Mellow Corn is not classified as a bourbon because it does not meet one specific requirement of the bourbon definition – aging in new charred American oak barrels. While the mashbill of Mellow Corn, which consists of 80% corn, would qualify it as a bourbon in terms of grain composition, the use of once-used barrels sets it apart.
The legal definition of bourbon, as determined by the U.S. Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits, states that bourbon must be aged in new charred oak containers. These containers are typically barrels made from American white oak, which impart unique flavors and characteristics to the spirit during the aging process. By using barrels that have already been used once, Mellow Corn deviates from this requirement.
The decision to use once-used barrels for aging can have an impact on the flavor profile of the whiskey. New barrels contribute more intense oak flavors and can influence the spirit in a more pronounced manner. Once-used barrels, on the other hand, may have already imparted some of their oak and char characteristics to a previous batch of whiskey, resulting in a potentially milder influence on subsequent batches.
It's worth noting that the use of once-used barrels is not uncommon in the whiskey industry. Many distilleries, particularly those that produce other types of whiskey like Tennessee whiskey or rye whiskey, may reuse barrels to age their spirits. However, this practice does exclude them from being classified as bourbon.
In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have come across various types of whiskey that do not meet the specific criteria to be labeled as bourbon. While they may share similarities in terms of mashbill composition, the choice of aging vessels can differentiate them and result in distinct flavor profiles.
To summarize, Mellow Corn is not considered a bourbon because it deviates from the legal requirement of aging in new charred American oak barrels. While it may share similarities with bourbon in terms of its high corn content, the use of once-used barrels sets it apart and influences its flavor profile in a different way.