What Is Bourbon Whiskey Made From?

Introduction

Bourbon whiskey is one of the most iconic spirits in the world, representing American craftsmanship, tradition, and flavor. From Kentucky to craft distilleries across the United States, bourbon is beloved for its smooth, sweet, and bold character. But what exactly is bourbon whiskey made from? The answer lies in a specific combination of grains, water, yeast, and oak barrels—all carefully regulated to preserve authenticity. In this guide, we’ll cover the core ingredients of bourbon, how it’s produced, and what makes it distinct from other whiskeys.

The Legal Definition of Bourbon

By law, bourbon whiskey must meet strict requirements set by the U.S. Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits. To be labeled as bourbon:

• It must be made in the United States (not just Kentucky).
• It must be made from a mash of at least 51% corn.
• It must be distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% ABV).
• It must enter the barrel at no more than 125 proof (62.5% ABV).
• It must be aged in new, charred oak barrels.
• It must be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% ABV).
• No artificial coloring or flavoring may be added.

These standards ensure that every bottle of bourbon meets consistent quality and taste benchmarks. While other whiskeys may use similar processes, bourbon’s strict requirements set it apart.

The Core Ingredients of Bourbon Whiskey

At its most basic, bourbon is made from four simple ingredients: grains, water, yeast, and oak. Each plays an important role in shaping bourbon’s flavor profile.

1. Grains (The Mash Bill)

The grains used to make bourbon are collectively known as the mash bill. The law requires at least 51% corn, but distillers often add other grains for complexity:

• Corn: The dominant grain that provides sweetness, body, and a smooth finish.
• Rye: Adds spice, pepper, and boldness.
• Barley: Often malted, it aids in fermentation and adds nutty, malty notes.
• Wheat: Produces a softer, sweeter bourbon known as “wheated bourbon.”

Different mash bills produce different styles of bourbon. For example, Maker’s Mark is known for its wheat-heavy mash bill, while Bulleit Bourbon has a high rye content, resulting in a spicier flavor.

2. Water

Water is critical in bourbon making. It’s used to cook the grains, aid fermentation, dilute alcohol before bottling, and even influence taste. Kentucky bourbon is particularly famous because of the region’s limestone-filtered water, which removes iron (bad for whiskey flavor) while adding beneficial minerals.

3. Yeast

Yeast is the microorganism responsible for fermentation. It converts sugars from the grains into alcohol and flavor compounds. Some distilleries use proprietary yeast strains that they’ve guarded for generations, lending signature aromas of fruit, spice, or floral notes to their bourbons.

4. Oak Barrels

While not part of the mash, barrels are legally required and crucial to bourbon’s identity. Bourbon must be aged in new, charred American oak barrels. These barrels impart vanilla, caramel, oak, and smoky notes. The charring caramelizes sugars in the wood, creating bourbon’s signature deep amber color and sweet finish.

The Bourbon Production Process

Making bourbon involves several steps that transform raw grains into a refined spirit.

1. Mashing: Grains are ground and mixed with hot water to release fermentable sugars.
2. Fermentation: Yeast is added, producing alcohol and flavor compounds.
3. Distillation: The fermented mash is distilled, usually in copper stills, up to 160 proof.
4. Aging: The spirit is transferred into new, charred oak barrels and aged for at least 2 years to be considered “straight bourbon.”
5. Bottling: Bourbon is diluted to at least 80 proof and bottled with no added colors or flavors.

Types of Bourbon Whiskey

• Straight Bourbon: Aged at least 2 years, with no added flavors or colors.
• Wheated Bourbon: Uses wheat instead of rye for a softer, sweeter flavor.
• High-Rye Bourbon: Contains more rye, adding spiciness and boldness.
• Single Barrel Bourbon: Bottled from one barrel, offering unique flavor variations.
• Small Batch Bourbon: Made from a limited number of barrels, often with more complexity.

Bourbon vs. Other Whiskeys

What makes bourbon different from other whiskeys? Here’s a quick comparison:

• Bourbon vs. Scotch: Scotch is made in Scotland, often from malted barley, and can be smoky or peaty. Bourbon is sweeter and made mostly from corn.
• Bourbon vs. Irish Whiskey: Irish whiskey is typically triple-distilled and lighter in flavor. Bourbon is bolder and sweeter.
• Bourbon vs. Rye Whiskey: Rye whiskey (at least 51% rye) is spicier and drier, while bourbon (at least 51% corn) is sweeter and smoother.

Why Corn Is King in Bourbon

Corn is the defining grain in bourbon. It provides sweetness and body that balances the spice from rye or the softness from wheat. Corn also grows abundantly in the United States, making it an economical choice historically and culturally significant in bourbon’s development.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bourbon Ingredients

Does bourbon have gluten?

Bourbon is made with gluten-containing grains like barley and rye, but the distillation process removes gluten proteins. Most bourbons are safe for people with gluten sensitivity, though flavored bourbons may reintroduce gluten.

Can bourbon be made outside Kentucky?

Yes. Bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States, but about 95% of all bourbon comes from Kentucky due to its climate, water, and tradition.

How long must bourbon be aged?

Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. There is no minimum age, but to be called “straight bourbon,” it must be aged at least 2 years.

What makes bourbon sweet?

The high corn content (minimum 51%) and the caramelized sugars from charred oak barrels give bourbon its signature sweetness.

Conclusion: What Is Bourbon Whiskey Made From?

So, what is bourbon whiskey made from? At its heart, bourbon comes from a mash bill of at least 51% corn, blended with rye, wheat, and barley, mixed with pure water, fermented with yeast, distilled, and aged in new charred oak barrels. These simple ingredients, combined with time and tradition, create a uniquely American spirit that is sweet, bold, and endlessly enjoyable.

Whether you’re sipping it neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail like the Old Fashioned, bourbon’s ingredients shine through in every sip. Ready to taste the difference? Explore our bourbon collection today and discover the craftsmanship behind America’s native spirit.

Key Takeaways

• Bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn.
• Other grains like rye, barley, and wheat round out the mash bill.
• Water, yeast, and new charred oak barrels are essential components.
• Bourbon must be made in the U.S. and meet strict legal standards.
• The combination of corn sweetness and oak aging makes bourbon unique among whiskeys.