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Quizzes > Lifestyle & Hobbies

Bourbon Trivia Questions: Test Your Knowledge

Quick, free bourbon quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Muhammad IrhamUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration featuring bourbon bottles, glasses, flavor notes, fun facts quiz challenge on golden yellow background

This quiz helps you check your bourbon knowledge and learn a few new facts as you go. Explore mash bills, aging, and tasting notes, then see how you stack up with instant feedback. If you love the Bluegrass State, try our Kentucky trivia questions, or branch out with alcohol trivia questions and answers and a wine trivia quiz when you finish.

What is the primary grain used in bourbon production?
Wheat
Rye
Corn
Barley
By law, bourbon must be made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn, which makes corn the primary grain and gives bourbon its characteristic sweetness. Other grains like rye, wheat, or barley can be added to influence spice, mouthfeel, and flavor nuance. This requirement distinguishes bourbon from other whiskeys such as rye whiskey or wheat whiskey.
What is the minimum aging requirement for a spirit to be labeled "straight bourbon"?
1 year
4 years
3 years
2 years
To earn the designation "straight bourbon," the spirit must be aged in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. Aging less than two years requires an age statement on the label. This ensures a baseline of oak influence in color and flavor before bottling.
Which U.S. state is most closely associated with bourbon, branding itself as the "Birthplace of Bourbon"?
Kentucky
Ohio
Virginia
Tennessee
Kentucky produces roughly 95% of the world's bourbon and has a long history of distillation dating back to the late 18th century. Its limestone water, climate, and agricultural resources made it the epicenter of bourbon production. While bourbon can be made anywhere in the U.S., Kentucky remains the most famous for the spirit.
By law, bourbon must contain at least what percentage of corn in its mash bill?
70%
51%
80%
100%
Federal regulations require bourbon's mash bill to consist of at least 51% corn. This threshold provides a sweet backbone characteristic of bourbon. The remaining grains can include rye, wheat, or barley for flavor and fermentation.
What type of barrels must bourbon be aged in?
Stainless steel barrels
Previously used oak barrels
Glass containers
New charred oak barrels
U.S. law stipulates that bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels to impart characteristic flavors and color. Reusing barrels or alternative materials disqualifies the spirit from being called bourbon. The char level on the inside of the barrel helps extract vanillins, tannins, and other compounds.
Bourbon must be distilled to no more than what proof?
125 proof
150 proof
160 proof
170 proof
By regulation, bourbon must be distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% ABV) to ensure enough congeners and flavor compounds remain in the distillate. Distilling at higher proofs strips too much character from the spirit. This rule helps maintain bourbon's rich taste profile.
True or False: Bourbon must be made in Kentucky to be called bourbon.
True
False
Although Kentucky is the most famous bourbon-producing state, the spirit can legally be produced anywhere in the United States and still be called bourbon. The regulations focus on mash bill, distillation proof, barrel type, and aging, not geography. This allows distilleries in various states to label their product as bourbon.
Bourbon is a type of which broader category of spirits?
Rum
Vodka
Whiskey
Gin
Bourbon is a variety of whiskey, defined by its specific production criteria such as corn content, distillation proof, and barrel aging. Whiskey is the broad category for distilled spirits made from fermented grain mash. Variations include Scotch, rye, and Irish whiskey, among others.
What term refers to the portion of bourbon that evaporates from the barrel during aging?
Angel's share
Whiskey's cut
Barrel bleed
Devil's share
The portion of bourbon that evaporates through the wood staves of a barrel during maturation is called the ''angel's share.'' This loss typically ranges from 2% to 5% per year depending on climate conditions. It contributes to flavor concentration in the remaining liquid.
"Small batch" bourbon indicates:
The whiskey is aged less than two years
The whiskey is drawn from a limited number of selected barrels
The bourbon is produced by a small distillery
The whiskey is made from a single barrel
Small batch designations typically mean the bourbon comes from a curated selection of barrels, often numbered or limited in quantity. The number of barrels varies by producer and isn't regulated by law. This labeling signals greater consistency and craftsmanship than standard large-scale bottlings.
What does "bottled-in-bond" signify on a bourbon label?
Only distilled in Kentucky
Aged at least four years and bottled at 100 proof under government supervision
Produced from multiple distilleries
Straight bourbon aged at least two years
Bottled-in-bond bourbons are produced under the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act, requiring one distiller at one distillery in one season, aged at least four years, and bottled at exactly 100 proof under U.S. government supervision. This ensures authenticity and quality.
Which grain besides corn is commonly used in bourbon mash bills to add spice?
Millet
Rice
Barley
Rye
Rye is often used in bourbon mash bills to impart spicy, peppery notes that balance the sweetness of corn. Bourbons with higher rye content are sometimes labeled as "high-rye." Barley and wheat are also used but contribute different flavor profiles.
At what proof must bourbon enter the barrel for aging?
100 proof
125 proof
115 proof
135 proof
U.S. regulations require bourbon to go into new charred oak barrels at no more than 125 proof (62.5% ABV). This ensures optimal extraction of flavor compounds without over-dilution or excessive loss. Correct entry proof is critical for consistent maturation.
What does the term "wheated bourbon" refer to?
Bourbon blended with wheat whiskey
Bourbon aged in wheat barrels
Bourbon with wheat as the secondary grain in the mash bill
Bourbon made exclusively with wheat
Wheated bourbons replace rye with wheat as the secondary grain after corn, resulting in a softer, sweeter profile. Makers like Maker's Mark and W.L. Weller use wheated mash bills for a mellow, creamy flavor. This style remains less spicy than rye-forward bourbons.
Which act officially defined standards for bourbon in the U.S.?
Volstead Act
Pure Food and Drug Act
Federal Alcohol Administration Act
Homestead Act
The Federal Alcohol Administration Act of 1935 established labeling and production standards for distilled spirits, including bourbon, in the United States. It created the TTB predecessor agency to oversee compliance. This act formalized requirements like mash bill composition and aging.
Which flavor is commonly contributed by the charring of oak barrels?
Vanilla
Cucumber
Citrus
Banana
Charring oak barrels causes breakdown of lignin into vanillin, which imparts vanilla flavors to aged bourbon. Caramelization of wood sugars also adds sweetness and spice. The level of char influences intensity of these notes.
What is the purpose of the "rickhouse" in bourbon production?
The warehouse where barrels are stored and aged
A type of yeast strain
The filtration system before bottling
A type of mash cooker
A rickhouse (or rackhouse) is a multi-story warehouse where bourbon barrels are stored for aging. Temperature and humidity vary by floor, affecting maturation rates and flavors. The term reflects the ricks (shelves) that hold the barrels.
Which distillation apparatus is most commonly used in bourbon distilleries?
Pot still
Column (continuous) still
Alembic still
Coffey still
Most modern bourbon distilleries use column (continuous) stills to increase efficiency and control purity. Column stills allow for continuous operation and finer separation of components. Pot stills are more common in Scotch and Irish whisky production.
What chemical reaction during barrel aging gives bourbon much of its amber color?
Oxidization
Saponification
Maillard reaction
Fermentation
During charring and subsequent aging, Maillard reactions between sugars and amino compounds in the wood produce melanoidins and other pigments. These compounds contribute significantly to bourbon's amber hue. Extraction of char-derived caramelized sugars also deepens color.
What is "cask strength" bourbon?
Bourbon blended from multiple cask types
Bourbon aged in wine casks
Bourbon bottled at the proof it was in the barrel
Bourbon diluted to 80 proof
Cask strength (or barrel proof) bourbon is bottled at the same proof at which it rested in the barrel, without dilution. This results in higher alcohol content and more intense flavor. Proof levels can range widely by batch and warehouse location.
How does warehouse location affect bourbon aging?
It changes the type of yeast used
It dictates the distillation proof
It determines the mash bill composition
Temperature and humidity differences influence maturation rate
Warehouse location and design expose barrels to varying temperatures and humidity, leading to differences in expansion, contraction, and wood interaction. This warehouse effect changes flavor development and aging rate across floors and buildings. Distilleries may blend barrels from multiple rickhouses for consistency.
What role do lactobacilli play in sour mash bourbon production?
They maintain a low pH and flavor consistency
They convert sugar to alcohol
They add carbonation
They remove unwanted compounds
In sour mash processes, lactobacilli help establish an acidic environment by producing lactic acid from leftover mash. This low pH prevents unwanted bacterial growth and ensures consistency in flavor from batch to batch. It's a key factor in many bourbon production protocols.
What distinguishes "single barrel" bourbon from other types?
Bottled from barrels in one distillery but blended
Each bottle comes from an individual barrel without blending different barrels
It is aged in only one type of warehouse
It uses a single grain in the mash bill
Single barrel bourbon is drawn exclusively from one barrel for each batch and bottled without blending barrels. Each barrel imparts unique characteristics based on its warehouse position and wood interaction. Labels often list barrel and rickhouse numbers.
Which lignin-derived compound contributes to the vanilla note in aged bourbon and how is it formed?
Eucalyptol formed through esterification
Tannic acid formed during fermentation
Cinnamic acid formed during malting
Vanillin formed by breakdown of lignin during barrel charring
Vanillin is produced when lignin in oak wood breaks down under the high heat of barrel charring. This compound dissolves into the spirit during aging, imparting the characteristic vanilla aroma. The concentration depends on char level and aging time.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Bourbon Production Basics -

    After completing the bourbon quiz, readers will grasp essential concepts like mash bills, aging processes, and legal requirements that define bourbon. This foundational knowledge helps demystify how bourbon gets its distinctive character.

  2. Differentiate Flavor Profiles -

    Engaging with the bourbon trivia questions and answers enables readers to recognize and describe common tasting notes such as caramel, vanilla, and spice. They'll learn to articulate the sensory nuances that set premium bourbons apart.

  3. Identify Historical and Industry Insights -

    Readers will be able to pinpoint key moments in bourbon history and understand industry terms, enhancing their appreciation for the spirit's heritage. This outcome ensures a well-rounded grasp of bourbon culture.

  4. Evaluate Your Bourbon Knowledge -

    By challenging themselves with our free bourbon quiz, participants can benchmark their existing expertise and spot areas for improvement. This self-assessment fosters targeted learning and deeper engagement.

  5. Apply Trivia to Real-World Tasting -

    Armed with new trivia from our bourbon quiz, readers will feel confident applying insights during tastings or discussions, impressing friends with both fun facts and informed opinions. This practical skill elevates any bourbon experience.

  6. Master Bourbon Trivia Strategies -

    Readers will learn techniques to recall answers quickly in trivia settings, from mnemonic devices to structured study tips based on the quiz format. This helps them excel in any bourbon-themed challenge.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Legal Definition & Standards -

    Mastering bourbon trivia questions starts with knowing the strict criteria set by the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Bourbon must be produced in the USA from a mash bill of at least 51% corn, distilled to no more than 160 proof, entered into new charred oak barrels at no more than 125 proof, and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof without additives (TTB.gov).

  2. Mash Bill Mysteries -

    In many bourbon trivia questions and answers, distillers' grain recipes (mash bills) are key to flavor. Remember "C-R-B" (Corn, Rye, Barley) - the higher the rye content, the spicier the profile, while malted barley helps enzymatic conversion; these percentages shape signature expressions (DistillingInstitute.org).

  3. Aging & Char Level Impact -

    Barrel aging in new charred oak is where bourbon gains its color and complex flavors, from vanillin to tannins. Use the "Char 3 Rule": most bourbons use level 3 charring to balance sweet caramel notes with toasty smoke - a favorite topic in any bourbon quiz.

  4. Bottled-in-Bond Legacy -

    The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 ensures a spirit is from one distillery in a single season, aged at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof under government supervision. This historic standard often appears in bourbon trivia questions as a benchmark for authenticity and quality (KentuckyDistillers.org).

  5. Tasting Techniques & Flavor Mapping -

    Answer bourbon trivia questions like a pro by mastering the Four S's: Sight (observe color), Swirl (release aromas), Sniff (identify notes like vanilla, oak, spice), and Sip (evaluate mouthfeel and finish). Map flavors on a wheel - sweet, fruity, spicy, woody - to train your palate and boost quiz performance.

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