Anyone who I’ve shared a pour with knows that the center of my whiskey world lies with the higher proof bourbons that have become so prevalent on the market. Almost every major brand has an expression labeled cask strength, barrel strength, barrel proof – if there’s a creative way to label a bourbon to call out its proof, it’s been done. As with my last column featuring five easy to find bourbons under $60, I will try to stay away from the allocated and ultra-rare bottles – Weller Full Proof, Blanton’s SFTB, EH Taylor Barrel Proof, and so on.