The Basics
What bourbon is, where it comes from, and how it's made.
Understanding the Bottle
Mash bills, age statements, proof designations — what the label actually tells you.
Bourbon Mash Bills, Tested Blind: I Poured 3 Bottles for 'Bourbon People' and They Got It Wrong
I poured three bourbons blind for two self-described bourbon people. Both got the wheated bottle wrong. Here's the mash bill framework I've built from years of side-by-side tastings — with the specific bottles I use as reference points and the high-rye preference I landed on.
Bourbon Age Statements: Does Older Mean Better?
What bourbon age statements actually mean, the 6-12 year sweet spot, why NAS bottles aren't necessarily young, and when over-aging hurts more than it helps. Specific bottles and prices included.
Barrel Proof vs Cask Strength vs Bottled-in-Bond: What's the Difference?
Barrel proof, cask strength, and bottled-in-bond are three different designations — not interchangeable terms. What each one guarantees about the whiskey in your glass, with specific bottle examples and prices.
Buying Smart
What to buy, what to skip, and how to get the most out of your budget.
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