Did You Know…that you can burn your taste buds on higher proof whiskey?
Opinions vary about the preference for or against difference proof strengths of whiskey. Some folks chide the 80 proof while rallying behind cask strength whiskeys and vice versa. Regardless of your preference you should note that the higher the alcohol content the more likely you are to burn your taste buds. It may seem really manly (or womanly if you’re so inclined) to drink all your whiskey straight all the time. That’s all well and good when your bottles are in the 40% to 46% ABV range. However, once you start knocking back glasses in the upper 50’s, 60’s, and heaven forbid 70’s without any water then you’re looking for a hurtin’. I’m not talking about the level of inebriation but rather the effect the alcohol has on your tongue and it’s subsequent ability to taste. All that alcohol “burns” or essentially numbs your taste buds to further experiences for some period of time there after. If you are eating grandma’s okra and squash surprise (I’m from Georgia remember) then that may not be a bad thing. But if you want to actually taste and enjoy your whiskey, not to mention subsequent whiskeys, then you need to be careful. Sipping slow and adding a little water won’t call for an automatic revoking of your man-card. I promise.
On a related note, if you’re engaging in a tasting of multiple whiskies it is a generally good idea to go from lowest alcohol content to highest.
– Richard
I would like to add that you should avoid overly spiced foods before or during a whisky tasting. Don’t order the vindaloo before pouring your dram. One, you won’t get the full enjoyment of the whisky. Two, it will burn twice as much as you pour alcohol across a tongue already raw from curry and chillies.
-Matt