There’s a reason bourbon is commanding attention from seasoned Scotch drinkers and cocktail newcomers alike. Once seen as America’s everyday whiskey, it’s now a global player, gaining considerable popularity in India, and seeing a larger presence in the UK.
Bourbon has sweetness, higher proof, and bold oak character make it distinctly rewarding, and occasionally unforgiving. Many drinkers, even the experienced ones, unintentionally blunt its best qualities with a few easy-to-make mistakes.
So, what mistakes could you be innocently making when trying bourbon? Let’s take a look at what they are, and the simple fixes that will make your bourbon more enjoyable. Whether it’s a humble pour of Beam or a once-a-year sip of Pappy.
What Is Bourbon (and Why Does it Need Special Handling?)
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey defined by law. It must be made in the United States from a mash bill containing at least 51% corn. Bourbon must be distilled to a maximum of 160 proof (80% ABV), filled at a maximum of 125 proof (62.5% ABV), and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% ABV). It also has to be aged in new, charred oak barrels. These rules help shape the entire flavor profile.
Corn gives bourbon its natural sweetness. The new oak delivers bold notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. Compared to Scotch, which is often aged in used barrels and made from malted barley, bourbon is fuller, warmer, and usually higher in ABV.
Many bourbons are bottled at 90 proof or more, and some cask-strength expressions go well above 120. This extra strength can lock in flavors behind a wall of alcohol if not handled thoughtfully. A little water, the right glass, and a touch of patience can make the difference between a harsh sip and a rich, balanced one.
Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Glass
A rocks glass might look timeless, but it isn’t necessarily designed for tasting whisky or bourbon in a serious setting. Its wide opening allows alcohol vapors to escape unevenly, muting the more delicate notes underneath.
The Glencairn glass, by contrast, has a tulip shape that gently narrows at the rim. This channels the richer aromas (caramel, vanilla, oak) toward your nose while reducing the burn of ethanol. It also allows for swirling, which oxygenates the bourbon and helps it open up.
For tasting, it’s the industry standard. Dr. Dwight Furrow, WSET Advanced Certified, wrote on whiskeymasters.org, “the Glencairn glass is perfect for whisk(e)y tasting, which is why it has won the endorsement of the Scotch Whisky Association and the Council of Whiskey Masters and is used by spirits professionals around the world.”
He added, “As you acquire more appreciation of what whiskey has to offer, the Glencairn glass will be essential to getting the most out of your experience.”
Mistake 2: Burying Your Nose in the Glass
It’s instinctive to dive in nose-first. But with high-proof bourbon, that often means a face full of ethanol.
I certainly made this mistake when I first started drinking bourbon. Thankfully, Phil Dwyer was on hand to offer me a helpful fix. I use a Glencairn glass with this tip.
Hold the glass just below your nose, positioning the top rim of the glass just above the tip of your nose. Then, breathe in gently with your mouth slightly open. This softens the alcohol sting and lets the subtler aromas, like dried fruit, spice, or toasted oak, come through.
You’re not trying to inhale everything at once. Think of it as scanning a landscape. A few short sniffs tell you far more than one deep one.
Mistake 3: Fearing the Proof, But Not Adding Water
Many drinkers avoid adding water to bourbon, thinking it “dilutes” the experience. But high-proof whiskey can lock in its own flavors. The alcohol can sometimes act like a barrier, keeping complex notes hidden behind heat.
Adding a few drops of room-temperature water doesn’t weaken good bourbon, but it unlocks it. This small change lowers the alcohol’s edge and allows vanillas, baking spices, and fruit to come forward.
This is not to say that you must add water to all high-proof bourbons. Many drinkers enjoy something with a bit of a kick. However, don’t feel like you cannot add water. It is a go-to tip for me. I usually taste neat first, then add a few drops of water to see how the spirit changes.
Another great tip for tasting comes from the late Booker Noe, legendary Master Distiller at Jim Beam. He encouraged tasters to use the “Kentucky Chew”—rolling the bourbon around the mouth to coat every taste bud before swallowing. That, along with a drop or two of water, can help to open the whiskey up.
Mistake 4: Over-Chilling or Using Bad Ice
Ice isn’t the enemy, as many whiskey purists might argue. But the kind of ice that you use can make a difference to your tasting experience.
Tiny cubes, freezer-frosted chunks, or crushed ice can chill bourbon too quickly. This numbs your palate and mutes the very flavors that define the spirit.
Instead, use one large, clear cube. It melts slowly, chills gradually, and avoids over-dilution. Or better yet, taste the bourbon neat first, then add ice if desired. This is a go-to for me if I am drinking a high-proof bourbon or enjoying a glass on a hot day.
Mistake 5: Thinking Bourbon Is Too Precious to Mix
Some bottles feel too special to pour into a cocktail. But bourbon’s story is rooted in mixing. It’s the backbone of classics like the Old Fashioned, Mint Julep, and Paper Plane.
A good bourbon doesn’t lose character in a cocktail. Instead, it can add depth. That caramel and spice cut through citrus, bitters, or sugar beautifully.
Even high-end bourbons can shine in the right drink. Don’t let purism limit your enjoyment. Bourbon was built for versatility.
Check out this page for our top picks for whiskey cocktails, bourbon and beyond.
Fixes Checklist: How to Get More from Every Pour
- Use a Glencairn glass for tasting, a Rocks glass for enjoyment
- Nose the whiskey from a slight distance, with your nose near the top of the glass
- Add a few drops of water to open up the bourbon
- Use one large ice cube if adding ice
- Mix it up in a cocktail
These aren’t rules. I am a firm believer in enjoying whiskey and bourbon however you wish. But, if you are just starting your journey, I hope you have found some helpful tips.
Read the full article at 5 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Drinking Bourbon (And How To Fix Them)
