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

By law, an age statement on bourbon must reflect the youngest whiskey in the bottle.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

2 years

Answer

To be labeled 'straight bourbon,' the spirit must be aged a minimum of two years in new charred oak containers.

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

Straight bourbon aged under four years must display an age statement so consumers know the exact aging period.

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

Natural temperature cycling causes bourbon to repeatedly push into and pull back from the wood, driving extraction of flavors, color, and maturation compounds.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Vanillin

Answer

Vanillin, released from the breakdown of lignin in charred oak, is the primary source of vanilla flavor in aged bourbon.

(CBP) Certified Bourbon Professional Practice Test

(CBP) Certified Bourbon Professional Practice Test

CBP CBP Aging & Maturation 2