Originally Posted by
SOBE ER DOC
I am sorry but that is not correct. All bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. A strict set of federal trade regulations defines what's what.
Whiskey is a distilled spirit made from fermented grain and usually aged in an oak barrel. The various types (rye, rye malt, malt, wheat, bourbon and corn) each require different ingredients and distilling processes in accordance with specific alcohol trade regulations, called the Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits.
Manufacturers must meet the following requirements in order to advertise their whiskey product as "bourbon":
It must be produced in the U.S. from a grain mixture (called "mash") made up of at least 51 percent corn. It must be distilled to a maximum strength of 160 proof, bottled at a strength of at least 80 proof, and barreled for aging at no more than 125 proof. It must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. To qualify as "straight bourbon," the spirits must meet the above requirements as well as being aged for at least two years and containing no added coloring, flavoring or other spirits.
Looks as Federal Standard of Identity classify “Bourbon whisky,” “rye whisky,” “wheat whisky,” “malt whisky,” and “rye malt whisky” all under same. Bourbon manufactures organization in Kentucky define that Bourbon whisky has to be made in the state of Kentucky.
When I took a tour of Jack Daniel’s distillery at Lynchburg, TN heard something like Jack Daniel’s qualifies as “Bourbon whisky” as far as Federal Standard is concerned but they do not call their whisky Bourbon because Jack Daniel’s is not made in Kentucky.