Short answer: Cask strength bourbon, also called cask proof, is bottled at or near the proof it came out of the barrel, without cutting it down with water. That means the proof varies from barrel to barrel. Our Long Ridge High Rye Bourbon is bottled at cask strength, so every batch is a little different.
Key Takeaways
- Most bourbon is cut with water before bottling. Cask strength skips that step.
- Cask strength bourbon usually runs higher proof than standard bottlings, often 110 to 130 proof or more.
- Proof varies by barrel, since each one ages a little differently.
- Long Ridge High Rye Bourbon is bottled at cask strength.
What Cask Strength Actually Means
Bourbon goes into the barrel at a set proof, usually around 125 proof or lower, and its proof drifts as it ages, generally rising over time as water evaporates faster than alcohol in most climates. Most distilleries add water before bottling to bring the proof down to something consistent, often 80 to 90 proof.
Cask strength, or cask proof, bourbon skips that dilution step. It gets bottled at or close to the proof it actually was in the barrel. Since every barrel ages a little differently, cask strength bottles do not have one fixed proof. You will often see the exact proof printed on the label, and it can vary from batch to batch.
Long Ridge High Rye Bourbon: A Cask Proof Example
Long Ridge High Rye Bourbon is bottled at cask strength, aged 5 to 7 years in new charred white oak barrels. Because we do not cut it with water, the proof varies by barrel, so no two bottlings are identical.
If cask strength bourbon feels too strong to sip neat, add a splash of water. A little water can open up the aroma and soften the burn without diluting the flavor the way a full-strength pour with soda would. Start small and add more to taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cask strength bourbon stronger than regular bourbon?
Yes, usually. Standard bourbon is typically 80 to 90 proof. Cask strength bourbon often runs 110 to 130 proof or higher, since it skips the water dilution step.
Does cask strength bourbon taste different?
Yes. Without water added, more of the barrel's natural flavor comes through. Many people find cask strength bourbon more intense and complex.
Should I add water to cask strength bourbon?
It is common to add a small splash of water to taste. This can open up the aroma without watering down the flavor.
Why does the proof vary between cask strength bottles?
Each barrel ages a little differently based on its exact placement in the warehouse and time spent aging, so the proof at bottling is not identical barrel to barrel.
Try Cask Proof Bourbon
Pick up a bottle of Long Ridge High Rye Bourbon from our shop and taste the full, undiluted flavor.