Using a Brandy Warmer for Bourbon

[awachatz]

Has anyone else tried this? I have the type of warmer that uses a candle. I am a little apprehensive to put barrel proof bourbon in the glass. OWA seems to work well and taste good though.

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[cowdery]

Even with brandy, these warmers are mostly a gimmick and their value is questionable. However, if you have used it with other spirits and enjoy the experience, you might as well try it with bourbon. Is there a risk that a high proof bourbon might ignite of explode? I don't know. One of the more scientifically-literate among us may have an answer.

Otherwise, yes, raising the temperature of the liquid makes it more volatile, which in tasting terms means it releases more aroma. The difference between cognac and bourbon, and scotch for that matter, is that warming is only of value when the liquid at room temperature is pretty subtle. This can be true of some, though not all, cognacs and single malts, but it rarely is true with bourbon.

[Richnimrod]

Being a novice Bourbonito (and no Brandy drinker at all) I wonder (foolishly and publicly) what the heck is a Brandy warmer, and what is it's reason for existence???

[awachatz]

This is the one my father recently bought me as a gift even though I really don't drink brandy.

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[Richnimrod]

HMMMMPH... It seems to be a very simple 'cooker' for a single snifter, yes?

I surmise it would fairly quickly heat out some of the alcohol and thereby possibly ..... intensify the remaining flavors?

That might indeed be an interesting idea to experiment with, eh? I wonder how intense one could make something like ....say; Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, or George T. Stagg that already has a pretty intense flavor profile? This might be a fun thing to play with!

[MauiSon]

Warmers are for frigid conditions, if you've got modern indoor heating (or live in Hawaii) they are plain ridiculous. Just use the microwave, if you're curious.

Oh, but where's the romance?!! :skep: The pop of the cork, if you will, puhleeeez.

Edited April 9, 2013 by MauiSon

[awachatz]

Warmers are for frigid conditions, if you've got modern indoor heating (or live in Hawaii) they are plain ridiculous. Just use the microwave, if you're curious.

Oh, but where's the romance?!! :skep: The pop of the cork, if you will, puhleeeez.

Well here in Michigan we have frigid conditions once in a great while. I felt it did enhance the flavor and aroma of the bourbon.

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Edited April 9, 2013 by awachatz

[ebo]

Personally, I just wrap my hands around my glass to warm my whisk(e)y.

[awachatz]

It usually doesn't last in my glass that long once I start sipping.

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[squire]

Yes, it's a gimmick, but as gimmicks go it can arguably be said it has some use.

[awachatz]

It difficult to call it a gimmick unless you have tried it. Everyone has an opinion. Some will find an added value, others won't. To my surprise, I actually noticed a favorable difference using the warmer.

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[KDM]

I'd be afraid to drip hot wax on my chin........wait I get it, first you remove the glass from the holder:grin:

[portwood]

Yes, it's a gimmick, but as gimmicks go it can arguably be said it has some use.

yup.

Attach a copper pipe to a lid, cover the glass, submerge the pipe in cold water, discard the first few drops, collect the remaining liquid in another glass, wait till it cools to room temperature, drink. :slappin:

[bllygthrd]

Is there a risk that a high proof bourbon might ignite of explode?

Ignite ...yes, explode ... no. An ethanol explosion (rapid over-pressurization] can not occur in an unsealed container.

Is this a "gimmick"? Maybe, my experience has been with with high sugar content liquors ... where the spirit is heated and then the vapor space is ignited for a short period of time ... the "burn" caramelizes the residual sugars in the liquor ... and results in a very pleasurable and complex taste profile.

The danger ... ethanol burns with a nearly undetectable blue (very hot) flame ... so 1) someone may not realize that the alcohol is burning, and attempting to take a sip can be catastrophic ... or, 2) attempts to extinguish the burning liquid may appear to be successful ... but are not ... resulting in a potential burn situation.