CBP Regulations & Compliance — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which U.S. law legally defines bourbon as a distinctive product of the United States?
- The Prohibition Act
- The Bourbon Whiskey Act of 1964 (Correct answer)
- The Fair Trade Act
- The Beverage Control Act
Correct answer: The Bourbon Whiskey Act of 1964
The Bourbon Whiskey Act of 1964 legally defined bourbon as a unique product of the United States with strict production requirements.
Question 2: What is the minimum percentage of corn required in bourbon production by law?
- 40%
- 51% (Correct answer)
- 60%
- 75%
Correct answer: 51%
By U.S. law, bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn to meet the legal definition.
Question 3: What is the maximum proof bourbon can be distilled at to meet legal requirements?
- 100 proof
- 160 proof (Correct answer)
- 190 proof
- 200 proof
Correct answer: 160 proof
Bourbon must be distilled at no more than 160 proof to retain essential flavor compounds.
Question 4: Which regulation mandates that bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels?
- FDA Beverage Standards
- The Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits (Correct answer)
- The Tied House Law
- The Bottled-in-Bond Act
Correct answer: The Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits
U.S. law requires bourbon to be aged in new, charred oak barrels, ensuring consistent quality and flavor development.
Question 5: What is the minimum aging requirement for bourbon?
- No minimum aging required
- At least two years for straight bourbon (Correct answer)
- At least five years
- At least ten years
Correct answer: At least two years for straight bourbon
Although no minimum aging is required to label a spirit as bourbon, it must be aged at least two years to be called 'straight bourbon.'
Question 6: Which organization oversees the labeling and production standards of bourbon?
- FDA
- TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) (Correct answer)
- USDA
- OSHA
Correct answer: TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau)
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulates bourbon labeling and ensures compliance with federal production standards.
CBP Regulations & Compliance
Which U.S. law legally defines bourbon as a distinctive product of the United States?