Around the world, a quiet revolution is reshaping the way people approach digital markets. Consumers are gravitating towards services that require little up-front commitment—of money, time or effort.

One aspect of maturation, however, is rarely highlighted. Low-entry barrel proof dramatically impacts a whiskey’s texture and flavor. Below is an overview of the practice and how it shapes a whiskey.

Upfront payments of between $2,500 and $7,000, quietly implemented in January, have started to detract from the entry-level pricing LSI has been promoting, said some solution providers. Richard Rogers ...