115 Proof Bourbon: What to Know Before Your Next Pour
A 115 proof bourbon contains 57.5% alcohol by volume, so it delivers more intensity than a standard 80-proof pour. Team Whiskey’s 8-year bourbon is bottled at 115 proof and is non-chill filtered. Its flavor profile brings rye spice up front, followed by smooth caramel corn notes on the finish.
Key takeaways
115 proof equals 57.5% alcohol by volume.
Team Whiskey’s 8-year bourbon is non-chill filtered.
A few drops of water can help open up a high-proof pour.
Compare proof, age, filtering, and tasting notes before buying.
A 115 proof bourbon is a high-strength pour for people who enjoy bold whiskey flavor. Team Whiskey Liquors’ 8-year bourbon is bottled at 115 proof and is non-chill filtered. The company describes its profile as rye spice up front with smooth caramel corn notes on the back end.
Here’s what that proof means, how to taste a higher-strength bourbon, and what to consider when choosing a bottle.
What does 115 proof mean in bourbon?
In the United States, proof is twice the alcohol-by-volume (ABV) percentage. That makes 115 proof equal to 57.5% ABV. A higher proof can bring a fuller, more intense impression of flavor and warmth, though the experience also depends on the whiskey itself and how you serve it.
“Barrel proof” usually describes whiskey bottled at or near its strength in the barrel, rather than reduced to a lower proof with water. Team Whiskey describes its 8-year release as barrel proof. Its website also states that the bourbon is non-chill filtered.
High proof does not automatically mean a bourbon is better. If you are comparing the best barrel proof bourbon options for your own taste, consider the flavor profile, age, proof, and how you like to drink whiskey—not just the number on the label.
What can you expect from Team Whiskey’s 115 proof bourbon?
Team Whiskey is a family-owned bourbon brand from the Lake Tahoe area. The company says its bourbon is made for outdoor sports lovers and whiskey enthusiasts, and that a portion of profits supports cancer victims.
Its 8-year bourbon combines a longer stated age with a bold 115-proof bottling strength. Team Whiskey describes the flavor as rye spice on the front end and smooth caramel corn on the back end. Those are the brand’s tasting notes; your own impression may vary based on your palate, glass, and serving style.
| What to compare | Team Whiskey 5-year bourbon | Team Whiskey 8-year bourbon | |---|---|---| | Stated age | 5 years | 8 years | | Proof | 93 proof | 115 proof | | Filtering | Non-chill filtered | Non-chill filtered | | Brand tasting notes | Rye spice, caramel corn | Rye spice, caramel corn | | Best fit to consider | A lower-proof pour | A higher-proof, barrel-proof pour |
The table gives you a starting point, not a ranking. Someone searching for a 5 year bourbon for sale may prefer the 93-proof option, while someone looking for 8 year old bourbon for sale may be curious about the 115-proof release. The best 8 year old bourbon is ultimately the one that fits your preferred strength and taste.
How should you taste a 115 proof bourbon?
Take your time with a high-proof pour. Starting with a small serving lets you notice the aroma and flavor without committing to a full glass. You can always add a little more later.
Pour a modest amount. Start with a smaller serving than you might pour for a lower-proof whiskey.
Smell gently. Keep the glass a little away from your nose at first. Strong alcohol aromas can be more noticeable at higher proof.
Take a small sip. Let the bourbon settle on your palate, then notice how the spice and sweeter notes develop.
Try a few drops of water. Water can soften the alcohol sensation and may reveal different aromas or flavors. Add it gradually so you can compare each sip.
Taste it neat again. Comparing the bourbon before and after adding water helps you find the serving style you prefer.
You can also serve bourbon over ice, though melting ice will gradually dilute it. Stainless steel whiskey chilling cubes can cool a drink with less added water, while a whiskey smoker adds smoke that may change how the bourbon’s own notes come across. These are optional ways to serve whiskey; a glass and a measured pour are enough to start.
What does non-chill filtered mean?
Chill filtration is a process used to reduce the chance that whiskey turns cloudy when chilled or diluted. A non-chill-filtered bourbon skips that step. It may look hazy when cold or when water is added, and that appearance alone does not mean the bourbon has spoiled.
For shoppers comparing non chill filtered barrel proof bourbon, look at the full label and product details. Filtering is one part of the picture; age, proof, and flavor notes can help you decide whether the style suits you.
How do you compare high-proof bourbons before buying?
Use a few clear points to compare bottles instead of relying on a “best” label. The best high proof bourbon for one drinker may feel too strong for another.
Check the proof and ABV. This tells you the bottling strength.
Read the stated age. Age is useful context, but it does not guarantee that you will prefer the flavor.
Look for filtering details. Check whether the whiskey is described as chill filtered or non-chill filtered.
Read the tasting notes. Look for flavors that appeal to you, and remember that tasting notes are not a promise that every drinker will notice the same thing.
Think about how you serve it. If you prefer a lighter sip, consider whether you are comfortable adding water or ice.
If you’re researching American bourbon online, use the brand’s own product details to verify the current release information. Team Whiskey’s site features its 5-year, 93-proof bourbon and its 8-year, 115-proof barrel-proof bourbon. Visit Team Whiskey Liquors to review what the brand currently lists.
Is 115 proof bourbon right for you?
A 115-proof pour may suit you if you enjoy a more intense whiskey and want to explore how water changes the taste. It may be less suited to someone who prefers a softer, lower-proof pour. You do not need to drink it neat to appreciate it; a few drops of water or a little ice are reasonable ways to adjust the strength to your liking.
Team Whiskey’s 8-year release gives shoppers a specific option to consider: 115 proof, barrel proof, non-chill filtered, and described by the company with rye spice and caramel corn notes. If you want to compare it with the 5-year bourbon, check the brand’s bourbon information and consider which age and proof better match your preferences.
The company began around a family experience with cancer and describes itself as a family-owned, American bourbon brand. Its story and mission may matter to shoppers who want to learn about the people behind the whiskey as well as what is in the glass. For current availability and questions, contact the business directly through its website.
Contact Team Whiskey Liquors
Want to ask about Team Whiskey’s bourbon or current releases? Contact the Gardnerville-based business at 6145701483, email whiskeykenny@team-whiskey.com, or visit Team Whiskey Liquors.
Frequently asked questions
How strong is 115 proof bourbon?
115 proof equals 57.5% alcohol by volume. It is stronger than an 80-proof bourbon, so many people start with a smaller pour.
Is Team Whiskey’s 8-year bourbon barrel proof?
Team Whiskey describes its 8-year bourbon as barrel proof and lists it at 115 proof. The company also says it is non-chill filtered.
Should you add water to 115 proof bourbon?
You can add a few drops of water if you want to soften the alcohol sensation or explore different flavors. Add a little at a time and taste as you go.
What is the difference between Team Whiskey’s 5-year and 8-year bourbon?
The 5-year bourbon is listed at 93 proof, while the 8-year bourbon is listed at 115 proof. Both are described as non-chill filtered, with rye spice and caramel corn notes.
Can non-chill-filtered bourbon look cloudy?
It can become cloudy when chilled or diluted. That change in appearance is associated with skipping chill filtration and does not, by itself, mean the bourbon has spoiled.
About Ken Burrows
Ken Burrows - CEO, Team Whiskey Liquors
Phone: 6145701483
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