How to Drink Bourbon: A Beginner's Guide

Have you ever watched a seasoned bourbon drinker slowly sip their drink, eyes closed, a look of profound satisfaction on their face, and wondered what they were experiencing that you weren’t? Bourbon isn’t just another whiskey; it’s a distinctly American spirit with a rich history and a complex flavor profile that deserves to be appreciated. Too often, bourbon is relegated to a quick shot or a hastily made cocktail, and while there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, you’re missing out on a deeper connection to the craftsmanship and tradition behind each bottle.

Learning how to properly drink bourbon allows you to unlock its hidden nuances, appreciate its intricate aromas, and ultimately, elevate your drinking experience. It’s about more than just getting a buzz; it’s about engaging your senses, understanding the spirit’s origins, and savoring the moment. By understanding the fundamentals of tasting, nosing, and serving bourbon, you can transform a simple drink into a journey of discovery.

But what exactly does “properly” mean?

What’s the best glass for bourbon?

The best glass for bourbon is widely considered to be a Glencairn glass. Its tulip shape concentrates the aromas, allowing you to fully appreciate the complex scents of the bourbon, while the solid base provides stability and a comfortable grip.

While the Glencairn is the gold standard, other options can enhance your bourbon experience. A rocks glass, also known as an old-fashioned glass, is a classic choice, especially if you enjoy your bourbon with ice. The wide mouth allows for easy sipping and the addition of ice or a large format cube. However, it doesn’t concentrate the aromas as effectively as a Glencairn. Beyond these two, a tulip-shaped copita nosing glass, often used for sherry, can also be an excellent alternative. Similar to the Glencairn, its shape focuses the aromas, making it a great option for nosing and appreciating the nuances of a fine bourbon. Ultimately, the best glass comes down to personal preference, but the Glencairn provides the optimal balance of aroma concentration, comfortable handling, and overall sensory enjoyment, while a rocks glass can be great for on the rocks enjoyment.

Should I add water or ice to my bourbon?

Whether to add water or ice to your bourbon is a matter of personal preference, but generally, a small amount of water can enhance the aroma and flavor, while ice chills the bourbon, muting some flavors but providing a refreshing experience. Experiment to discover what you enjoy most.

Adding a few drops of water, or a splash, to your bourbon can open up the spirit by lowering the alcohol percentage slightly. This can release volatile organic compounds, intensifying the aroma and making subtler notes easier to detect. Many bourbon enthusiasts believe that a “Kentucky Chew”—where you swirl the bourbon in your mouth to coat it before swallowing—is enhanced by a touch of water, allowing for a richer, more nuanced tasting experience. However, too much water will dilute the bourbon and weaken the flavor, so start with a small amount and add more to your liking. Using ice, on the other hand, chills the bourbon, which can numb your taste buds and diminish the intensity of some flavors, especially the sweeter notes. However, chilling bourbon can also make it more refreshing, especially in warmer weather, and it can soften the alcohol burn. If you choose to use ice, consider using a large ice cube or a sphere, as these melt more slowly and dilute the bourbon less quickly than smaller cubes. Ultimately, the best way to drink bourbon is the way you enjoy it most, so try both methods and see which one suits your palate.

How do I properly nose bourbon?

Nosing bourbon properly involves using a specific glass, swirling the liquid gently, and taking short, controlled sniffs to unlock the complex aromas without overwhelming your senses. It’s a crucial step in fully appreciating the bourbon’s nuances and character before you even take a sip.

To begin, the ideal glass for nosing is a tulip-shaped glass like a Glencairn or a copita, as it concentrates the aromas towards the top. Pour a small amount of bourbon (about an ounce or two) into the glass. Gently swirl the bourbon to coat the sides of the glass and release its volatile compounds. Hold the glass a few inches from your nose and take short, gentle sniffs, inhaling through your nose with your mouth slightly open. This prevents alcohol burn and allows you to identify the different aromas present. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sniffing techniques. Some people prefer short, quick sniffs, while others prefer longer, more deliberate inhalations. Try varying the distance between your nose and the glass to see what works best for you. Focus on identifying specific aromas, such as vanilla, caramel, oak, spice, fruit, or floral notes. Over time, you’ll develop a better understanding of the aroma profile of different bourbons. You might even consider keeping a tasting journal to track your observations and improve your nosing skills.

What foods pair well with bourbon?

Bourbon’s inherent sweetness, oaky notes, and spice make it a versatile partner for a wide array of foods. It generally complements rich, savory dishes, desserts with caramel or chocolate, and foods with smoky or spicy flavors.

Bourbon’s distinctive profile allows it to stand up to bold flavors. Think grilled steak with a bourbon-infused marinade, or pulled pork sliders with a tangy barbecue sauce. The high fat content in these dishes is cut through by the alcohol, while the bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes enhance the richness of the meat. Cheeses like aged cheddar or smoked gouda also work well, providing a savory counterpoint to the bourbon’s sweetness. For a simpler pairing, consider spiced nuts or dried fruits, which mirror the bourbon’s complex flavors.

For those with a sweet tooth, bourbon makes an excellent digestif alongside desserts. Chocolate brownies, pecan pie, or even a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with bourbon create a delightful combination. The bourbon can also enhance the flavors in desserts featuring caramel, maple syrup, or dried fruits. If you enjoy a cigar after dinner, a glass of bourbon can be the perfect accompaniment.

Consider these pairings:

• **Appetizers:** Smoked salmon canapés, spiced pecans, aged cheddar
• **Main Courses:** Grilled steak, pulled pork, smoked ribs, bourbon-glazed salmon
• **Desserts:** Chocolate brownies, pecan pie, crème brûlée, bread pudding

How does the age of the bourbon affect its flavor profile?

The age of bourbon significantly impacts its flavor profile, primarily due to the interaction between the whiskey and the charred oak barrels it matures in. Younger bourbons tend to exhibit more prominent grain notes, often described as corny or grassy, and can have a sharper, more raw character. As bourbon ages, it extracts vanillin, caramel, toffee, and spice notes from the oak, leading to a richer, smoother, and more complex flavor profile. Extended aging can further deepen these flavors, adding notes of dried fruit, leather, tobacco, and even chocolate, but excessive aging can result in an overly oaky and tannic bourbon.

As bourbon ages, a variety of chemical reactions take place within the barrel. The oak wood acts as a filter, removing undesirable compounds while simultaneously imparting its own unique characteristics. Evaporation, known as the “angel’s share,” also occurs, concentrating the flavors that remain in the barrel. This process not only reduces the overall volume of the bourbon but also mellows out harsher notes. The level of char on the oak barrel plays a role, with heavier char levels imparting more vanillin and caramel notes. The climate of the aging warehouse also matters, as temperature fluctuations cause the bourbon to expand and contract, driving it deeper into the wood and further enhancing the interaction between the whiskey and the barrel. It’s a dance between the spirit, the oak, the environment, and time. A skilled distiller monitors this dance to extract the optimal flavor profile at the right moment.

What’s the difference between neat, on the rocks, and with a splash?

These terms describe how bourbon is served. “Neat” means bourbon served straight from the bottle at room temperature, with no ice or other additions. “On the rocks” means bourbon poured over ice cubes. “With a splash” refers to bourbon served neat or on the rocks with a small amount of another liquid, typically water or soda water, added.

The primary difference lies in temperature and dilution. Drinking bourbon neat allows you to experience the full, undiluted flavor profile of the whiskey, appreciating its aroma, texture, and finish without any interference. This is often preferred by bourbon aficionados who want to savor the spirit’s complexity. Conversely, serving bourbon on the rocks chills the spirit, which can subtly mute some of the more volatile aromas and flavors, potentially making it smoother and easier to drink, especially for those new to bourbon. The melting ice also gradually dilutes the bourbon, further altering its taste over time. Adding a splash offers a middle ground. A splash of water can “open up” the bourbon, releasing more of its aromatic compounds and mellowing its alcoholic bite. The small amount of dilution can make the flavors more accessible without drastically altering the overall character of the whiskey as much as ice does. Soda water introduces effervescence, changing the mouthfeel in addition to diluting the bourbon, which some people may prefer. The best way to determine your preference is to experiment with each method and see which one enhances your enjoyment of bourbon the most.

Can I mix bourbon in cocktails if I prefer it that way?

Absolutely! There are no rules saying you can’t enjoy bourbon in cocktails. While some people prefer to savor bourbon neat or with a drop of water to appreciate its complex flavors, mixing it into cocktails is a perfectly acceptable and incredibly popular way to drink it.

Bourbon’s rich profile, often featuring notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice, makes it a fantastic base for a wide range of cocktails. From classics like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour to more modern creations, bourbon adds depth and character that other whiskeys might lack. The key is to choose a bourbon that complements the other ingredients in your cocktail. A bolder bourbon might stand up better in a drink with strong flavors, while a more delicate bourbon could be better suited for cocktails where its nuances can shine. Ultimately, the “right” way to drink bourbon is the way you enjoy it most. Don’t let anyone tell you that mixing it is somehow disrespectful or wrong. Experiment with different cocktail recipes and find what you like. Explore how different bourbons interact with different mixers and garnishes. The world of bourbon cocktails is vast and delicious, so dive in and have fun!

So there you have it – a simple guide to enjoying bourbon. Now go forth, pour yourself a dram, and savor the experience. Thanks for reading, and be sure to come back and share your favorite bourbon discoveries with us!