Media & Press

About Barrel Proof Notes

Barrel Proof Notes is an independent digital publication written by Old Route One LLC. We are dedicated to America's native spirit—bourbon—and the people who make it.

Our mission is simple:

To provide bourbon enthusiasts with honest reviews, accurate reporting, and educational stories that deepen their appreciation of bourbon and the craft behind it.

We believe every bottle has a story. Sometimes it's found in the whiskey itself. Sometimes it's found in the people, history, innovation, or traditions that brought it to life.

Our readers include bourbon enthusiasts, collectors, travelers, and everyday consumers who want to understand not only what they're drinking, but why it matters.

Our Editorial Philosophy

We have one guiding principle - HONESTY.

Our tasting reviews are conducted independently using our published scoring system and are never influenced by advertising, sponsorships, or commercial relationships.

Likewise, our news and feature articles are researched carefully and, whenever possible, verified directly with the distilleries, brands, and industry professionals involved.

We believe credibility is earned one honest story at a time.

Our Editorial Independence

Barrel Proof Notes does not sell favorable reviews. Advertising, product samples, sponsorships, affiliate relationships, or invitations to media events never influence our editorial opinions. Every review reflects the honest assessment of the editor based solely on the whiskey in the glass.

What We Cover

Barrel Proof Notes regularly publishes content including:

  • Bourbon news and industry developments

  • Distillery profiles and histories

  • New releases and product announcements

  • Interviews with distillers, blenders, and industry leaders

  • Packaging and branding changes

  • Production methods and technical topics

  • Bourbon travel destinations

  • Educational articles for enthusiasts

  • Independent tasting reviews

  • Historical features and bourbon culture

Our goal is to explain the stories behind the bottle in a way that is approachable, accurate, and engaging.

Working With Distilleries

We welcome communication with:

  • Distillery media relations teams

  • Public relations agencies

  • Brand ambassadors

  • Master distillers

  • Blenders

  • Distillery owners

  • Marketing teams

  • Bourbon historians

  • Industry organizations

Whenever practical, we prefer to obtain information directly from the source before publication.

If we have questions regarding a story, product, or historical detail, we will reach out to your organization for comment before publishing.

Press Releases & Story Ideas

We welcome:

  • Press releases

  • Product announcements

  • Distillery news

  • Leadership changes

  • Expansion projects

  • Industry research

  • Historical information

  • Event invitations

  • Interview opportunities

  • Behind-the-scenes stories

  • Technical information about production

We're particularly interested in stories that educate bourbon enthusiasts and provide insight into the people and craftsmanship behind the whiskey.

Interviews

Barrel Proof Notes is available to conduct interviews with:

  • Master Distillers

  • Master Blenders

  • Founders

  • Distillery Owners

  • Brand Managers

  • Industry Historians

  • Cooperage Experts

  • Agricultural and Grain Specialists

  • Other professionals involved in the bourbon industry

Interviews may be conducted by email, telephone, or video conference.

Product Samples

Our tasting reviews are conducted independently.

Receiving a sample does not guarantee a review or favorable coverage.

Every bottle is evaluated using the same published scoring methodology, regardless of how it was obtained.

Our editorial opinions remain completely independent.

Corrections

Accuracy matters.

If you believe information published by Barrel Proof Notes is inaccurate, incomplete, or requires clarification, please contact us. We welcome corrections and will promptly investigate any factual concerns.

Contact

Anthony Messier
Publisher & Editor
Barrel Proof Notes

For media inquiries, interview requests, press releases, or editorial questions, please contact:

Email: media_support@oldrouteone.com

Our Editorial Standards

Transparency and accountability are central to everything we publish. Learn more about how we operate:

Honest Scores for Your Pours.

Independent. Honest. Educational.

Helping bourbon enthusiasts appreciate bourbon a little more than they did yesterday.