Code of Ethics
At Barrel Proof Notes, our reputation is built on one word - TRUST.
Our readers trust us to provide honest reviews, accurate reporting, and thoughtful commentary about America's native spirit. Distilleries trust us to report fairly and represent their work accurately. We take both responsibilities seriously.
These principles guide every article, review, interview, and feature we publish.
1. Tell the Truth
Our first obligation is to our readers. We will make every reasonable effort to ensure that the information we publish is accurate, properly sourced, and presented in its proper context. If information cannot be verified, we will clearly identify it as opinion, historical interpretation, or unconfirmed information.
2. Be Honest
Our tasting notes represent our genuine opinions.
We will never inflate scores to gain favor with a distillery.
We will never lower scores to create controversy.
Every review reflects our actual tasting experience. Different palates produce different opinions, and we respect those differences.
3. Remain Independent
Editorial decisions belong solely to Barrel Proof Notes.
Advertising, sponsorships, affiliate relationships, complimentary samples, or personal relationships will never determine whether or how we cover a story.
Positive coverage cannot be purchased.
Negative coverage will never be written for attention or entertainment.
4. Verify Before Publishing
Whenever practical, we will seek information directly from:
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Distilleries
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Brand representatives
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Master distillers
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Company media relations
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Industry organizations
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Official government sources
If we report on changes involving a company, we will make a good-faith effort to obtain comment from that organization before publication.
5. Clearly Separate News from Opinion
News reporting and tasting reviews serve different purposes.
Our news articles strive to present verified facts objectively.
Our tasting reviews are clearly identified as editorial opinion based on our own sensory evaluation.
Readers should always know which type of article they are reading.
6. Respect the Craft
Behind every bottle are people who dedicate their careers to producing quality whiskey. Even when we dislike a particular bourbon, we will criticize the whiskey—not the people who made it.
Professional disagreement never justifies personal attacks.
We believe constructive criticism ultimately benefits consumers, distillers, and the bourbon industry alike.
7. Correct Mistakes
We are human. If we publish a factual error, we will correct it promptly after verifying the new information.
When appropriate, significant corrections will be noted within the article.
We welcome respectful feedback from readers and industry professionals.
8. Disclose Potential Conflicts
Transparency builds credibility.
Whenever applicable, we will disclose:
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Complimentary samples
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Media bottles
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Sponsored travel
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Event invitations
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Affiliate relationships
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Financial interests
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Other circumstances that could reasonably influence our reporting
Readers deserve to understand the context behind every story.
9. Respect Sources
We value the trust placed in us by distilleries, industry professionals, and fellow journalists.
When individuals share information with us for publication, we strive to represent their comments accurately and in context. We will not knowingly misquote, selectively edit, or misrepresent information to create sensational headlines.
Professional relationships are built on honesty, respect, and mutual trust.
10. Credit the Work of Others
We respect intellectual property.
Whenever information, quotations, photographs, historical research, or other materials originate from another source, we will provide appropriate attribution.
We expect the same respect for our own work.
11. Use Artificial Intelligence Responsibly
Artificial intelligence is an editorial tool—not an editor.
AI may assist with research organization, language refinement, grammar, and workflow efficiency. However:
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Every tasting note is based on our own sensory evaluation.
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Every article is reviewed and edited by a human.
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Every published conclusion reflects human editorial judgment.
Technology should improve journalism—not replace it.
12. Serve the Reader First
Everything we publish should answer one question:
Does this help bourbon enthusiasts better understand, appreciate, or enjoy bourbon?
If the answer is no, it probably doesn't belong on Barrel Proof Notes.
Our Promise
We believe bourbon deserves thoughtful journalism.
We believe readers deserve honesty.
We believe distillers deserve fairness.
We promise these principles will guide every story we write.
Whether we're reviewing a daily sipper, explaining a production technique, interviewing a master distiller, or reporting on industry news, our commitment remains the same.