Does bourbon need to be aged in new oak barrels?

Bourbon is indeed required to be aged in new, charred oak barrels in order to be legally classified as bourbon. This specific requirement helps to impart distinct flavors and characteristics that define bourbon, such as its rich vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak notes. The aging process leaches compounds from the wood, contributing color, flavor, and complexity to the spirit.

The requirement for new oak barrels ensures that the bourbon interacts with fresh wood, maximizing the extraction of flavors from the charred interior of the barrel. The charred layer acts as a natural filter and adds additional elements to the spirit's profile.

Other aging standards, such as the requirement for a minimum aging period of two years (to label it as "straight bourbon") further establish the importance of the barrel in maturity and taste development. Therefore, this choice underscores a fundamental aspect of bourbon’s identity and legality within U.S. regulations.