Are You Smelling Your Bourbon Incorrectly? Here’s How to Get It Right

At Swilled Dog, we believe there’s no wrong way to enjoy bourbon—just as long as you’re swilling responsibly. But if you’re looking to get the most out of every sip, mastering the art of nosing your whiskey can make all the difference. Here’s how to properly appreciate those rich aromas and unlock the full complexity of your pour.

The Right Way to Nose Your Bourbon

The first instinct when nosing bourbon might be to dive right in—but hold on. Sticking your nose straight into the glass will overwhelm your senses with alcohol burn rather than the nuanced aromas you’re after. Instead, try this:

• Keep your mouth slightly open while smelling. This technique helps balance the experience, preventing overpowering alcohol notes and allowing you to detect the subtler, more refined aromas.
• Smell with each nostril separately. Believe it or not, each nostril can pick up different scents, so shifting from one side to the other can reveal new layers of complexity.
• Gently swirl the bourbon and tilt your Glencairn glass. This allows the whiskey to cling to the sides, helping the aromas open up while keeping the alcohol vapors from hitting too hard.

What Are You Actually Smelling?

Now that you’re nosing bourbon the right way, what should you be looking for? Bourbon aromas often evoke dessert-like notes—think vanilla, caramel, and baking spices—balanced by rich oak and toasted nuts.

Take our Barrel Strength Bourbon, for example. You might pick up notes of:

• Vanilla and brown sugar, offering a warm, sweet base
• Baked cherry pie, adding a subtle fruitiness
• Ripened dates, lending depth and richness

Everyone’s palate is different, so trust your own senses. The beauty of bourbon is that each sip tells its own story, and as long as you’re enjoying the journey, you’re doing it right.