Tasting notes / FILM 06 / 42 SECONDS
Proof with Purpose
A good proof has a reason beyond the number.
By Old Treasure · September 7, 2026
From our recorded conversations at The Pearl.
BEHIND THE CONVERSATION
A good proof has a reason beyond the number.
Larry talks about barrel proof in terms of what it does for the whiskey. Age, flavor, and how someone intends to pour it all enter the decision. Strength needs to serve the glass.
A little water can open up another side, too. The Old Treasure approach he describes is to choose barrels that taste well at full strength, while leaving you room to explore. Look at the proof. Then read what’s waiting around it.
Read the full film transcript
I think barrel proof when it makes sense. Yeah. But it doesn't always make sense. So depends on the age of the barrel I would say and also kind of depends what you're looking for if it's meant to be you know sipped neat or go into a cocktail Some whiskeys really benefit from a little dilution. It opens up some more nuanced flavors and some barrel proof whiskeys are hot messes, you know, but we just avoid those. But if we can find barrels that drink exceptionally well and exceptionally easy almost at barrel proof, that's what we're looking for. This is a chance for consumers to get to try something essentially straight from the barrel.
Story adapted from the accompanying filmed conversation.
