It's A Rookie Mistake To Call Bourbon Smooth At A Tasting

In general, if a bourbon is easy to drink and doesn't burn, "smooth" is a useful shorthand — but the term is one that irritates many whiskey writers, tasters, and fans.

Author and veteran whiskey expert Chuck Cowdery said on Facebook, "'Smooth' is what you say about a whiskey when you don't have anything to say."

The big problem with the word smooth is there is no consensus on what it means. Bourbon may be less harsh because it's watered-down, carefully blended, or sweet.

For some critics of the word, smooth might imply that the whiskey is a simple, one-note product. Instead, call a bourbon that's easy to sip round, polished, or velvety.