Rules Of Bourbon Slideshow

Photo courtesy of iStock/elkor
The Daily Meal Staff|

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Bourbon Rule #1

Bourbon Rule #1 Photo courtesy of iStock/elkor

Bourbon must be made of a grain mixture consisting of at least 51% corn.

Bourbon Rule #2

Bourbon Rule #2 Photo courtesy of iStock/abzee

Bourbon must be distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof (80% alcohol by volume).

Bourbon Rule #3

Bourbon Rule #3 Photo courtesy of Arthur Bovino

Nothing can be added to bourbon besides distilled water (no colors, flavors or caramel coloring).

Bourbon Rule #4

Bourbon Rule #4 Photo courtesy of iStock/conn75

Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak aging barrels.

Bourbon Rule #5

Bourbon Rule #5 Photo courtesy of flickr/Jason Rojas

Bourbon may not be introduced to the barrel at higher than 125 proof (62.5% alcohol by volume).

Bourbon Rule #6

Bourbon Rule #6 Photo courtesy of Flickr/joebeone

Bourbon which meets the above requirements and has been aged for a minimum of two years, may (but is not required to) be called Straight Bourbon.

Bourbon Rule #7

Bourbon Rule #7 Photo courtesy of flickr/Chris Breeze

Bourbon aged for a period less than four years must be labeled with the duration of its aging.

Bourbon Rule #8

Bourbon Rule #8 Bernt Rostad

If an age is stated on the label, it must be the age of the youngest whiskey in the bottle.

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101 Things To Do with Ramen Noodles by Toni Patrick Istock/lillisphotography

Unbelievably, doorstop, pipe insulation, and picture frame are not included.

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