Bourbon must be made in the USA and meet specific requirements, which of the following is NOT one of those requirements?

Bourbon is a type of whiskey that must adhere to several specific legal standards to be classified as such. One of the essential criteria is that it must be made from at least 51% corn, which gives bourbon its distinctive sweet flavor profile.

While Kentucky is often associated with bourbon due to its rich history and concentration of distilleries, it is not a legal requirement for bourbon to be produced in Kentucky. Bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States, as long as it meets all the other criteria.

Aging in new charred oak barrels is also a requirement, as this process contributes significantly to the flavor and color of the bourbon. Moreover, the distillation proof limit of 160 proof ensures that the spirit retains enough character and flavor from the grains used.

The clarification of bourbon production highlights that its identity is not tied to a specific geographical location, making it a truly American spirit with a wide-reaching production capability across the country.