How To Read A Bourbon Label

Forbes

a day ago

Bourbon Bottles for sale. dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images
Walking down the bourbon aisle at any liquor store these days is akin to the feeling Charlie had when he walked into Wonka's Chocolate Factory; there is just so much whiskey goodness to choose from that it can all be a bit overwhelming. Bottles line the aisle like trophies filled with amber goodness, each one with a label crying out for your attention. Some cry out their age, others offer hints about obscure family recipes, while others tout traits like "Old," "Reserve," "Single Barrel," and "Small Batch." It's enough to give one a headache.
Well, it's not as complicated as it seems; all you need is a quick primer on how to decipher the information contained on a bourbon label and how it applies to your tastes. Here is how to read a label like a true connoisseur.
First, let's establish the foundation. Bourbon is a type of American whiskey, but not all American whiskeys are bourbons. To earn that title, it must meet a strict set of legal standards defined by U.S. federal law.
· It must be made in the United States.
· Its mash bill (grain recipe) must be at least 51% corn.
· It must be distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% ABV).
· It must be aged in new, charred oak barrels.
· It must enter the barrel at no more than 125 proof (62.5% ABV).
· It must be bottled at no less than 80 proof (40% ABV).
· And this one's big- no additives of any kind are allowed, except pure water.
All of this means that when you pick up a bottle labeled 'bourbon', you're guaranteed a level of authenticity, transparency, and craft.
Barrels of maturing bourbon whisky at the Makers Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky. | Location: Loretto, Kentucky, USA. (Photo by James Leynse/Corbis via Getty Images) Corbis via Getty Images Bourbon Types
Ok, now you need to know what type of bourbon is in the bottle. The first step is to examine the terms the distiller has used to label their bourbon. Straight Bourbon
This is a legally defined term that indicates the bourbon inside has been aged for at least two years in new, charred oak barrels. If it's younger than four years, most straight bourbons aren't, then it must list the exact age of the youngest barrel used in the blend on the label. If you're looking for a great sipping whiskey, you usually can't go wrong with a straight bourbon. Bottled in Bond
Another legally defined term, this is a throwback to a 19th-century purity law that guarantees a few things. The bourbon is at least four years old, exactly 100 proof and produced by a single distiller in a single season. Also, it must bear the name and number of the Distilled Spirits Plant (D.S.P.) where it was created, and if different, the D.S.P. number of the bottling facility. If you're looking for value and quality, bonded bourbon often delivers. Kentucky Bourbon
To be labeled a Kentucky Bourbon, the liquid in the bottle must be distilled in the Bluegrass state. That is the only requirement, so the term can be attached to many different flavors and styles of Kentucky bourbon. Blended Bourbon
Perhaps one of the most common types of bourbon on the market, the moniker Blended Bourbon isn't one to turn your nose up at. All it means is that the liquid inside the bottle was made from a blend of bourbons, which may often have different mash bills and may be from various distilleries and states. While in the past they were frequently used in lower-cost bourbons, and still are, these days there is a wide array of premium bourbons working with exciting blends. Single Barrel and Small Batch Bourbon
While neither of these terms is federally regulated, they are quite popular in the bourbon world and are major award categories, so they tend to be highly self-policed in the industry. Each communicates to a drinker that the liquid contained within is from a limited lot and, as such, is a premium product that commands a higher price. Most distillers reserve the use of these labels for some of their finest bottlings. Single Barrel is self-explanatory; the whiskey is from one single barrel and, as such, can vary between bottlings. Small Batch creations that are often aged in batches of up to two hundred barrels before being blended to create a final product. Wheated and High Rye Bourbon
Increasingly popular these days, both styles refer to their grain bills, which contain a higher amount of the labeled grain in the blend than a typical bourbon. Both still contain a minimum of 51% corn, hence the bourbon label, but offer vastly different tastes. Cask Strength Bourbon
Also known as Barrel-Proof, this title implies that the whiskey inside has been bottled at the proof it was when it came out of its barrel, unlike most bourbons, which are watered down at the distillery to achieve a specific proof and flavor profile. It's often at 50% ABV, 100 proof or higher. This is another style that is gaining popularity these days due to its richer and more robust flavors.
Bourbon labels loaded with information. Getty Images Up Front: Reading the Main Label
Now it's time to decipher the rest of the information that usually appears on the front and back labels of a bourbon bottle. Distiller Name
Obviously, this is the first thing you will see. Each bourbon has its own story behind it, and many, especially higher-end ones, want you to feel it from the moment you see their bottle. Often, they will expand on the story on the back label. Age Statement
If you see 'Aged 10 Years,' that means the youngest bourbon in the bottle spent that long in a barrel. No exceptions. Older age can mean deeper flavor, but it also depends on the distillery's climate, barrel type, and warehouse location. Proof
Proof is simply double the alcohol by volume (ABV). So 100 proof = 50% ABV. Higher proof bourbons usually mean more concentrated flavor and more heat. Barrel or Batch Numbers
If the label lists a barrel number or batch code, you're usually looking at a Single Barrel or Small Batch bourbon. These expressions are less consistent but often more interesting. A single-barrel bottle might taste slightly different from the next. This piece of information reveals that the distiller wants you to know they are transparent in their bottlings, allowing you to trace your bottle back to its source. Digging Deeper: The Fine Print
There are a few more clues to be found upon deeper inspection of a bottle's labels. 'Distilled by' vs. 'Produced by'
This subtle phrasing matters. "Distilled by" means the company actually made the whiskey. "Produced by," "Bottled by," or "Manufactured by" may indicate that the bourbon was sourced or purchased from another distiller and rebranded. That's not always bad, but it's good to be aware of.
Example: A bottle that says "Produced by John Doe Spirits, Bardstown, KY, distilled by MGP." MGP is a major contract distiller in Indiana, known for its award-winning bourbons, so the bourbon within should be of high quality. Mash Bill
Many producers will mention their mash bill, especially if it features a particular grain profile. There are three common styles:
· Traditional Bourbon: Mostly corn, with rye and malted barley (e.g., Elijah Craig, Evan Williams)
· High-Rye Bourbon: Spicier, with rye levels up to 35% (e.g., Bulleit, Four Roses Single Barrel)
· Wheated Bourbon: Soft and smooth, swaps rye for wheat (e.g., Weller, Maker's Mark) Buzzwords
Bourbon labels are foremost a brand's number one marketing tool. While they do contain a wealth of important information, there are many terms designed to grab your attention. Here are some popular buzzwords to be aware of when reading a label.
· Handcrafted
· Reserve
· Old
· Special Selection
· Artisan
Don't be fooled by fancy fonts and old-timey words. A 'Master's Select Reserve' could be excellent—or not. The label alone won't tell you.
Co-owner Erin Kehoe serves a glass of Colonel E.H. Taylor bourbon whiskey on the bar at the Whiskey Pickle on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 in Troy, N.Y. (Photo by Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union via Getty Images) Albany Times Union via Getty Ima Real-World Example
Let's decode a real label: Eagle Rare 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 90 Proof 'Eagle Rare' is the brand, made by Buffalo Trace.
is the brand, made by Buffalo Trace. '10 Year' tells you it's aged a whole decade.
tells you it's aged a whole decade. 'Straight Bourbon' confirms it's a minimum of 2 years and has no additives.
confirms it's a minimum of 2 years and has no additives. 'Kentucky' points to its state of distillation—important, as some brands bottle bourbon elsewhere.
points to its state of distillation—important, as some brands bottle bourbon elsewhere. 90 Proof = 45% ABV, a moderate strength
This label tells you it's legit: long-aged, additive-free, and bottled at a proof that still delivers complexity without too much burn. Final Tip: Trust the Label—But Do Your Homework
A good bourbon label is a map that can tell you a great deal about the whiskey inside. By understanding a few basics, you can cut through the clutter to find ones that you will enjoy. Once you have found a few you like, dive in deeper. Research the distillery. Learn the brand's history. Talk to your favorite bartenders. Charlie only found his Golden Ticket by doing some legwork, and you can find yours too. Hopefully, your journey will be a great one.
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