What does the term "blended bourbon" refer to?

The term "blended bourbon" specifically refers to a mixture of different bourbons, which is the essence of what blending means in the context of spirits. This practice allows producers to create a product with a unique flavor profile by combining bourbons from different distilleries, age statements, or mash bills. By blending various bourbons, producers can balance flavors, aromas, and other characteristics to ensure consistency from batch to batch, or to craft a special release that highlights certain desirable traits.

Understanding this concept is vital for anyone studying bourbon, as the art of blending is a significant part of bourbon production and marketing. It's also important to note that while there are other terms and methods associated with bourbon production, such as aging specifics or mash composition, they do not pertain to the definition of blended bourbon.