Bourbon

[MileHighGrowler]

(09-02-2021, 01:54 PM)Sled21 Wrote: Well think about it, when it goes through the bottlingh line, they just pour it in and cork it. They don't vacuum seal it. I've had bottles that I kept half full for many years without any change to the taste. One that comes to mind was a bottle of Pappy 23 that my wife got me for my 50th birthday. I opened it, had a drink, then set it on the shelf. I only drank from that bottle on my birthday each year after that, and poured a round for close friends to toast a dear friend that past away. Bottle lasted 10 years, I finished it on my 60th birthday. Tasted the same as it did on the day I opened it. (and btw I prefer the 20)

No, I don't think they purge the headspace when bottling because it's so minimal.  In reading around on the subject (because I was feeling nerdy) it does appear there's the possibility of proof changes over time as the alcohol escapes just a little each time the bottle is opened.  But any test that I've seen done is one people looking at bottles opened for weeks, months, or a few years.  100 years just seems a different ballgame to me, but perhaps it makes no difference at all.  Either way, definitely would love to make a trip out there someday.  I've got a friend moving to the Louisville area early next year and I definitely plan to visit!