April 28, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Tasting a fine spirit like whiskey or bourbon is as much art as it’s science. That said, it also takes much time to become accustomed to it, especially after experiencing a burning sensation as you take your first sip. In the article, “Enjoying Bourbon Might Take Patience,” Wayne shared his personal story of how long it took him to be able to drink bourbon neat and truly enjoy it. For this Sunday Spirit Note, I share some reasons why whiskey/bourbon can burn your throat and tips on reducing such unpleasant experiences.

What is Whiskey Burn

Whiskey burn, a tingling sensation in the mouth and throat, is caused by ethanol activating Vanilloid Receptor-1 (VR1) nerve cells, which send distress signals to the brain, interpreting the drink as too hot and causing a burning sensation to prevent further consumption. The burn intensity depends on the whiskey’s alcohol content and temperature. Ethanol lowers the activation temperature of VR1 receptors, making them more sensitive to the heat of the whiskey. Similar to the reaction to capsaicin in spicy foods, VR1 receptors are activated at a lower temperature in the presence of ethanol, triggering the burning sensation. Whiskey burn is a protective mechanism to prevent tissue damage from consuming liquids that are too hot or potentially harmful.

Steps to Reduce the Burn of Bourbon Whiskey

There are multiple approaches that can be taken to reduce the burn of bourbon whiskey to help you enjoy it more. Over time, you can find the method that is best for you and you may also find that different options for different bourbons are most effective.

– Add water: Dilute the whiskey with a few drops of water using a straw. Start with three to five drops and add more until you reach your desired dilution. Water can also release additional aromas and tastes by reducing the alcohol content.

– Add ice: Adding ice can neutralize the burn and prevent dehydration and a parched throat.

– Chill the drink: Chilling the bottle or glass in the refrigerator for about 2 hours will soften its flavor; thus, reducing the burn and helping it go down more smoothly.

– Use a straw: Drinking whiskey through a straw can help to bypass the back of the throat and reduce the burn.

– Take small sips versus large swigs: Savor your drink with small sips instead of chugging it to reduce the burn. This also helps you to enjoy the flavors more. Have a glass of water on hand for drinking to quench your thirst so you will be more inclined to sip your bourbon slowly.

– Hold the whiskey in your mouth: Allowing the bourbon to sit in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing helps the flavors to dissipate and reduces the burn. This is especially important on the first few sips as it can help to numb the tongue.

– Roll it around on your tongue: This has a similar effect as holding it in your mouth. By gently rolling the bourbon around on your tongue before swallowing, it allows the flavors to develop and reduce the burn.

– Drink then exhale: Take a deep breath in, exhale a bit, sip the whiskey, and then exhale the rest of the air. This flushes out alcohol vapors and reduces the burning sensation.

– Add a mixer: Mixing whiskey with a non-alcoholic beverage, such as soda or juice, can reduce the alcohol concentration and make it more palatable.

Summary and Closing Thoughts

Bourbon whiskey often causes a burning sensation due to its high alcohol content, but various methods can mitigate this. If you tour a distillery in Kentucky, it is often described as the “Kentucky Hug.’ Experimenting with chilling techniques, dilution of alcohol, tasting approaches, and even breathing techniques, can reduce the burn while preserving the flavor.

Remember, when ordering bourbon whiskey in a bar, it can be consumed “straight,” which involves cooling it and straining it over ice, or “neat,” which means serving it at room temperature without any additives. While some prefer the pure flavors of bourbon neat, others suggest sipping it slowly to fully appreciate its nuances. Ultimately, the best way to enjoy whiskey is subjective and it certainly depends on personal preferences.

In the words of Jim Beam’s Master Distiller, Fred Noe, and his father (Booker Noe) before him, “Drink it any damn way you please.”

Enjoy Your Bourbon Journey – And Always Drink Responsibly
Rebecca