What is the minimum percentage of corn required in bourbon mash bill?

The minimum percentage of corn required in a bourbon mash bill is 51%. This requirement is stipulated by U.S. regulations that define bourbon. The significance of this rule lies in the fact that higher corn content contributes to the characteristic sweetness and flavor profile associated with bourbon. It also differentiates bourbon from other types of whiskey, which may have different grain compositions.

Using at least 51% corn ensures that the spirit retains the essential qualities that define bourbon, while allowing for a combination of other grains such as barley, rye, or wheat in the mash bill to add complexity and depth to the flavor. This regulation helps maintain the integrity and identity of bourbon as a distinct category of whiskey.