So you’re staring at a wall of bourbon, and the only thing you have to go on is how pretty the bottles are and the different shades of brown liquid inside. Some look like weak tea, while others are so dark you wonder if they just bottled a shadow. That, my friend, is the color we’re talking about.

Definition

In the world of bourbon, color is the hue of the whiskey, ranging from pale straw to deep mahogany. Unlike some other spirits that get a little “help” from artificial coloring (we’re looking at you, certain rums and tequilas), bourbon’s color comes from one place and one place only: the charred new oak barrel it was aged in. It’s the law.

Why does it matter?

A common assumption is that darker bourbon equals older, better bourbon. While there’s some truth to it—more time in the barrel generally means more interaction with the wood, which imparts color—it’s not the whole story. A whiskey aged for four years in the scorching top floor of a Kentucky rickhouse might be darker and more flavorful than one aged for six years in a cooler, gentler spot. Color tells you the whiskey has soaked up sugars and flavors from the wood, like caramel, vanilla, and toffee. It’s a preview, not a promise. Judging a bourbon by its color alone is like judging a person by their questionable fashion choices. You might be right, but you’re probably missing a lot of important details.

How OAKR helps

Instead of squinting at shades of amber in a poorly lit liquor store, you can use a more scientific approach. Everyone’s palate is different, and you might perceive different flavors than the “experts.” The OAKR app cuts through the guesswork. We use data from blind tasting panels to give you a comprehensive flavor profile for countless bottles before you buy.

OAKR helps you understand what that deep color might actually taste like. Explore the app to discover in-depth flavor profiles and get personalized recommendations that go far beyond just looking at the color of the spirit.