What’s in Your Bourbon? The Mash Bill Breakdown You’ll Wish You Knew
Mash Bills: The Bourbon Blueprint You Can’t Ignore
Every bourbon’s got a mash bill, and if you don’t know what’s in it, you’re sipping blind. This grain mix is the DNA of your drink—here’s the no-nonsense truth from distillery facts and U.S. law, breaking it down for 2025.
What Is a Mash Bill?
A mash bill’s the grain recipe—bourbon needs at least 51% corn, per 27 CFR § 5.22. Still Austin Whiskey Co. (stillaustin.com) uses 70% Texas corn for The Musician ($40), while Ben Holladay (holladaydistillery.com) blends 73% corn, 15% wheat, and 12% barley for their Bottled-in-Bond ($60). It’s distilled and aged in new charred oak—grains call the shots.
Common Grains and Their Roles
Corn’s the base—Starlight Distillery’s Straight Bourbon ($45, starlightdistillery.com) leans on it for body. Rye adds kick—New Riff Distillery’s Bourbon ($50, newriffdistilling.com) mixes high rye for edge. Wheat softens—Ben Holladay’s wheat inclusion smooths it out. Barley, in small amounts, helps fermentation—all standard, per U.S. law.
How Mash Bills Change the Game
More corn means richer pours—Chattanooga Whiskey’s 91 ($40, chattanoogawhiskey.com) balances it with other grains. High rye shifts to spice—New Riff’s 6-Year Malted Rye ($65) goes 100% rye. Still Austin’s Cask Strength Bourbon ($60) keeps corn high for depth. Every distillery tweaks it their way.
Why You Need to Know This
Mash bills aren’t just geek talk—they’re your flavor map for 2025. Micro-distilleries like these show how grains rule the glass. Want to taste the difference? Check out NEAT: Whiskey Finder—it’ll help you track down bourbon and whiskey near you.
