Liquor Laboratory

100% agave tequila can legally contain 1% undisclosed additives. How to read a NOM number, what the age classes mean, and every tequila guide we’ve published.

Bourbon, rye, Scotch, Irish, Japanese and Canadian whiskey — what each legally requires, how they actually differ, and every whiskey guide we’ve published.

How much is a shot, what a standard drink actually contains, and straight answers to the questions people search at 11pm. Every bar-knowledge guide we’ve published.

US regulation defines vodka as neutral — without distinctive character, aroma or taste. What that means for brand claims, and every vodka guide we’ve published.

How many bottles in a case, what vermouth legally is, when wine actually goes bad, and every wine guide we’ve published. Start here.

VSOP requires four years and XO ten since 2018 — but only for cognac. On American brandy those letters are voluntary. Every brandy guide we’ve published.

A malt beverage under 0.5% ABV cannot legally be called beer, ale or lager in the US. That plus styles, strength and every beer guide we’ve published.

London Dry gin never had to be made in London. Navy Strength is 57% ABV and the name dates to 1997. Every gin guide we’ve published.

What bourbon legally is, how to read a label, which bottles are worth the money, and every bourbon guide we’ve published. Start here.

“Cordial” is not a separate US class from liqueur. What defines the category, which bottles matter, and every liqueur guide we’ve published.