What Makes It Bourbon

Six rules, and they are federal law, not marketing.

Bourbon has to be made in the United States. It does not have to be made in Kentucky, which is good news for Texas.

The rules

At least 51 percent corn in the mash. Distilled to no more than 160 proof. Put into new, charred oak containers at no more than 125 proof. Bottled at 80 proof or more. Nothing added but water to bring it down to bottling strength: no coloring, no flavoring.

What is not a rule

There is no minimum age for plain bourbon. The age rules kick in when a label says straight, which is its own lesson.