Food - Drink
What Is High Corn Bourbon And How Is It Different From Corn Whiskey?
By WENDY LEIGH
Unlike standard whiskey, bourbon whiskey must contain at least 51% corn, but there are also separate categories of "corn whiskey" and "high corn bourbon."
Both "high corn bourbon" and "corn whiskey" must be made of 80% corn to qualify for their names, but these two types of liquor are not interchangeable.
Several policies govern how bourbon, including high corn versions, must be produced. Bourbon must be made in America and stored in new charred oak barrels for at least two years.
Standard corn whiskeys have no aging requirements. The only exception is if it's labeled as a "straight corn whiskey," in which case it gets the same two-year aging as bourbons.
Any oak-based corn whiskey storage must occur in used or uncharred vessels instead of new ones, explicitly preventing corn whiskey from being classified as bourbon.
Other restrictions prevent the use of oak chips to add the charred-wood bourbon taste to corn whiskey, or blending in any other spirit that's been in contact with charred wood.
By law, any bourbon, including high corn versions, can have no added flavors or colors; nothing but water is allowed if needed to reach the maximum proof restriction.