The obvious question, then, becomes “What are the best actual values in overproof bourbon?” Note, I could have made the query “the best values in cask strength bourbon,” but that would have been less genuinely useful to you, the reader.
Drinkers have illustrated that they’re often willing to pay a premium for a high proof, and spirits companies have been eager to take advantage of that premium price point. One of the primary reasons, in fact, for the influx of new cask strength bourbon brands (especially non-age-stated ones) is that distilleries have realized it’s a way they can premiumize their product lineup, allowing something such as a bottom shelf value brand to take on a second life as a cask-strength, sought after bottle. right now, with many companies introducing new, high-octane brands.Īnd unfortunately for the consumer, those high proof brands do have a tendency to go hand in hand with soaring price tags. The rise in popularity of cask strength/barrel proof/overproof bourbon in the last decade speaks to the maturation of the American whiskey drinker market, as well as an influx of novice bourbon seekers who are understandably equating “stronger” with “better.” Suffice to say, that would be a significant oversimplification of the world of American whiskey, but regardless of the rationale, it’s safe to say that overproof and barrel proof whiskey is having a big moment in the U.S.
Check out every entry in the series to date. Cocktail Queries is a Paste series that examines and answers basic, common questions that drinkers may have about mixed drinks, cocktails and spirits.