what makes whiskey burbon?

Answer 1

Bourbon is an American form of whiskey made from (pursuant to U.S. trade law) at least 51% corn, or maize — typically about 70% — with the remainder being wheat and/or rye, and malted barley. It is distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof, and aged in new charred oak barrels for at least two years. The two years maturation process is not a legal requirement for a whiskey to be called "bourbon," but it is a legal requirement for "straight bourbon." However, in practice, many bourbon whiskeys are aged for no fewer than four years.

Bourbon must be put into the barrels at no more than 125 U.S. proof. Generally, it is then adjusted to 80–100 proof and bottled. Some (mostly non-U.S.) jurisdictions do not allow alcoholic beverages with over 40% alcohol content to be sold. However, the recent trend among distillers has been to return to higher proofs, and even “cask strength” bottlings.

Answer 2

From
http://www.straightbourbon.com/faq.html#1
"There are strict laws governing just what a Bourbon must be to be labeled as such. For example, at least 51 percent of the grain used in making the whiskey must be corn (most distillers use 65 to 75 percent corn). Bourbon must be aged for a minimum of two years in new, white oak barrels that have been charred. Nothing can be added at bottling to enhance flavor, add sweetness or alter color. "

Bourbon must be made in the US, but does *NOT* have to be from Kentucky. Only to be called "Kentucky Bourbon" must it be from Kentucky.
From
http://www.straightbourbon.com/faq.html#4
"Bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States. All but a couple of brands are made in Kentucky, and Kentucky is the only state allowed to put its name on the bottle. And as Kentucky distillers are quick to point out, Bourbon is not Bourbon unless the label says so."

Answer 3

whiskeys from Kentucky are the only ones allowed to use the state name alongside bourbon on the label bourbon is not a straight corn whiskey but is made from a mixture of not less than 51% corn with malted barley come may contain a little rye the chief distinguishing taste of bourbon however derives from the barrels it matures in these are made of new American oak charred on the insides which allows the spirit freer access to the vanillin and tannins in the wood there are two types of bourbon sweet mash and sour mash the leading brand is jim bean

Answer 4

Great answers... Some great Whiskeys I have tried are:
Jack Single Barrel
Gentleman Jack
Knob Creek
Woodford Reserve
Makers Mark - My favorite sipping Whiskey
Jim Beam Black - My whisky for mixed drinks

Whiskeys I have yet to try:
Old Potrero (from the SF microbrewer Anchor Brewing) Cant wait to try!
Bakers
Bernheim
Evan Willams Single

A great Store
http://www.bevmo.com/productlist.asp?N=168+40+4294961920&Nr=Store%3A99&area=spirits&

Answer 5

Pirulee has given u the definitive answer. As a long time whiskey drinker I could not have given u a better answer even if I were sober. Just remember all Bourbons ARE whiskey but not all whiskeys are Bourbon. Bottoms Up.(that refers to ur glass not ur bumm)