I travel over 100,000 miles a year for Heaven Hill as their Whiskey Ambassador, and I find myself in package stores quite a bit as you can imagine. I take that opportunity to not only see how our brands look and are arranged on the shelves, but also take the opportunity to pick up bottles and see if anything has changed. If you’ve read my article here on HOW TO READ A LABEL, you know how important this is.

Because American Whiskey is in such high demand, some distillers have had to lower the proofs or ages on some brands. Here are some brands who have made changes to their brands from this demand. If you’ve noticed any changes to any of your favorite brands, or get nosey like me and read labels, please let me know here by your comment and an email to me at Bernie@WhiskeyProf.com

Old Grand Dad 86 Proof Bourbon
BEFORE used to be 86 proof NOW is 80 proof

Basil Haydens small batch bourbon
BEFORE was stated 8 years old NOW is stated at “Artfully Aged” which means at least 4 years old

Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey
BEFORE was no age statement meaning at least 4 years old NOW is stated as THREE YEARS OLD

Ezra Brooks 90 Straight Bourbon
BEFORE was 90 proof NOW is 90 proof, but still called 90

Ten High Bourbon WhiskeyBEFORE was no age statement (implying 4 year old bourbon) NOW is BOURBON A BLEND with 49% grain spirits & 51% straight whiskies

1792 – Ridgemont Reserve – the 8 year age statement that was on the back label is no longer there. Now this is a no age statement bourbon.

NEW PRODUCTS, PACKAGE CHANGES, & MORE
Evan Williams White Label Bottled in Bond: This was a regional brand and now offered Nationally…good news!
Henry McKenna 10 year Old Single Barrel Bottled In Bond: New package, but no change in age or proof or Bottled In Bond.
Makers Mark Rick Pitino Bottle: a collector bottle released in Louisville, KY during a dire shortage

If you see something that has changed out there with anything, please comment on it, or write me an email and I’ll include it here. Now let’s go read some labels!!!