Originally Posted by
pbarnette
Again, which requirements for bourbon does Tennessee Whiskey not meet? And considering that NAFTA is one of the only places that any requirements for Tennessee Whiskey are laid out, it makes sense to reference it.
Regardless, all of this is pedantry, but the point is that those being pedants should be correct when they do so. Those screaming that Jack is "not bourbon" are not correct.
Including Jack himself. How dare the corporation blatantly lie on their own website.
Jack is bourbon right up to the point that it is charcoal filtered through sugar maple.
(27 C.F.R. 5.22) state that bourbon must meet these requirements:
Bourbon must be made of a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn (maize).[1]
Bourbon must be distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof (80% alcohol by volume).
Neither coloring nor flavoring may be added.
This is the critical part. Charcoal filtering is considered adding flavor
Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels.[1]
Bourbon must be entered into the barrel at no more than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume).
Bourbon, like other whiskeys, must be bottled at not less than 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume.)
Bourbon that meets the above requirements and has been aged for a minimum of two years may (but is not required to) be called Straight Bourbon.[2]
Straight Bourbon aged for a period less than four years must be labeled with the duration of its aging.
If an age is stated on the label, it must be the age of the youngest whiskey in the bottle.
Only whiskey produced in the United States can be called bourbon.[3]