Updated July 2026.
Sip versus shot is service talk, not a bourbon rule. Bourbon is a US type. Neat, water, ice, and highball are bar method. There is no official sip law. Typical US bourbon is 40%. A 1.5-ounce 40% pour is one drink whether you sip or not. 100 proof is not bottled-in-bond by itself. Allocated bottles still have no invented street price.
Related: drink bourbon, types of bourbon, cheap bourbon.
Method vs class
| Language | 1.5 oz drinks |
|---|---|
| Bourbon | 1.00 at 40% |
| Sip / neat / ice | Read the neck |
| Typical US 40% | 1.00 |
| 100 proof | 1.25 |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 drinks. Pour math: whiskey drinks.
Sources
- 27 CFR 5.143 / 5.88. Typical US 40%. NIAAA December 2025.
- No official sip rule. No street.
- 27 CFR 5.143 ≥40%
- is 27 CFR 5.143