How Do You Choose a High-Proof Bourbon? 5 Simple Checks
To choose a high-proof bourbon, look beyond the proof number: consider its age, flavor notes, filtering, and how you plan to drink it. Then taste a small pour neat, add a little water if needed, and decide whether the intensity and finish suit you.
Key takeaways
Compare proof with the way you like to drink bourbon.
Use age and tasting notes as context, not guarantees.
Taste neat first, then adjust with a few drops of water.
Team Whiskey offers 5-year 93-proof and 8-year 115-proof bourbons.
How do you choose a high-proof bourbon?
To choose a high-proof bourbon, look beyond the proof number: consider its age, flavor notes, filtering, and how you plan to drink it. Then taste a small pour neat, add a little water if needed, and decide whether the intensity and finish suit you.
What does high-proof bourbon mean?
In the United States, proof is twice the alcohol by volume (ABV). A higher proof means more alcohol in the same pour, which can make a bourbon feel more intense. It does not automatically mean a whiskey is better or more flavorful; your own taste matters most.
Think about whether you enjoy a bold sip neat, prefer to soften a pour with water, or want bourbon for a cocktail. If you are new to higher-proof whiskey, take small sips and give yourself time to notice how the flavor changes.
Which details should you compare?
Proof is only one useful clue. Check the label and product information for age, tasting notes, and filtering details. These help you understand what you are choosing, but they cannot promise that you will like the taste.
| What to compare | What to check | Why it can help | |---|---|---| | Proof | The stated proof or ABV | Gives you a sense of intensity | | Age | The stated years aged | Adds context when comparing bottles | | Flavor notes | Descriptions such as spice or caramel | Helps you find profiles you tend to enjoy | | Filtering | Whether it is non-chill filtered | Clarifies how the bourbon is presented | | Serving style | Neat, with water, or in a cocktail | Helps match a bottle to how you plan to drink it |
Team Whiskey’s lineup gives you two different proof and age points to compare: its 5-year bourbon is 93 proof, and its 8-year bourbon is 115 proof. The company describes both as non-chill filtered and notes rye spice and caramel corn flavors. Explore the Team Whiskey bourbon lineup to see the current offerings.
How can you choose a high-proof bourbon step by step?
Use this simple process to narrow down your options:
Set your intended use. Decide whether you want a neat pour, a whiskey to sip with a little water, or bourbon for cocktails.
Choose a comfortable starting proof. If higher-proof pours are new to you, consider beginning with a lower-proof option before moving up.
Read the full description. Check age, stated proof, tasting notes, and filtering information rather than choosing by the number alone.
Taste a small pour neat. Take a slow sip and notice the first flavors, the warmth, and the finish.
Try a few drops of water. Taste again to see whether a little dilution makes the bourbon more enjoyable to you.
This approach is more useful than chasing a single “best” bottle. The best high-proof bourbon for you is one whose flavor and strength work for your palate and the way you like to drink it.
How do age and flavor affect your choice?
Age is useful context, but it is not a simple quality score. A bourbon’s flavor depends on more than its age, and people can prefer different styles. Read the description and use tasting as your guide.
For example, Team Whiskey describes its 5-year, 93-proof bourbon as having rye spice up front and a smooth caramel corn flavor on the back end. Its 8-year, 115-proof bourbon is described with the same flavor progression and as smooth with a kick. Those details can help you decide which profile sounds appealing, but your own tasting is the best test.
If you enjoy a stronger pour, the 8-year option may be the one to explore first. If you prefer a lower proof, compare it with the 5-year bourbon. Learn more about the family-owned Team Whiskey brand, based in Gardnerville, Nevada, in the Lake Tahoe area.
How should you taste high-proof bourbon?
Start with a small pour in a glass that lets you comfortably smell and sip the whiskey. Smell gently rather than taking a deep breath over the glass. Take a small sip and let the bourbon rest on your palate before swallowing.
If the alcohol heat makes it hard to notice the flavors, add a few drops of water and taste again. You can also let the pour sit briefly. Make one change at a time so you can tell what affects the aroma and taste. There is no required way to drink bourbon: choose the approach you enjoy.
What should you know about Team Whiskey bourbon?
Team Whiskey Liquors is a family-owned American bourbon brand for outdoor sports lovers and whiskey enthusiasts. Its website describes a 5-year, 93-proof bourbon and an 8-year, 115-proof barrel-proof bourbon. Both are listed as non-chill filtered.
The business says its story grew from a family facing a cancer diagnosis, and that a portion of profits supports cancer victims. If you are comparing high-proof options, use the product details and your preferences to decide which pour to try.
Frequently asked questions
Is a higher-proof bourbon always better?
No. Higher proof means a more concentrated alcoholic strength, but it does not guarantee a flavor you will prefer. Choose based on your palate and how you plan to serve it.
Should you add water to high-proof bourbon?
You can. Try the bourbon neat first, then add a few drops of water and taste again to see which version you prefer.
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 and described as barrel proof. Team Whiskey also describes both as non-chill filtered.
How can I contact Team Whiskey Liquors?
Visit Team Whiskey Liquors, call 6145701483, or email whiskeykenny@team-whiskey.com. Ken Burrows, CEO, welcomes you to get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
Is a higher-proof bourbon always better?
No. Higher proof means a more concentrated alcoholic strength, but it does not guarantee a flavor you will prefer. Choose based on your palate and how you plan to serve it.
Should you add water to high-proof bourbon?
You can. Try the bourbon neat first, then add a few drops of water and taste again to see which version you prefer.
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 and described as barrel proof. Team Whiskey also describes both as non-chill filtered.
How can I contact Team Whiskey Liquors?
Visit https://www.teamwhiskeyliquors.com, call 6145701483, or email whiskeykenny@team-whiskey.com. Ken Burrows, CEO, welcomes you to get in touch.
About Ken Burrows
Ken Burrows - CEO, Team Whiskey Liquors
Phone: 6145701483
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