Updated April 2026.
Bourbon is a grain spirit. requires a mash of at least 51% corn, distillation at no more than 160 proof, entry into new charred oak at no more than 125 proof, and bottling at ≥80 proof. The other grains — rye, wheat, malted barley — are the flavoring mash, not a second class. A 1.5-ounce pour at 40% is one NIAAA drink. Mash-bill percentages are usually unpublished. No 2026 ranking.
Related: mash bill, wheated bourbon, bottled in bond.
What 5.143 requires
| Rule |
|---|
| Mash ≥51% corn |
| New charred oak |
| Bottled ≥80 proof |
| 1.5 oz at 40% |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 drinks. Four 80-proof pours are four drinks. Pour math: whiskey drinks.
Sources
- TTB 27 CFR 5.143; 5.74 (age statements). Mash % unused unless a brand page prints them.
- NIAAA December 2025.
- 1.00 NIAAA drink