourbon journey, and share their experiences responsibly.

Takeaways

• 🥃 The minimum requirement for a whiskey to be called bourbon is that it must contain at least 51% corn in its mash bill.
• 📏 A typical mash bill for bourbon includes 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley.
• 🍾 Bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels, but it doesn't have to be American oak; it can be any oak species.
• 📜 To be labeled as 'Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey', the bourbon must be distilled and aged in Kentucky.
• ⏳ Bourbon that is aged for less than four years must have its age stated on the label; if aged four years or more, the age doesn't need to be specified.
• 🚫 Bourbon cannot have additives other than water for dilution, and it must be bottled at no less than 80 proof.
• 🌾 A wheated bourbon replaces rye with wheat in the mash bill, resulting in a smoother flavor profile.
• 🏺 Bourbon can be a blend of different bourbons, but to be labeled as 'bourbon', each whiskey in the blend must contain at least 51% corn.
• 🥃 'Bottled in bond' bourbon must be produced in a single season, by one distiller at one distillery, aged for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof.
• 🎨 Finished bourbons are those that have been aged in a traditional new charred oak barrel and then finished in a different type of barrel, such as a sherry cask.

Q & A

What is a Mash Bill in bourbon production?

A Mash Bill refers to the recipe used to make bourbon. It must contain at least 51% corn, but it can also include other grains like rye, barley, or wheat.

How long does bourbon need to be aged to be labeled as 'Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey'?

To be labeled 'Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey,' it must be aged for at least two years. If aged less than two years, it can only be called bourbon. If it's aged less than four years, the label must specify the age.

Can bourbon be made outside the United States?

No, bourbon must be made within the United States to be legally called bourbon, similar to how Scotch must be made in Scotland.

What type of barrel is required for aging bourbon?

Bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels. These barrels don't necessarily have to be American oak; they can be from other types of oak, such as French oak.

What are the rules for a bourbon to be labeled as 'bottled in bond'?

For a bourbon to be labeled 'bottled in bond,' it must be distilled in one season by one distiller at one distillery, aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at 100 proof. The label must also indicate where it was distilled and, if different, where it was bottled.

What does 'small batch' mean in bourbon production?

There are no strict legal guidelines for what constitutes a 'small batch' bourbon. It refers to a batch made from a smaller number of barrels, but the size of a small batch varies between distilleries. For example, one distillery may blend 10 barrels, while another may blend 300 barrels and still call it a small batch.

What is the difference between single barrel bourbon and other types?

Single barrel bourbon comes from one specific barrel, so every bottle in a single barrel line comes from the same barrel. As a result, flavor profiles can vary from bottle to bottle. In contrast, other types are blends from multiple barrels.

What does 'cask strength' or 'barrel proof' mean?

'Cask strength' or 'barrel proof' means that the bourbon is bottled at the same proof as it was when it came out of the barrel, without any dilution. These bourbons tend to be higher in alcohol content and more flavorful.

What is a 'blended bourbon'?

A blended bourbon is a mix of different bourbons, but each bourbon in the blend must meet the requirement of being at least 51% corn to be labeled as 'bourbon.' If the blend includes other types of whiskey, the label must indicate 'blended whiskey' instead of 'blended bourbon.'

What does it mean when a bourbon is 'finished'?

A 'finished' bourbon is aged in a new charred oak barrel and then transferred to a secondary cask, such as a Sherry or rum barrel, for additional aging. This imparts unique flavors from the secondary cask into the bourbon.