Updated May 2026.
“Aged bourbon” is not a TTB medal class. Bourbon has no minimum age unless it is labeled straight (at least two years) or carries an age statement — the youngest whiskey in the bottle. NAS can legally hold older barrels. A 1.5-ounce 90-proof pour is 1.13 NIAAA drinks whether the neck says 6, 10, or nothing. Not a 2023 ranking.
If aged under four years, TTB requires the age on the label. Related: 10-year bourbon, Eagle Rare, barrel proof.
Age statement vs marketing
| Label | What it means |
|---|---|
| Straight bourbon | At least 2 years; no added flavor/color |
| Age statement (e.g. 10 years) | Youngest whiskey in the bottle is that old |
| NAS | No number. Can include older whiskey |
| Under 4 years | Age must appear on the label |
| Labeled examples | Eagle Rare 10; Knob Creek 9 — not scores. Elijah Craig Small Batch is NAS now |
Four 90-proof pours are 4.5 drinks. NIAAA binge pattern is a health line, not a target. Allocation on older statements is real; we will not invent a 2026 street price. Pour math: whiskey drinks.
Sources
- 27 CFR 5.74 / 5.143 age statements and straight bourbon.
- Eagle Rare 10 / Knob Creek 9 are labeled ages. Elijah Craig SB dropped the 12-year statement current neck.
- NIAAA December 2025.