How to Host a Blind Bourbon Tasting at Home (Checklist Included)

Blind tastings cut through labels and hype. Here's the exact setup we recommend - tight, fair, fun.

What you need (shopping list)

• 4-6 bottles with a theme (mashbill, proof band, price tier).
• Numbered stickers or sleeves, tasting mats, pens.
• Water, crackers, optional pipettes.
• Digital Dram for blind session setup and scoring (Features).

Setup (15 minutes)

1. Sleeve and label bottles A-D (host knows the key).
2. Pour 0.5-0.75 oz into identical glasses.
3. Hand out scorecards (or use Digital Dram's session).
4. Explain your reveal rule (see below).

Scoring model (simple & fair)

• Nose (5), Palate (10), Finish (5), Overall (5) - /25 total.
• Allow optional notes and guess (mashbill/proof).

Tip: Keep proofs in the same band so subtle bottles aren't steamrolled.

Reveal rules (pick one)

• Classic: rank then reveal identity.
• DNA-focus: show Bourbon DNA matches per entry to teach palates.
• Budget battle: reveal price last to check bias.

Hosting etiquette

• Start on time, keep pours equal, and pace water breaks.
• If someone dislikes a sample, they can pass - no pressure.
• Share photos only if everyone is cool with it.

Run it in Digital Dram

• Create a Blind Tasting, share link, collect scores, auto-rank, and award badges.
• You'll also strengthen your Bourbon DNA along the way (Learn more).