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Why You Shouldn't Judge A Fine Bourbon By Its Neck Pour By Amrita Ray Aug. 24, 2025 6:39 pm EST

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Bourbon has always sat a little higher on the liquor shelf. It is prized for its nuanced flavor with sweeter undertones and the meticulous technique with which it is crafted that make bourbon different from other whiskeys . With 95% of the world's supply coming from Kentucky, its near-exclusive geography and distinct aging style help create an unmatched flavor, one that can cost you a pretty penny. Naturally, you'd want to judge its quality and see if you invested in the right one. But here's where bourbon drinkers make a big mistake – making the call based on the neck pour. That's the first dram from a freshly opened bottle, and if

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