CBP CBP Aging & Maturation 2

Question 1

What does 'age statement' on a bourbon label refer to?

Accepted Answer

The youngest whiskey in the blend

Answer

The founding year of the distillery

Answer

The average age of all barrels used

Answer

The oldest barrel in the batch

Question 2

Straight bourbon must be aged for a minimum of how long?

Accepted Answer

2 years

Answer

6 months

Answer

1 year

Answer

4 years

Question 3

If a straight bourbon is aged less than 4 years, what additional information must appear on the label?

Accepted Answer

An age statement

Answer

The distillery's name and address

Answer

The mash bill grain percentages

Answer

The barrel entry proof

Question 4

What is 'rickhouse' or 'rackhouse' temperature cycling, and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Seasonal and daily temperature fluctuations that cause the spirit to expand into and contract out of the wood

Answer

A forced heating system that speeds aging to 6 months

Answer

A cooling system that prevents over-extraction of tannins

Answer

A humidity control method that prevents the angel's share

Question 5

Which compound extracted from oak during aging is responsible for vanilla notes in bourbon?

Accepted Answer

Vanillin

Answer

Eugenol

Answer

Guaiacol

Answer

Furfural

Question 6

What effect does a higher barrel entry proof generally have on the resulting bourbon's flavor profile?

Accepted Answer

Creates a lighter-bodied spirit by diluting congeners before wood contact

Answer

Produces a heavier, more grain-forward spirit with less wood influence

Answer

Increases tannin extraction only

Answer

Has no effect — only grain bill determines flavor