How long does it take to make Bourbon Whiskey?
Bourbon Whiskey takes 4.0 years — from start to finish across 6 stages.
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Timeline Overview
Total Duration
4.0 years
Stages
6
Category
Spirits & Aging
Minimum 2 years by law, but most quality bourbons age 4-8 years. Premium single barrels can age 12-23 years.
Stages
Mashing & Fermentation 5 days
Corn, rye, and barley mash ferments for 3-5 days
Distillation 1 day
Double distilled in copper pot or column stills
Barrel Entry 1 day
New charred American oak barrels at no more than 125 proof
Aging (minimum legal) 2.0 years
Must age minimum 2 years to be called 'straight bourbon'
Typical Quality Aging 4.0 years
Most premium bourbons age 4-8 years
Ultra-Premium Aging 12 years
Pappy Van Winkle ages 15-23 years
For perspective...
That's 4.0 years. A child born today would be 4 years old when this finishes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make Bourbon Whiskey?
Minimum 2 years by law, but most quality bourbons age 4-8 years. Premium single barrels can age 12-23 years.
What are the stages of making Bourbon Whiskey?
There are 6 main stages: Mashing & Fermentation, Distillation, Barrel Entry, Aging (minimum legal), Typical Quality Aging, Ultra-Premium Aging.
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