What is the minimum percentage of corn in Bourbon's grain base?

What is the minimum percentage of corn in Bourbon's grain base?

• A. 60%
• B. 70%
• C. 51%
• D. 80%

Answer: (C)

The main idea is the legal definition of bourbon: it must be made from a mash bill with at least 51% corn. That 51% threshold is what classifies a spirit as bourbon, with the remaining grains (like rye, wheat, or malted barley) filling out the rest of the mash. So, when asked for the minimum percentage of corn, 51% is the correct answer because anything below that would not meet the bourbon standard, while higher percentages (60%, 70%, 80%) still qualify as bourbon but exceed the minimum.

The main idea is the legal definition of bourbon: it must be made from a mash bill with at least 51% corn. That 51% threshold is what classifies a spirit as bourbon, with the remaining grains (like rye, wheat, or malted barley) filling out the rest of the mash. So, when asked for the minimum percentage of corn, 51% is the correct answer because anything below that would not meet the bourbon standard, while higher percentages (60%, 70%, 80%) still qualify as bourbon but exceed the minimum.