Risen — Barrel readiness depends on intended blend contribution — citation

Risen explains that blenders judge whether barrels are ready for a desired blend; an individual barrel's purpose is not necessarily to taste best by itself.

Clay Risen, American Whiskey, Bourbon & Rye: A Guide to the Nation’s Favorite Spirit (Sterling Epicure / Scott & Nix, 2013), 18–19; supplied PDF 28–29.

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Practical author account, not an experimental model or proof of a particular mixture's performance.