Bourbon, the “America's Native Spirit,” is one of the most popular pours around. It is a type of whisky that carries a deep history, rich flavors and cultural significance that is impossible to ignore.

Whether you are a novice or just a beginner curious to know how to drink bourbon? Then you are at the right place, this guide will help you through the best way to drink bourbon, offering tips for Bourbon for beginners, tasting guide and all that you need to know about bourbon drinking.

So, pour yourself a glass, settle in and let’s begin with the tips of how to drink bourbon?

Understanding Bourbon: What You Need to Know Before Your First Sip

Before getting into the nuances of drinking and serving bourbon, it is essential to know all about what it is and how it is made. Bourbon is a type of american whisky, which can be made anywhere in the USA, Kentucky is considered its heartland. It is distilled from mash and made from at least 51% of corn, and should be aged in a new, charred oak barrel.

Also read: Gain insight to understand what's the difference between bourbon and whiskey? Including their production methods, flavor profiles and how these two compare and contrast.

The Best Ways to Drink Bourbon: Perfect Sipping Tips

There are multiple ways to enjoy this strong drink, offering a unique experience, but the best way to drink bourbon is that suits one’s tastes and occasions.

Here are some of the most popular methods and types to drink bourbon:

1. Neat or Straight

If you really want to taste the real essence of bourbon and this is the purest way to enjoy it without any mixers or ice. Sipping bourbon neat allows you to get the real impact of the bourbon’s complex flavor and rich aroma’s. A very natural way for all to acquaint themselves with the spirit's natural characteristics.

Tips for drinking bourbon neat:
  1. Choose the right glass, opt for Glencairn glass or snifter to feel the aromas and enhance the tasting adventure.
  2. Let it breathe, allow it to sit for some time to open up and release aromas.
  3. Best to enjoy it at room temperature, try pairing it with a food that compliments it perfectly.

A Cooler Approach with Ice

It means bourbon served on the rocks, doing this slightly dilutes the spirits as the ice melts, which mellow the strong alcohol flavors and bring out different aspects of the spirit. If drinking neat bourbon for you is strong, then try on the rocks, it can be more approachable, making it a refreshing choice for warmer weather.

Enhance Your experience:

Size of the ice matters when you are drinking it with ice as it significantly impacts the drink. The little pieces of ice change the strong flavors too quickly. Larger ice cubes melt slowly preserving flavors for longer.

Bourbon and Water

Bourbon and water is a great option for those who are new to the alcoholic spirit and find it too strong. Adding a splash of water to your bourbon can really open it up and make the flavors much more accessible. The bourbon's aromatic compounds are lowered by the alcohol, and the water releases them.

Tips for drinking bourbon with water:

Adding water to the spirit can be a revolution, as it unlocks the hidden flavors and softens the spirit’s intensity, but the amount of water in it makes a huge change. Begin with a little amount, then gradually increase until you find your ideal balance.

4. In Cocktail

Apart from these popular styles, bourbon is a versatile drink that works spectacularly with cocktails to add some new flavors to it. Bourbon is a key ingredient in some cocktails, offering a balance of sweetness, spice, and depth. Cocktail is the versatile way to savor bourbon in various versions of flavors.

Some popular bourbon cocktails:
  • Old Fashioned: Bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus peel.
  • Mint Julep: Bourbon, fresh mint, sugar, and crushed ice.
  • Bourbon/Whiskey Sour: Bourbon, lemon juice, sugar, and a dash of egg white (optional).
  • Manhattan: Bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters stirred together and garnished with a cherry for a sophisticated touch.

Neat vs. On the Rocks: What's Better?

One of the most common questions among bourbon drinkers is what’s better with ice or neat. Both the ways serve different flavors and aspects of drinking the fine spirit.

  • Neat: Always served at room temperature, ideal for savoring the full spectrum of flavors in a high-quality bourbon. It’s the preferred method for discerning bourbon drinkers and those exploring new bottles.
  • On the Rocks: Great for when you want to sip a cooler beverage, slightly diluted drink. It’s also a good option for bourbons with higher alcohol content, as the ice can soften its heat and intense flavors.

The best way to decide is to try both! Experiment with your favorite bourbons neat and on the rocks to see which method you liked and will love to try more often.

Bourbon Tasting Tips for Beginners

Bourbon tasting for beginners is as complex as wine tasting for the novice, it involves using your senses to truly appreciate the spirit. Here have a look at step-by-step bourbon tasting tips which will help you figure out the quality and taste of the fine spirit.

  • Observe the color: Before bringing the glass to your lips, take a moment to look at it to observe how it appears on the eye. The color will tell you a lot about it. A darker color indicates longer aging and a richer, more complex flavor profile. Lighter color might be younger and have a lighter, crisper taste.
  • Appreciate the aroma: Bring it to your nose and inhale deeply. Explore the wide range of aromas. Take your time to explore these aromas, as they are an integral part of the tasting experience.
  • Taste the Bourbon: Now, take a decent sip and let the bourbon sit on your tongue for a moment. Pay attention to the different flavors, mouthfeel, and finish that emerge. The more you drink, the more you’ll begin to notice the subtle differences between bourbons.
  • Consider the finish: The finish refers to the flavors that linger after you’ve swallowed the bourbon. Some bourbons have a long, complex finish, while others might fade quickly. The finish can often reveal deeper, more complex notes that weren’t as apparent in the initial taste.

The Best Bourbon Drinking Glasses: Ideal Way to Serve

Believe it or not, the glass used can impact the bourbon drinking experience in a huge perspective. Here are some of the suggested best bourbon drinking glasses:

  • Glencairn Glass: Widely regarded as the best glass for bourbon tasting, their tulip shape concentrates the aromas, enhancing your ability to appreciate the bourbon’s nose.
  • Old Fashioned Glass: Also known as Rock glass, this short, sturdy glass is perfect for drinking bourbon on the rocks or cocktails. Its wide mouth allows you to enjoy the aroma, while its heft feels satisfying in hand.
  • Snifter: Similar to the Glencairn, the snifter’s wide bowl and narrow top, a good choice for neat bourbon.
  • Highball Glass: If you enjoy your bourbon with mixers like ginger ale or soda, a highball glass is your best bet. Its tall, slender shape is perfect for mixed drinks.

How to Serve Bourbon?

While bourbon is wonderful on its own, serving it with food can elevate the experience even more delicious. Here are some classic food that pairs very well with the strong drink:

  • Dark Chocolate: The richness of dark chocolate complements the sweet, oaky notes of bourbon.
  • Cheese: Aged cheeses like gouda or cheddar pair beautifully with bourbon, especially those with nutty or smoky flavors.
  • BBQ: The sweet, smoky flavors of barbecue are a natural match for bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes.

Ending Note

In the end, there’s no right or wrong way to drink it, the best way to drink bourbon is the way that brings you the most pleasures, whether you’re enjoying it neat or mixing it into a cocktail. As you explore the world of bourbon, you’ll discover its unique characteristics, Or you are willing to share your bourbon experience with others. Consider gifting them a bottle of bourbon along with a curated gift basket through an online store. So, next time you pour yourself a glass, take a moment to appreciate the flavor of this beloved spirit. Discover the perfect pour. Cheers!

FAQs

What is the best way to drink bourbon?

The best way to drink bourbon really depends on the personal preference the way you like it. But these are some popular methods that are neat, on the rocks, with a splash of water or mixed with a cocktail.

What mixes well with bourbon?

Bourbon can be enjoyed with a variety of ingredients to drink and a delicious and masterful blend. It compliments well with soda, ginger beer, lemonade, bitter and sweetener, and apple cider.

What are some good bourbons for a beginner?

For those who are new to the bourbon world, startin with something smooth and approachable will be a good beginning. Consider brands such as- Buffalo Trace, Evan Williams Black Label, Maker’s Mark, and Wild Turkey 101.

How should I store bourbon?

Keep your bottle in the best condition to enjoy it for a longer period. The ideal way to store your bourbon bottle is in a cool and dark place, keep the bottle upright, and sealed properly.

Can I mix bourbon with other drinks?

Yes, bourbon is highly versatile and can be mixed with various ingredients including classic mixers, cocktails, fruit juices or you can experiment with other options that suit your taste.