Straight Bourbon

[DrinkyBanjo]

If Straight Bourbon has to be bottled at no more than 125 proof how is George T. Stagg labeled as such?

[Dave_in_Canada]

If Straight Bourbon has to be bottled at no more than 125 proof how is George T. Stagg labeled as such?

The regulations state "stored" not "bottled" at no more than 125 proof. Although I'm sure they'd like to, the government has no control over evaporation etc. once the barrels are put into storage.

[DrinkyBanjo]

Thanks all.

[cowdery]

The only restriction on bottling proof is at the bottom, it can't be less than 80 proof or it has to be labeled "diluted."

[Gillman]

Proof rises in the barrel (most often) due apparently to the differing size of alcohol and water molecules. The rules say no entry in barrel at over 125 proof but the government knows it will rise from there "naturally" and as many have said, there is no limit on bottling proof. At the risk of annoying those who rely on searches to discover info already on the board, I would like to ask if some good heart can summarise here the different years and strengths of GTS including the Kentucky-only version. I have a chance to buy some soon and while I won't have a choice of different versions, I am curious about which one I will be buying and its taste characteristics. Thanks.

Gary

[barturtle]

2002: 15 yr, 137.6 proof (w/ 2002 sticker)
2003: 15 yr, 142.7 proof (affectionately known here as "HazMat")
2004: 16 yr, 129 proof
2005: 16 yr, 8 mo, Lot A 130.9 proof (KY only), Lot B 131.8 proof (outside KY), (the two lots are from the same batch, but bottled at different times

Copied and pasted from another post, Thanks Barrel Proof.

[Hedmans Brorsa]

it can't be less than 80 proof or it has to be labeled "diluted."

Never heard of this before. Are there some bottlings of this in existence or is it a thing of the past?

[kbuzbee]

it can't be less than 80 proof or it has to be labeled "diluted."

Never heard of this before. Are there some bottlings of this in existence or is it a thing of the past?

It seems to be a weird holdover of our Prohibition but there are places licenced to sell alcohol which is of lower proof. In Ohio you find that in grocery stores, for example. In our grocery you will find whisky, rum and vodka all around 40 proof. You have to look closely or you'll wind up with something you aren't expecting. They also carry many things for which the lower proof they are allowed to sell is also the usual proof you would expect (beer, wine etc)

There may be other reasons/examples as well...

Ken

[boone]

I don't know if the laws have changed....but...when I was a label machine operator at HH...No, "Straight Bourbon" whiskey (USA) could be less that 80 proof. If it was less than eighty proof, it had include the word "diluted".

Blend whiskey, (not blended whiskies) could carry the lower proof without the word diluted. Aristocrat blend 70/30 carries the, 70 proof.

Some EXPORTS carry a lower proof (without the word diluted) but the rules change on that one.

No restrictions on Vodka...Ropa, 70 proof, does not state diluted. The Gem Clear (brand) 70 poof has the word diluted.

Bettye Jo

[Gillman]

What does the 70/30 mean, Bettye Jo? Does that mean 70% bourbon to 30% GNS or other spirits? If so that is the highest blend I know in terms of bourbon content. The blends I know have 51% bourbon (e.g. the non-straight version of Kentucky Gentleman; at least, that is the percentage of straight whiskey stated on the label). A blend made of a high percentage of straight whiskey(s) and a low percentage of GNS, new whiskey, Canadian, etc. can be really good, giving the bourbon just the touch of lightness it often needs for good balance and neat consumption. Any chance of seeing a picture of the Aristocrat bottle? Thanks!

Gary

P.S. When I was in B'town, I bought some VOB at the liquor store on the left side of the road going up towards the road that turns onto the way to Heaven Hill. The store is next to the Keene Ham store. I like this store because it reminds me of photos I have seen from the mid-20th century of liquor stores in Kentucky. In talking to the owner, he said many people don't buy blend whiskey or blended whiskey because it is cheaper than bourbon; he said many people prefer the blended taste to an all-straight whiskey.