Women may have biological edge in tasting bourbon, experts say

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 02:20 · Archive

Women have nearly 50% more olfactory neurons than men, giving them an advantage in detecting bourbon's flavour notes.

Experts say women may have a biological advantage over men when tasting bourbon. Susan Reigler, a Louisville-based whiskey expert and former president of the Bourbon Women organisation, cited a 2014 scientific paper showing that women have just under 50% more neurons than men in olfactory regions. This difference could contribute to a stronger sense of smell, allowing women to better detect bourbon's distinctive notes such as vanilla, cinnamon, leather and tobacco.

Caitlin McLean, vice president of Qualitative Solutions at MMR Research Worldwide's North American offices in New York, said there is more to tasting bourbon than what happens in the mouth and on the palate. She explained that both orthonasal olfaction—when aromas enter through the nostrils—and retronasal olfaction—when aromas travel up the back of the palate to the nose from inside—play big roles in the tasting experience. Many of bourbon's distinctive notes, including vanilla, cinnamon, leather and tobacco, are identified through retronasal olfaction.

McLean cautioned that a number of different factors beyond smell affect how men and women taste bourbon differently.

How it is being reported

• Women may have a secret advantage over men when drinking bourbon, experts sayBattle of the sexes extends to America's native spirit, but experts say there's more to the debate than meets the eyeNew York Post · 1 Nov, 02:04
• Women may have a biological edge over men when tasting bourbon, experts sayWomen have nearly 50% more olfactory neurons than men, giving them a scientific edge in detecting bourbon's vanilla, cinnamon and leather notes, according to experts.Fox News · 31 Oct, 12:00

In this story: Susan Reigler · Caitlin McLean · Bourbon Women · Louisville

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