Bourbon is a popular liquor that many people enjoy drinking. However, there are some questions around the best way to serve and drink bourbon. Should you drink bourbon cold or at room temperature? Does chilling change the taste? Here we will explore the proper and optimal way to drink bourbon.
What is Bourbon?
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey made primarily from corn. It must contain at least 51% corn in the mash bill and be aged in new, charred oak barrels. Bourbon must be distilled to no more than 160 proof and entered into barrels for aging at no more than 125 proof. It does not have a minimum aging requirement but is typically aged for at least two years. Most straight bourbons are aged for four years or longer.
Bourbon has a distinct sweet and smoky flavor from the corn and barrel aging. It has notes of vanilla, caramel, oak, and spice. Popular bourbon brands include Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey, Jim Beam, and Bulleit.
Should You Drink Bourbon Cold?
There is some debate around whether you should drink bourbon cold or at room temperature. Here are some of the main considerations:
Flavor Profile
Drinking bourbon cold will mute some of the flavor notes. The lower temperature reduces the aromas and mellows the intensity of the taste. This changes the overall flavor profile you experience. Many bourbon connoisseurs argue that you miss out on the full depth and complexity of room temperature bourbon when it is chilled.
Smoothness
Cold bourbon can have a smoother, mellower taste. The chill takes away some of the burn from the relatively high alcohol content. For those looking for a softer and easier drinking experience, cold bourbon may be preferred.
Refreshment
A chilled bourbon on ice can be refreshing on a hot day in the way a cold beer or white wine is. The coldness makes it more thirst quenching. If you are mainly looking to cool down and want bourbon as a summertime drink, chilling it makes sense.
Cocktails
Many bourbon cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan are typically made with chilled bourbon. The other ingredients are also cold. So from a textural and balance standpoint, cold bourbon works better in cocktails.
Here is a summary of the cold vs. room temperature debate:
| Cold Bourbon | Room Temperature Bourbon |
|---|---|
| Smoother, more mellow taste | Fuller, more nuanced flavor |
| Less alcohol burn | Better appreciation of high proof |
| More refreshing | Traditional way to drink neat bourbon |
| Works better in cocktails | Ideal for sipping and contemplating |
Proper Serving Temperature for Bourbon
Given the points above, what is the proper or best temperature to serve bourbon?
The ideal serving temperature will depend on how you plan to drink your bourbon. Here are some recommended temperatures for different scenarios:
Drinking Neat
60-65°F (15-18°C). This is the classic way to drink quality bourbon – neat in a glass at room temp or slightly below. You’ll get the full depth of flavors and the proper aroma this way.
On the Rocks
50°F (10°C). Adding ice cools down the bourbon. Get your ice from the fridge or use whiskey stones to chill to 50°F without diluting.
In Cocktails
35-40°F (2-5°C). You want very cold bourbon to balance sweeteners and properly blend with other ingredients.
As Cold Shots
25-30°F (-4 to -1°C). Some mix drinks call for bourbon to be chilled down near freezing for an intensely cold shot experience.
Avoid putting good bourbon in the freezer. Extreme cold dulls the flavor too much. Use lower quality bourbon for freezer cold shots instead.
Does Dilution Change Bourbon’s Flavor?
Adding some water or ice to your bourbon does dilute the flavor to some degree. But it also “opens up” the flavor in ways that many bourbon fans enjoy. Here’s what happens when you add a few drops or cubes:
- Proof is lowered, making it taste mellower and less harsh
- Mouthfeel becomes silkier and oilier
- Wider range of flavors emerge like fruit and floral notes
- Sweetness becomes more apparent as harshness declines
Diluting to around 80-90 proof is recommended by many experts. This softens the bourbon to highlight its complexity. Too much water can make it bland, so add judiciously.
Effects of Dilution on Bourbon Flavor
| Proof | Mouthfeel | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| 125+ (undiluted) | Harsh, biting | Hot, intense alcohol burn |
| 100 | Oily, rounded | Balanced oak, spice, sweetness |
| 80 | Thin, watery | Muted flavors, diluted balance |
Should You Add Ice to Bourbon?
Should you put ice cubes in your bourbon? Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros of Ice Cubes
- Cools liquid down quickly
- Adds dilution to change flavor
- Convenient and easily accessible
- Allows you to slowly sip a cold drink
Cons of Ice Cubes
- Can overdilute as ice melts
- Alters the concentration and taste over time
- Waters down aroma and flavors
- Condensation makes glass wet and slippery
Many bourbon drinkers shy away from ice cubes for these reasons. An alternative is using whiskey stones. These chilled soapstone cubes cool your bourbon without diluting it as they do not melt.
Does Putting Bourbon in the Fridge Ruin it?
Storing an opened bottle of bourbon in the refrigerator for a short time is generally fine. However, extended fridge storage can negatively impact the flavor of bourbon.
Here are a few issues with refrigerating bourbon for long periods:
- Flavor becomes muted from the extended chill
- Repeated temp changes from fridge to air cause contraction and expansion
- Moisture is introduced from fridge environment
- Light exposure from opening fridge can damage bourbon
Bourbon is best stored at room temperature in a cool, dark place. Use the fridge only to quickly chill your bourbon before drinking it. Avoid leaving it in for more than a week.
Bourbon Storage Temperature Recommendations
| Storage Place | Temperature Range | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | 60-80°F (15-27°C) | Years |
| Refrigerator | 34-40°F (1-4°C) | 1 week max |
| Freezer | <32°F (0°C) | Avoid |
Should You Keep an Open Bourbon Bottle in the Fridge?
Storing an opened bottle of bourbon in the fridge is generally not recommended. Here’s why:
- Flavors become subdued and muted
- Bottle is exposed to more air, oxidizing bourbon
- Condensation when bottle removed leads to dilution
- Cool, low humidity fridge dries out cork, allowing air in
Instead, store open bourbon bottles upright at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Finish the bottle within a few months to enjoy its optimal flavor. Transferring to smaller bottles can minimize air exposure.
The only exception is lower-quality bourbons you plan to use for cocktails. Their flavor is less affected by fridge storage. But refrain from refrigerating high-quality sipping bourbons for extended periods.
Proper Storage of Opened Bourbon
| Storage Method | Benefits | Downsides |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | Preserves original flavor | Oxidation still occurs |
| Refrigerator | Slows oxidation | Mutes flavor |
| Smaller bottles | Minimizes air exposure | Tedious to transfer |
Should You Put Bourbon in the Freezer?
Putting bourbon in the freezer is generally not recommended. Here are some reasons why:
- Extreme cold dulls the flavor
- Can make bottle fragile and prone to cracking
- Freezer burn possible from moisture and air exposure
- Condensation dilutes bourbon when removed
- Ethanol may separate from water
While the freezer will quickly chill bourbon, it takes away much of the taste you are looking for. Bourbon’s nuanced flavors are best experienced at mild chill or room temp.
Only use the freezer if you plan to use lower-quality bourbon for frigid shots or cocktails where you want intense cold without concerning yourself with the bourbon’s profile.
Impact of Freezer Storage on Bourbon
| Factor | Effect on Bourbon |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Dulls nose and flavor |
| Moisture | Possible freezer burn |
| Air exposure | Oxidation and evaporation |
| Bottle stress | Makes glass brittle |
Conclusion
Finding the perfect temperature to drink bourbon depends on your preferences and goals. To fully appreciate the nuanced flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel, stick to room temp or a mild chill at 60-65°F (15-18°C). But colder bourbon has its purposes as well. Chill it down to 50°F (10°C) on ice for a smooth sipper or drop as low as 25-30°F (-4 to -1°C) to mix icy cocktails.
Just avoid extended storage in the fridge or freezer. Bourbon’s flavor is best preserved at room temp with minimal air exposure. With some thoughtful temperature regulation, you can find your ideal way to enjoy the full flavor and character of fine bourbon.