Which statement is true about the aging of bourbon?

The statement regarding the aging of bourbon that indicates it must be aged in new, charred oak barrels is accurate and reflects the legal requirements established for bourbon production. The use of new, charred oak barrels is essential for bourbon because it imparts distinctive flavors, aromas, and colors to the whiskey. The charring process caramelizes the sugars in the wood, allowing for a better extraction of flavors and contributing to the overall character of the finished product.

Bourbon that is aged in used barrels would not meet the specific criteria set forth for this type of whiskey, meaning it would lose its designation as bourbon. Likewise, while there are no mandated aging requirements for some other types of whiskey, bourbon must be aged, and aging for less than one year would not result in a bourbon that meets the standards established for quality and flavor. Therefore, the requirement for new and charred oak barrels is critical to the identity and legality of bourbon as a distinctive category of whiskey.