The ProofPoint Score
A comprehensive, community-driven rating system that helps you discover the best bourbons based on real user experiences and preferences.
Example score of 86 - representing a highly-rated bourbon based on community feedback
The ProofPoint Score is a sophisticated algorithm that aggregates multiple data points from our community of bourbon enthusiasts. Unlike simple star ratings, our score considers how bourbons perform in head-to-head comparisons, their popularity among experienced drinkers, and their presence in curated lists. This multi-dimensional approach ensures that the highest-scoring bourbons truly represent the collective wisdom of our community.
How the Score is Calculated
User Recommendations
The most significant factor in the ProofPoint Score is the percentage of users who explicitly recommend a bourbon. When community members mark a bourbon as "recommended" or "not recommended," their collective voice carries substantial weight. This direct feedback from people who have actually tried the product provides the most reliable indicator of overall satisfaction and quality. A bourbon with a high recommendation percentage has proven itself to a broad audience of bourbon enthusiasts.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
When users compare bourbons side-by-side in our battle feature, they're making direct, relative judgments about quality. These head-to-head comparisons reveal which bourbons consistently outperform others when tasted together. A bourbon that wins frequently in these direct comparisons demonstrates superior characteristics that stand out even when compared to other quality options. This competitive metric helps identify bourbons that truly excel in the eyes of experienced drinkers.
Detailed User Ratings
Our community provides comprehensive ratings across multiple dimensions: overall quality, taste profile, and value proposition. These detailed ratings capture nuanced aspects of the bourbon experience that a single number cannot. By averaging ratings across quality, taste, and value, we get a well-rounded view of how a bourbon performs across different criteria. This multi-faceted approach ensures that bourbons excelling in specific areas are properly recognized.
List Appearances & Rankings
When bourbons appear in user-created lists, especially curated "Top 25" lists, it signals that they've made a meaningful impression. These lists represent personal favorites and carefully considered selections. Bourbons that appear frequently in Top 25 lists, and at higher positions within those lists, demonstrate exceptional appeal to knowledgeable enthusiasts. This metric captures the "must-have" factor that goes beyond simple ratings—these are bourbons people actively want in their collections.
Community Engagement
The number of users who have marked a bourbon as "tried" or added it to their favorites reflects real-world engagement and interest. While this is a smaller component of the score, it provides valuable context about a bourbon's accessibility and appeal. High engagement indicates that a bourbon has generated enough interest for people to seek it out and try it, which is itself a meaningful signal of quality and desirability.
Why You Can Trust the ProofPoint Score
Community-Driven: Every data point comes from real users who have actually tried the bourbons. There are no artificial ratings or paid promotions influencing the scores.
Multi-Dimensional: Unlike simple averages, our algorithm considers multiple factors that matter to bourbon enthusiasts. A high score means a bourbon excels across multiple criteria.
Transparent Methodology: We're open about how the score is calculated. The factors that contribute to the score are clearly defined, and the algorithm is designed to reward bourbons that consistently perform well across different types of community feedback.
Continuously Updated: Scores are recalculated regularly as new ratings, comparisons, and list additions come in. The scores reflect the current consensus of our growing community.
Join the Community
Your ratings, comparisons, and recommendations help build the ProofPoint Score. Share your experiences and help others discover their next favorite bourbon.