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Bulk Bourbon 101: What You Need to Know

Bulk Bourbon 101: What You Need to Know
Bulk Bourbon 101: What You Need to Know
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The origins of Bourbon Whiskey may be a topic of debate, but one thing is clear - to be classified as Bourbon, the bulk spirit must be distilled in a specific environment while following proper legal regulations. Since the 1800s, Bourbon has been proudly produced in Kentucky and continues to be enjoyed as a classic American whiskey.

If you're interested in learning more about classic American-styled liquors or exploring the best types of bulk whiskey for your needs, you're in the right place. Bourbon and other whiskey varieties are readily available in bulk liquid-sourcing units, thanks to the distilling and aging process. Keep reading to discover more about Bourbon as a bulk liquor option.

Here’s what you need to know about Bourbon:

  • Requirements for Bourbon

  • Types of Bourbon

  • Brindiamo Group Helps Businesses Source the Right Amount of Liquor

Requirements for Bourbon

When it comes to production and labeling, there are specific legal requirements that need to be met for a spirit to be classified as a classic American Bourbon. It's worth noting that the term "bourbon" is reserved for liquors made exclusively within the United States, following the regulations of American Whiskey Aging.

Exports of bourbon outside of Canada are not subject to these regulations.

The regulations set forth by the Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits for bourbon made for US consumption include the following rules:

  • The spirit must be produced either the United States

  • The mash (a mixture of fermentable grain) must include a minimum of 51% corn

  • Spirits must be aged in a new, charred oak barrel

  • Must be distilled to produce 80% alcohol

  • Must enter the barrel for aging at no more than 62.5% alcohol

  • Mash must be distilled to no more than 160 proof or less

  • Distillate must be stored in charred new oak barrels at no more than 125 proof or less

  • Per bottle, bourbon must reach 40% alcohol, or 80 proof

Visit Brindiamo Group to learn more about our liquid sourcing solutions!

Types of Bourbon

With a multitude of distillation methods for whiskey alone, the classic American Bourbon that we all cherish can be crafted and aged in various ways, resulting in a diverse array of flavor profiles.

Here are some of the most common types of bourbon whiskey:

High Corn Bourbon

As previously mentioned, in order to be classified as an American Bourbon, the spirit must contain a minimum of 51% corn in the aging process. While bourbons with a higher corn content, up to 70 or 80%, are less common, they result in a noticeably sweeter flavor profile.

High Rye Bourbon

Rye, another type of whiskey, is distilled similarly to the classic style of Bourbon but tends to be produced using 8 to 10% rye. Bourbons that fall under the category of “high rye” often incorporate spicy and bold flavors, with up to 35% rye used in the distillation and aging process. The end result of a high rye bourbon is a warm, spiced flavor profile that delivers a punch at 100 proof.

Wheated Bourbon

While traditional bourbon recipes typically do not include wheat in the mixture, wheated bourbons are a delightful exception! These spirits incorporate wheat as a secondary ingredient after corn, resulting in a range of grain percentages that offer sweet, soft notes of caramel and vanilla.

Cask Strength

For bourbon enthusiasts looking for a bold and intense flavor experience, cask strength or barrel-proof bourbons are a top choice. These spirits are unadulterated straight from the barrel, delivering a robust, smoky taste with hints of charred oak - a true embodiment of classic American flavors.

Brindiamo Group Helps Businesses Source the Right Amount of Liquor

Logistics and sourcing are major challenges for any product-driven business, and those operating in the adult beverage industry are no exception. At Brindiamo Group, each one of our team members comes from an entrepreneurial background and has lifetimes of experience solving distillery problems.

Nobody understands this better than we do. Each member of our team comes from an entrepreneurial background and has extensive experience in solving these challenges. Why spend valuable time and effort on sourcing when we can quickly connect you with one of our trusted industry partners within hours?

At Brindiamo, we take pride in offering comprehensive sourcing solutions to our clients. We understand that locating alcohol distillers for your startup can be initially overwhelming.

Visit the Brindiamo Group to see how we can help you today.

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