Can distilled spirits be marketed as bourbon if they are aged in used barrels?

Bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels, which is a fundamental requirement defined by U.S. law. This stipulation ensures that the spirit gains the unique flavors and characteristics associated with bourbon, including notes from the charred wood and the interaction between the spirit and the new barrel over time.

Aging bourbon in used barrels, such as those previously used for other spirits or wines, does not meet this criterion, and therefore the product cannot legally be marketed as bourbon. This specificity in the aging process is one of the defining aspects of bourbon, differentiating it from other types of whiskey that may be aged in used barrels.

Other options derived from the question do not align with the legal definition. Aging bourbon for two years in used barrels does not satisfy the requirement for new charred oak barrels, and sourcing from a specific region has no bearing on the barrel aging requirement. While it is true that whiskeys aged in used barrels can be produced, they would not qualify as bourbon under the applicable legal standards.