A growing number of spirits lovers are experimenting with “infinity bottles.” The practice involves taking a bottle of liquor that’s not quite full and strategically topping it up with pours from other bottles to make unique blends that can’t be found anywhere else.
As the bottle drains over time, a splash of this or that is added. Ideally, the bottle is never completely empty, hence the “infinity” name. Here’s everything to know about this emerging trend.
What Is an Infinity Bottle?
Although there are no precise rules, most people stick to a single category of spirit. Whiskey infinity bottles are the most popular, ranging from bourbon to rye and beyond. One Scotch lover created something called “The Glend,” blending the last liquid that remained in bottles like Glenmorangie, Glenfiddich, etc. But rum infinity blends have gained traction, too, and we’ve even heard tales of at least one “gin-finity” bottle.
For collectors, the infinity bottle can be a creative way to try the art of blending at home. It’s a DIY version of how professional spirits producers artfully mix various barrels, finishes or vintages to create a desired flavor profile. It’s also a way to use up those almost-empty bottles that sit in the back of your liquor cabinet. The goal is to create a custom blend that’s more than the sum of its parts.
A DIY Hobby Mainstreams
Ironically, some pros are taking inspiration from consumers and making “infinity” bottles of their own. The concept is based loosely on the solera system, which is used to make Sherry and some spirits. Small fractions from different vintages are blended together, and as the oldest liquid depletes, a younger vintage is added. In theory, some of the oldest liquid is always part of the blend.
The category recently welcomed entrants from two well-known mainstream whiskey brands, including Jim Beam ( The Infinite, a blend of Kentucky bourbons, launched in August) and Westland (Milestone, an American single-malt blend, was unveiled October 1). Also in the mix is rum-maker Holmes Cay, which in August announced the launch of Infinity Cask, a limited-edition mix of rare rums. Elsewhere, Barrell Bourbon combines multiple types of whiskey including Scotch, Irish whiskey and even a Polish rye in his ongoing Infinite Barrel project, which began in 2018.
How to Blend Your Own Infinity Bottle
Interested in trying this trend out for yourself? We asked some master blenders for guidelines on how to create the ultimate custom whiskey blend at home.
1. Pick a Base
Start with a spirit that appeals to you, says Eric Kaye, founder of Holmes Kay Rum. “One of the wonderful things about an infinity bottle is that it generally comes from what’s left over in people’s favorite bottles.”
Note: This isn’t the place to dump bad booze. “If you buy something and think it’s awful, the last thing you’ll say is, ‘Oh, I’ll put this into my special infinity bottle,’” Kaye adds.
Pro tip: Label your bottle, so you can list what goes inside.
2. Add a Second Spirit
For optimal impact, Miles Munroe, master blender with Westward Whiskey, suggests selecting spirits that you think will complement one another.
“My advice is to strive for balance,” he says. It doesn’t have to be more complicated than following what’s pleasing to your palate. “Taste it, and see what you think.
3. Feeling Bold? Add a Third Spirit
Don’t go overboard, though—add just a little. You can always add more, but subtracting is nearly impossible.
“If someone wants to add clashing characteristics, I’d say add small volumes first to see what you get,” Munroe says.
