When it comes to bourbon, higher proof often gets all the hype — but that doesn’t mean lower proof means lower flavor.
In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, I’m sharing 7 bourbons under 100 proof that I regularly reach for as my “warm-up pour.” These are the bottles that help ease your palate into a tasting session, acclimate your body to the alcohol, and set the stage before jumping into higher proof pours.
Everyone reacts to alcohol differently. For some, diving straight into 120+ proof can overwhelm the palate and mute subtle flavors. A well-chosen sub-100 proof bourbon can open things up, highlight nuance, and still deliver depth, character, and complexity.
And let’s be clear — lower proof doesn’t automatically mean lower flavor. Some of these bottles punch way above their weight.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
Whether you're building your home bar or just want smarter tasting sessions, this one’s for you.
Until next time, keep exploring the world — one bottle at a time. 🥃
🎙 Rob Clark — Host of Bottles & Bites Without Borders
Exploring the world of food, wine, and whiskey—one bottle and bite at a time.
🌐 Website: www.bottlesandbiteswb.com
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📧 Email: rob@bottlesandbiteswb.com
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