How to enjoy bourbon utilizing the 'Kentucky Chew'

1792 Ridgemont Reserve Bourbon

When speaking with some friends and folks both in person and out on the internet, I have found many instances where most people that drink bourbon whiskey are not aware of the proper way to taste it.  A conclusion was reached that a piece on this topic should be created.  Now, although this technique is referred to by the designation "Kentucky Chew," it can be used to properly enjoy just about any type of distilled spirit.  It can also be utilized to weed out the inferior styles and brands, regardless of their price and perceived value (or lack thereof).

Bourbons along with the very similar style of Tennessee whiskey are of a variety that is unique in that they contain an exceedingly and unabashedly pungent flavor.  Most people are turned off from drinking them because they either have only tried some of the run-of-the-mill or very low quality brands, or have only ever experienced them in the form of shots, which is detrimental to the experience.  Bourbons actually can be lighter to the palate just as their European and Canadian counterparts are if the right approach is employed.

If you were to ask any bourbon distiller or general connoisseur of the spirit, they would inform you that the following is the proper method of partaking in the beverage after it has been poured into your glass of choice:

Kentucky Chew Instructions:

Step 1 - Swish the bourbon or Tennessee whiskey around in your glass observing the syrupy liquid left behind towards the top.  This is known as the head of the drink.  The higher quality whiskies generally remain for quite a while.

Step 2 - Breathe the smell of the whiskey through your mouth

Step 3 - Take a small sip of the bourbon or Tennessee whiskey.

Step 4 - Inhale a bit of air while swishing it around in your mouth.

Step 5 - Begin continually puckering and unpuckering your lips while slowly swallowing the sip. 

If this technique has been performed correctly, you will appear to be almost kissing the air in front of you.  You may also employ a step prior to the first step listed above if you so choose which is favored when drinking varieties from Ireland and Scotland along with other nationalities of whisky.  This addition to the method will have you place a few drops of water (preferably spring or distilled as tap water may adversely affect the flavor depending on the area) into the glass or snifter before you perform the first step above. 

I can not begin to describe to you readers how much of a difference this makes in the enjoyment of bourbon and Tennessee whiskies.  What once may have found you wincing from what you may have perceived as a harsh, heartburn inducing spirit will transform into a pleasurable undertaking.  If you still find it unpalatable, then this variety of whiskey just may not be for you.  If you are interested in more information on the topic, I highly recommend the Modern Marvels - Whiskey episode on the History Channel (and it may also be on YouTube as well if you search for the history of whiskey/whisky) which features Fred Noe performing a demonstration of the "Kentucky Chew."