CBP Aging & Maturation Flashcards

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

Answer: The youngest whiskey in the blend

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

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

Answer: 2 years

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

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

Answer: An age statement

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

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

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

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

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

Answer: Vanillin

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

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

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

Entering the barrel at higher proof dilutes congeners and limits wood extraction, tending to produce a lighter, smoother spirit.