CBP Quality Assurance & Compliance 3

Question 1

What is the minimum aging requirement for a bourbon to be labeled 'Straight Bourbon Whiskey' if no age statement is present?

Accepted Answer

2 years

Answer

Straight bourbon must be aged at least 2 years; if aged less than 4 years, an age statement is required.

Question 2

Which analytical method is most commonly used to measure alcohol content in finished bourbon for compliance bottling?

Accepted Answer

Digital density meter (oscillating U-tube)

Answer

Digital density meters provide fast, accurate proof measurements traceable to TTB-approved methods for bottling compliance.

Question 3

A distillery's water supply tests positive for elevated iron. What quality concern does this primarily raise for bourbon production?

Accepted Answer

Iron can cause haze and off-flavors in the finished whiskey

Answer

Excess iron reacts with phenolic compounds in whiskey to produce dark hazes and metallic off-notes that affect quality.

Question 4

Under 27 CFR Part 5, what is the minimum bottling proof for bourbon?

Accepted Answer

80 proof

Answer

Federal regulations require that bourbon be bottled at no less than 80 proof (40% ABV).

Question 5

A QA manager discovers a bottling line error: 1,000 cases were filled at 78 proof instead of 80. What is the correct regulatory action?

Accepted Answer

Halt sales, re-process or destroy the lot, and document the deviation for TTB records

Answer

Product below the legal minimum proof cannot be sold as bourbon; it must be re-processed or destroyed with full TTB documentation.

(CBP) Certified Bourbon Professional Practice Test