Bourbon 101: How to Properly Taste Bourbon | The Kentucky Chew

September 28, 2016

how to properly taste bourbon the kentucky chew

Did you know that there is a “right” way and a “wrong” way to taste bourbon? Yes, it’s true. Throwing back a shot won’t do anything for you. If your main goal is to get as drunk as you can, by all means, go ahead and keep doing what you are doing. Taking a shot of bourbon in one gulp (by the way, I hate that word), won’t allow you to taste any flavors, such as; vanilla, caramel, maple syrup, toffee, etc. By tasting the bourbon the correct way, you won’t have the burn and you’ll learn to train your palate to identify distinct flavors.

Depending on the distillery you go to and the tour guide you get, you may or may not get instructed on how to properly taste bourbon during the tasting portion of the tour. Some may go into more details, while others may briefly touch on the subject. Like for example, when I went to Woodford Reserve, they mentioned it briefly, and when I went to Jim Beam, they talked about the “Kentucky Chew” and the “Kentucky Hug.” When I visited Maker’s Mark, the tour guide gave in-depth, detailed, step-by-step instructions on what to do. So, as you can see, it definitely can vary.

I know some people reading this, may be curious about bourbon or may have plans of visiting a distillery or may be unaware there is a right or wrong way, but I’m going to go into detail about what to do, so in case you find yourself in a distillery, you won’t be looking around the room clueless.

Let it be known that there is a difference between drinking bourbon and tasting bourbon. Drinking bourbon is how you prefer to drink it, whether it is on the rocks, neat, or in a mixed drink. Tasting bourbon is paying attention to the nuances and aromas without a mixer or anything to dull the flavors.

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Before you taste the bourbon, it is essential that you have the proper glass. 

There are several different glasses that you can use for your tasting. For example, you can use a Glencairn glass or a high-ball glass or a similar glass. The small base of the Glencairn glass allows you to get a good look at the appearance. Because of the design of the glass, it is easy to swirl the bourbon around, and the narrow neck allows the smell to gather under the edge and the smell of alcohol to vanish.

What to be aware of during your tasting…

Now, that you have the correct glass, there are some important things you need to think about when doing the tasting.

  • Appearance
  • Aroma
  • Taste
  • Finish

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Appearance: Notice the color of the bourbon. Is it clear? Is it dark? Remember the older the bourbon, the darker it will be. Other factors that will affect the appearance/color are proof and where the bourbon aged in the rickhouse.

Aroma: This is a super important part of the tasting. Our sense of smell is stronger than our sense of taste. In fact, in a study published in the Journal Science by Rockefeller University in 2014, discovered that people can detect at least one trillion scents (In 1927, it was believed that we could only detect about 10,000 scents).

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Taste: Start by taking a small sip and swirling it around your mouth, but make sure you leave your lips slightly parted. You’ll want to do the “Kentucky Chew” when tasting bourbon. What is the Kentucky Chew, you ask? Don’t worry, I’ll teach you how!

Finish: When you hear the word, finish, it is referring to the sensations you get after you have swallowed the bourbon. Does it stay with you? It if lingers, that is considered a long finish? If is disappears quickly, then that is considered a short finish. What flavors did you notice? Were there any other flavors that you tasted?

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How to properly taste bourbon or as we refer to in Kentucky, “The Kentucky Chew:”

Now, that you know what to look for and what the terms mean, we can discuss the proper steps for tasting bourbon. The late Booker Noe (Master Distiller of Jim Beam) originated “The Kentucky Chew.” To see Fred Noe (7th Generation Master Distiller) discuss it briefly and demonstrate it in action, you can watch this short video: here (It’s less than two minutes).

  • Step One: Observe the color. Generally, if the color is lighter, then it will be lighter in taste.
  • Step Two: Set your nose over over and just barely in the glass. Breathe in with your lips slightly parted. Be sure to stick your nose deep in the glass. Do NOT breathe in with your mouth closed, because this won’t allow you to appreciate all the aromas. If your mouth is closed, then the only thing you’ll get is pretty much the aroma of alcohol.
  • Step Three: Aim the bourbon to the middle of your palate. Be sure not to swallow it yet! Slowly swirl it around your mouth and begin chewing on the bourbon. Chewing it allows your palate to experience the bourbon itself. After you have done this, you can swallow. Once you swallow, smack your lips a few times. This will allow you to appreciate the finish.
  • Step Four: Note the finish, and notice what flavor is left behind and whether it is a long or short finish.

woodford-flavor-wheel-collage

Here’s an example of Woodford Reserve’s Flavor wheel. It is there to assist you with categorizing the different characteristics of whatever bourbon you are trying, as well as where those flavors may have come from. It should be noted that each distillery may have a slightly different flavor wheel.

Now, you know how to properly taste bourbon like a true Kentuckian.

Cheers!
  • Amanda Rosson September 28, 2016 at 3:04 am

    Oh what an intensive and informative post! I don’t drink anymore or I would try “tasting” bourbon as you’ve described here – sounds so interesting seeing the difference between that and simply drinking it!

    • Whitney @ Fabulous in Fayette September 29, 2016 at 4:01 am

      It definitely makes a difference!! Once you do it like this, you can train yourself to pick up on different flavors.

  • Mrs.AOK September 28, 2016 at 9:20 am

    I’ll have to inform my husband of the Kentucky Chew. I’m sure he was doing it all wrong. Although, he hasn’t had bourbon in a while…
    We’ll need a trip back to Charleston. 🙂
    XOXO

  • Terri Steffes September 28, 2016 at 10:42 am

    I am sending this to my husband who is a long time bourbon/whiskey/wine/scotch drinker. I’ll have to see if he knew how to properly taste it!

  • Ellie Augustin September 28, 2016 at 10:49 am

    I’m not a drinker but I’ll pass this on to my brother! Very interesting read indeed. Thanks for sharing.

  • Rebecca Bryant September 28, 2016 at 1:29 pm

    Not a bourbon drinker but if i should ever get brave and try i’ll keep these tips in mind.

  • Debra Hawkins September 28, 2016 at 1:41 pm

    Not a drinker but these tips would totally help those that are. Thanks for sharing

  • Theresa September 28, 2016 at 8:24 pm

    I had no idea there was a right way to do this! Totally interesting to see that there’s a correct way.

  • Karen Yannacio Morse September 28, 2016 at 8:32 pm

    Love knowing that its its a lighter color it will be lighter in taste. I had no idea about this basic characteristic – and it will be helpful in cocktail hour!

    • Whitney @ Fabulous in Fayette September 29, 2016 at 4:04 am

      It can be helpful when choosing a bourbon, because the appearance/color, can tell you quite a bit – usually about the age!

  • Cynthia @craftoflaughter September 28, 2016 at 9:53 pm

    I never knew that there was a right way to taste bourbon but I guess it makes perfect sense. Your posts almost make me wish I liked drinking the stuff! HA

  • Taylor Smith September 28, 2016 at 11:49 pm

    Since I don’t drink alcohol, I had no idea there was a right or wrong way to drink it. I just figured that people got drunk off of shots and that was it.

    • Whitney @ Fabulous in Fayette September 29, 2016 at 4:10 am

      I don’t like taking shots. We just don’t do shots, unless we are a bar and someone is buying a round for us. All of our friends drink bourbon. Our go to combinations are: bourbon & Coke or bourbon & ginger ale. When my husband is at home, he drinks it on the rocks. Tasting it is a whole different process than drinking it 🙂

  • Whitney @ Fabulous in Fayette September 29, 2016 at 4:04 am

    That’s a good idea!! 🙂

  • Angela Campos September 29, 2016 at 6:12 am

    I am actually going to a Bourbon and Blues Party next week, so I was so excited to come across this article! Now, I will know what I’m doing!! 😉

  • Kori September 29, 2016 at 8:29 am

    Bourbon is a preferred choice for both myself and my s/o. We enjoy the slow sips and taking the time to savor it if it’s not being mixed with Coke.

  • Ref J September 29, 2016 at 3:04 pm

    Pinned this post, it is too good not to share. I enjoy a good Bourbon and taking the time to savor the flavor is key.

  • Teresa | Simply Made Fun September 29, 2016 at 7:54 pm

    I had no idea that there was a right and wrong way to drink Bourbon! It’s not something I drink but my husband loves it!

    • Whitney @ Fabulous in Fayette September 30, 2016 at 12:31 am

      There isn’t a wrong way to drink bourbon! Fred Noe (Master Distiller), says, ‘You should drink it any damn way you please.’ However, tasting is completely different than drinking it!

  • Esme Sy September 30, 2016 at 9:10 am

    I thought that only applies to wine. I didn’t know this is how you should also drink bourbon. This is good to know.

    • Whitney @ Fabulous in Fayette October 3, 2016 at 9:39 pm

      You can drink bourbon any way you want (neat, on the rocks, mixed drink). This is just referring to the process of tasting it.

  • songbirdsandbuttons September 30, 2016 at 2:02 pm

    Oh, wow – I had no idea there was a proper way to drink it! Such an informative post!! Thanks!

  • Pam @ Hodge Podge Moments September 30, 2016 at 2:47 pm

    Love this! I also love when a tasting place walks you through the best way to enjoy what they’re offering!

  • Di Hickman September 30, 2016 at 8:33 pm

    The “kentucky chew” looks remarkably like wine tasting, not sure if it’s the same. Anyhow I think I’ll leave the bourbon for you, not my choice of tipple!

  • Brittany Muddamalle October 1, 2016 at 11:06 am

    Usually when I drink it it looks like this.. Smell, Drink, Freak out, say I’ll never do it again, and take another drink! Ha. I’d love to get into it more, but I’m not used to hard alcohol!

  • Chrissy Hme October 2, 2016 at 1:33 am

    I never tasted bourbon before but now I want to. I really had no clue that there was a process to tasting it.

    • Whitney @ Fabulous in Fayette October 3, 2016 at 9:40 pm

      It could be worth a try! But you may not notice the different flavors and aromas until you have been doing it awhile!

  • Becca Wilson October 3, 2016 at 1:32 pm

    I have honestly never tasted bourbon before so all of this is new to me. I am not a big alcohol drinker but this was really interesting.

  • Whitney @ Fabulous in Fayette October 12, 2016 at 12:57 am

    I’m so glad to meet another Lexington blogger too 🙂 You’re welcome, girl!

  • Shirley Eliza Martinez October 13, 2016 at 3:00 am

    I do not drink so I know I can never do it wrong, but I know may others who will!

  • B. Lamont Rooker August 8, 2017 at 2:18 pm

    Whitney you nailed this. Would love to see more of what you’ve written. I did the Bourbon Trail two years ago and trying to get back and do it again. Cheers!

  • […] Don’t know how to do the “Kentucky Chew?” You may need to start with my post, Bourbon 101: How to Properly Taste Bourbon – The Kentucky Chew. Also, good things come to those who wait… I have an awesome cocktail for you to try in […]

  • […] When tasting the bourbon, be sure to use the technique referred to as “The Kentucky Chew.” […]

  • […] by Jim Beam descendant and small-batch bourbon pioneer Booker Noe. If you’ve never done the Kentucky Chew, swish, swallow and smack your lips, Susannah Skiver Barton […]

  • […] by Jim Beam descendant and small-batch bourbon pioneer Booker Noe. If you’ve never done the Kentucky Chew, swish, swallow and smack your lips, Susannah Skiver Barton […]

  • About Me

    About Me

    Hi, y'all!

    Hey y'all! My name is Whitney, and I'm the founder of Fabulous in Fayette. I've been living in Lexington since 2008. I'm in love with my city of Lexington and love all the amazing local businesses and restaurants. It's seriously one of the best places to live!

    Not to be confused with Fayetteville, North Carolina. Fabulous in Fayette celebrates the fabulous city of Lexington, the great state of Kentucky, and Southern Living. In case you are not from here, Fayette refers to the county where Lexington is located!

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