Variations on the Bourbon Theme

The special terms used on Bourbon labels provide clues to the differences between products. Here are a few of those descriptors.

Small Batch

The distiller selects a limited number of barrels for mingling to create this Bourbon. The size of the batch varies by distillery.

Single Barrel

This Bourbon is from a single barrel. The master distiller determines which barrels are selected for bottling. The product is drawn, filtered and bottled, one barrel at a time.

Barrel Proof

A barrel-proof Bourbon is taken directly from the barrel and is not cut with distilled water to reach a desired proof level.

Straight Bourbon

This term means the Bourbon has been aged at least two years in new, charred, white oak barrels.

Sour Mash

The distiller blends a portion of the grain mash from a previous fermentation("spent beer") into the new batch. This previously used mash tends to be slightly acidic, or "sour" and helps assure product consistency from batch to batch. The final product, however, does not have a sour taste.

Bonded Bourbon

This Bourbon is produced at one distillery during one distilling season, aged a minimum of four years and bottled at 100 proof. It's stored at a Treasury Department-bonded warehouse, so taxes are paid when the Bourbon is shipped.