CBP Ingredients & Raw Materials

Question 1

What is the minimum percentage of corn required by federal law in a bourbon mash bill?

Accepted Answer

51%

Answer

Federal regulations mandate that bourbon must contain at least 51% corn in its grain recipe to be legally classified as bourbon.

Question 2

What geological feature of Kentucky makes its water particularly well-suited for bourbon production?

Accepted Answer

Limestone bedrock that filters iron and adds calcium

Answer

Kentucky's limestone geology naturally filters iron from groundwater while enriching it with calcium, creating an ideal mineral profile for yeast health and fermentation.

Question 3

Which grain in a bourbon mash bill provides the enzymes necessary to convert starches into fermentable sugars?

Accepted Answer

Malted barley

Answer

Malted barley contains amylase enzymes activated during the malting (germination) process that break down grain starches into fermentable sugars during mashing.

Question 4

What is a bourbon 'mash bill'?

Accepted Answer

The recipe specifying the types and proportions of grains used

Answer

A mash bill is the grain recipe that specifies the exact percentages of corn, a flavor grain (rye or wheat), and malted barley used in bourbon production.

Question 5

Why is iron content in water considered detrimental to bourbon production?

Accepted Answer

It inhibits yeast activity and negatively affects fermentation and flavor

Answer

Iron inhibits yeast health and fermentation efficiency, and can produce off-flavors in the finished bourbon, which is why Kentucky's limestone-filtered water (naturally iron-free) is prized.

(CBP) Certified Bourbon Professional Practice Test

(CBP) Certified Bourbon Professional Practice Test

CBP Ingredients & Raw Materials