Quick answer for common home groups
The table assumes 0.5 ounces per guest per whiskey, 750 mL bottles, a 10% setup buffer, and no refills. The total milliliters column is the buffered liquid poured across the whole flight.
| Guests | 3-whiskey flight | 4-whiskey flight | 5-whiskey flight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 3 bottles / 390 mL | 4 bottles / 520 mL | 5 bottles / 651 mL |
| 10 | 3 bottles / 488 mL | 4 bottles / 651 mL | 5 bottles / 813 mL |
| 12 | 3 bottles / 586 mL | 4 bottles / 781 mL | 5 bottles / 976 mL |
Why the bottle count matches the number of whiskeys
Each sample comes from a different bottle. For 12 guests, one whiskey must provide about 195 mL including the buffer—well within a 750 mL bottle. Four different whiskeys still require four bottles because liquid from one label cannot replace another label’s sample.
The calculation
For each whiskey: guests × pour ounces × 29.5735 × 1.10. Divide that number by the bottle size and round up to a whole bottle. Then multiply by the number of distinct whiskeys in the flight.
Adjusting pour size or refills
A 0.75 or 1 ounce sample uses more liquid and more alcohol than a half-ounce sample. Put the larger size into the calculator rather than estimating. If refills may be offered, calculate them as additional pours instead of hiding them inside the setup buffer.
Alcohol context is not a ride-home answer
At 40% ABV, three, four, and five half-ounce samples equal approximately 1.0, 1.3, and 1.7 U.S. standard drinks. Strength varies, and no quantity, meal, or elapsed event time proves someone is safe to drive. Arrange sober transportation before the first pour.