VUE

Age Statements Remember, age is just a number. An older bourbon isn't good because it's old, sometimes it's just older. When it comes to what age to buy, try not to get caught up in the logistics of it all. Oentimes companies with high age statements are marketed as "premium" which allows them to be sold at an increased price point, regardless of their quality. is has led some brands in recent years to omit age statements from their labels altogether. If you absolutely need to know, 8-12 years is usually the sweet spot. Straight Bourbon Whiskey To call a bourbon "straight" means it contains no additional coloring or flavoring, and that is has been aged at least two years in the barrel. Once it's distilled, a straight bourbon cannot exceed 80 percent ABV. If it's aged less than four years, the bottle is required to have an age statement. e catch with straight bourbons is that they're a blend of different barrels so the age you see technically refers to the youngest barrel in the mix, not the bottle as a whole. Bottled-in-Bond Very few bourbons are considered "bottled-in-bond" or "bonded" because of an extremely stringent set of rules they must follow. To be bottled-in-bond, a bourbon has to have been made at a single distillery by one distiller in one distillation season and then aged four years in a federally bonded and supervised warehouse. e bourbon must also be bottled at 100 proof, 50 percent ABV. Bonded bourbons tend to have a bolder, more concentrated flavor and are produced more so by big-name brands rather than cra distilleries— hence their affordability. Single Barrel Like its name lets on, this bourbon comes from one specific barrel. For this reason, no two single barrel offerings can ever, or will ever, be the same. ose who seek consistency may want to look elsewhere. A single barrel expression means there's no dilution, no mixing or mingling— just the very best whiskey in its natural state. It's as close to tapping the barrel as you can get. Small Batch ere is no set standard for what makes up a small batch bourbon. Typically it refers to a limited- edition bourbon that's made from a small number of select barrels. e result is a bourbon that appeals to those looking for something with its own distinct personality, and a price tag to match its exclusivity. HOW-TO V U E N J . C O M 75

• Cover