"Kentucky" On The Label.

[cowdery]

One of the most persistent myths about bourbon is the one that says, "Kentucky is the only state allowed to put its name on the label." This is false as stated, since there is no such rule in the Federal Standards of Identity, except for the general requirement that statements of origin must be truthful.

I have, however, heard rumors that there is some relevant Kentucky statute, for which I have searched in vain. It's not exactly on point, but thanks to a poster on ADI Forums, I was able to find the nearest thing there is. (Emphasis added by me.)

244.370 Whiskey to be aged -- Exception if not labeled as Kentucky whiskey.

No whiskey produced in Kentucky, except whiskey the barrel containing which is branded "Corn Whiskey" under the internal revenue laws, shall be bottled in Kentucky or removed from this state unless such whiskey has been aged in oak barrels for a period of not less than one (1) full year; provided, however, that whiskey aged less than one (1) year may be removed from the state and bottled, or bottled in Kentucky, if the word "Kentucky" or any word or phrase implying Kentucky origin does not appear on the front label or elsewhere on the retail container or package except in the name and address of the distiller as required by federal regulation. For violations of this section, the department shall revoke the permit of the licensee from whose warehouse or premises such whiskey shall have been removed or in which such whiskey shall have been bottled.

Effective: July 15, 2010

History: Amended 2010 Ky. Acts ch. 24, sec. 595, effective July 15, 2010. -- Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 11, sec. 1. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 183, secs. 1 and 2. -- Amended 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 183, secs. 1 and 2. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 2554b-169.