Updated March 2026.
Straight bourbon is a TTB type, not a prestige badge. It is bourbon — ≥51% corn, US, charred new oak — aged at least two years with no added coloring or flavoring. If it is under four years requires an age statement. 100 proof is not bottled-in-bond. A 1.5-ounce pour at 40% is one NIAAA drink. Mash % unpublished.
Related: what bourbon is made from, bottled-in-bond, wheated bourbon.
Straight vs pour
| Language | 1.5 oz drinks |
|---|---|
| Bourbon | 1.00 at 40% |
| Straight bourbon | From labeled ABV |
| Under 4 years | — |
| 100 proof | 1.25 |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 drinks. Four 80-proof pours are four drinks. Pour math: whiskey drinks.
Sources
- 27 CFR 5.143 bourbon and straight bourbon. 27 CFR 5.74 age statements. 27 CFR 5.88 bottled-in-bond.
- Mash percentages unpublished unless a brand prints them. NIAAA December 2025.
- 27 CFR 5.143: ≥51% corn; US; new charred oak
- 27 CFR 5.74 age statement required
- ≠ bottled-in-bond unless 27 CFR 5.88