Quote:
Originally Posted by Avroman
I'm just looking forward to dumping Jack Daniels for Woodford Reserve. Finally real Bourbon!
Bite your tongue!!! Jack Daniels IS NOT a Bourbon!
There are
strict laws governing just what a Bourbon must be to be labeled as such. For example,
- Bourbon must be made of a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn.
- Bourbon must be distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof (80% alcohol by volume).
- Bourbon must be 100% natural (nothing other than water added to the mixture). Nothing can be added at bottling to enhance flavor, add sweetness or alter color.
- Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels.
- Bourbon may not be introduced to the barrel at higher than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume).
- Bourbon which meets the above requirements and has been aged for a minimum of two years, may (but is not required to) be called Straight Bourbon.
- Bourbon aged for a period less than four years must be labeled with the duration of its aging.
Jack Daniel's is not considered a Bourbon because it is charcoal-mellowed -- slowly, drop by drop, filtered through sugar-maple charcoal -- prior to aging. The process, called the Lincoln County Process of Tennessee, infuses a sweet and sooty character into the distillate as it removes impurities. But up to and after the charcoal filtering, the Jack Daniel's production is much the same as any other Bourbon. Jack Daniel's and George Dickel are two fine Tennessee Whiskeys though neither can be called Bourbon.