Our Tasting Process
Every spirit we review is tasted neat, at room temperature, in a Glencairn glass. We let the pour sit for 5 to 10 minutes before nosing to allow any initial alcohol burn to settle. We add a few drops of water on a second pass to see how the spirit opens up.
We taste over multiple sessions — at least two separate sittings on different days — before finalizing our notes and scores. First impressions matter, but consistency matters more. A bourbon that dazzles on the first pour but falls flat on the third is not getting a high score just because it made a good entrance.
When possible, we taste blind. We pour into unmarked glasses and evaluate nose, palate, and finish before revealing the bottle. This removes label bias and keeps us honest. We do not always manage it — sometimes you are reviewing a bottle you already know — but it is our preference.
Scoring System (1–100)
We score every reviewed spirit on a 100-point scale across five categories. Each category is weighted to reflect what we believe matters most in the drinking experience:
| Category | What We Evaluate |
|---|---|
| Nose | Aroma complexity, intensity, pleasantness, how well it invites you to take the first sip |
| Palate | Flavor depth, balance, mouthfeel, how the spirit evolves on the tongue |
| Finish | Length, complexity, and quality of the aftertaste — does it leave you reaching for another sip? |
| Value | Quality relative to price — a $30 bourbon that punches above its weight scores higher here than a $200 bottle that merely meets expectations |
| Complexity | Layering, evolution in the glass, how much there is to discover across multiple sessions |
The overall score is a weighted average, interpreted as follows:
- 90–100: Exceptional — worth seeking out and paying up for
- 80–89: Excellent — confidently recommended
- 70–79: Good — solid pour, minor shortcomings
- 60–69: Average — drinkable but unremarkable
- Below 60: Below average — significant flaws
We do not inflate scores. An 85 from us is a genuinely great spirit. We would rather be useful than generous.
What We Evaluate
Beyond the tasting itself, every review includes:
- Quick facts: Proof/ABV, age statement, mash bill (when available), distillery, classification, and MSRP
- Tasting notes: Detailed nose, palate, and finish descriptions in plain language — no purple prose, no tasting-note bingo
- Verdict: A concise recommendation — who this bottle is for, what occasion it suits, and whether it is worth the price
How We Choose What to Review
Most of what we review is purchased at retail with our own money. We buy what interests us, what our readers ask about, and what is available in our market (primarily the Southeast U.S., with occasional travel picks from Kentucky, Tennessee, and beyond).
We occasionally receive review samples from distilleries or PR agencies. When we do, we always disclose it. Receiving a sample does not guarantee a review, and it never influences a score. A free bottle of mediocre bourbon is still mediocre.
Our Independence
BoozeMakers is independently owned and operated. We are not backed by a spirits conglomerate, media company, or industry trade group. Our revenue comes from affiliate links, digital products, and newsletter sponsorships — never from the brands we review.
We do not accept payment for reviews or allow advertisers to influence editorial content. Our editorial standards page covers this in full.
Review Updates
Spirits change. Batches vary. Prices move. If we re-taste a spirit and our assessment has shifted meaningfully, we update the review with a note explaining what changed and when. Roundup articles (like "Best Bourbons Under $50") are reviewed and refreshed on a regular schedule, with update timestamps visible at the top of each article.
Questions about our methodology? Drop us a line at hello@boozemakers.com.