The Perfect Warm-Up Pour: 7 Bourbons Under 100 Proof

Send us Fan MailWhen 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:Why easing into higher proof makes a differenceHow proof impacts flavor perceptionWhat makes a great “starter pour”And the 7 under-100 proof bourbons I personally keep in rotationWhether 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 📸 Instagram: @bottles_bites_wb 🐦 X (Twitter): @foodwhiskey 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/533352930766813 📧 Email: [email protected]#food #whiskey #bourbon #wine #homecook #cook #BBQ #foodie #Italy #barolo #cabernet Sauvignon #france #italy #spain #napa #scotch #pizza #coffee Support the show