You know the sight, or maybe you’ve been the sight: slapping a bar top after slamming back a shot of rotgut. Possibly making a sound like “ya-haaaaaaaa.” That’s what we in the industry call “feelin’ the burn.”
Even with higher quality spirits, alcohol—we should say ethanol alcohol—can impart a burning impression (she says while sipping on some $89 rum, which does, in fact, burn a bit). Wine, too, though that burn is lost in the general sauce of acidity, tannin, fruit, swirling, etc. But it’s there. Next time you take a sip of Cabernet, notice the subtle warmth that starts to bloom just as you begin to detect notes of blackcurrant, bulky tannins, and possible overpricing.
One of the benefits of “growing up,” in so far as the Recession-strapped generation can grow up, is being able to afford slightly more complex and rewarding alcohol delivery systems. And when we’re drinking those higher quality, heavier-bodied and more structured spirits and wines, the burn doesn’t tend to be the star of the show. But let’s not forget our $10 budget-or-bust years, when booze was more “heat” than “flavor,” a fiery screech to be drowned out with as much Sour Mix, OJ, or Diet co*ke as possible (and may those grim days rest in peace).
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But no matter what’s in our respective cups, there’s still a burn. With Scotch, bourbon, and mezcal—really with any well-made spirit or wine—it tends to be highly complimentary. But it’s also kind of a mystery. Wherefore the burn? Why does alcohol impart that mysterious warmth (or fire-scorch) to your tongue, throat, and, eventually, tummy?
The answers are as grimly scientific as a pamphlet on global warming. (And reading about it while drinking, by the way, is like hearing about the causes of global warming while driving to Las Vegas in a caravan of Hummers.) Alcohol, especially in high concentrations, will irritate the oral mucosa (we don’t like saying it as much as you don’t like reading it, but it’s just the mucous membrane lining the inside of your mouth). That irritation can come across as a burning sensation, the same kind of thing that happens with capsaicin (found in varying concentrations in hot, and very hot, peppers).
Alcohol’s also a solvent, absorbing some of the moisture from that (sorry) mucosa and causing a drying sensation that can also present itself as a burning feeling. But that only covers the mouth and throat—the heat that spikes the roof of your mouth and back of your gullet as some bourbon slips down into the esophagus. What about the warm feeling that (temporarily) graces your stomach once the alcohol makes its way down? That has to do with blood vessel dilation. Alcohol, in moderation, can dilate blood vessels (and, in overconsumption, can cause those blood vessels to dilate permanently, i.e., hello spider veins). Dilated blood vessels impart a temporary feeling of warmth.
The reason you feel “the burn” more with spirits than wine or beer especially is due entirely to alcohol concentrations. Strong beers might clock in at upwards of 11%, and big wines might leap into the 15 or 16%ABV range, but spirits tend to start at 40%ABV and go from there. The more alcohol present, the greater the burn.
Not to de-romanticize the burn. The burn will always have its romance, and “I dare ya” one-upsmanship (again, kind of like hot peppers). It’s just better to understand the burn, and engage it moderately, ideally with some water nearby. If nothing else, for the sake of your mucous membranes. (Sorry.)
Published: February 1, 2016
FAQs
Interestingly, expressions like “fiery” or “burning” can be attributed to the science: cellular pain receptors in the mouth called nociceptors process the concentration of alcohol as a danger in the exact same way that they treat a sharp spike in temperature.
Why does alcohol burn your mouth? ›
Interestingly, expressions like “fiery” or “burning” can be attributed to the science: cellular pain receptors in the mouth called nociceptors process the concentration of alcohol as a danger in the exact same way that they treat a sharp spike in temperature.
Why does ethanol burn the mouth? ›
These trigeminal circuits process noxious chemical and thermal input from the oral cavity, and ethanol's ability to stimulate these pathways presumably underlies the burning and irritant sensations to oral alcohol reported in human psychophysical studies, especially at high concentrations [58–62].
Why does alcohol burn so easily? ›
Ethanol burns well because it is an oxygenate, meaning that ethanol molecules contain oxygen. Oxygen atoms inside ethanol join forces with oxygen molecules in the air to help ethanol burn more completely.
What causes a burning sensation when drinking alcohol? ›
Consuming alcohol can trigger or worsen heartburn in some people. This may be due to various reasons, including irritation of the throat or stomach or the way alcohol affects stomach acid. Heartburn is a painful, burning sensation in the chest and upper throat.
What are 5 effects of alcohol in mouth? ›
In addition to increasing the risks of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and stained teeth, heavy drinking can cause irritations of the tissues inside your mouth. It can even lead to severe and irreversible dental issues like permanent tooth loss.
Can alcohol damage your mouth? ›
The oral manifestations of alcoholism include not only dry mouth, tooth decay, and gum disease, but also chronic bad breath and a greater risk of oral cancer. If you're struggling with gum pain or bleeding, or if you suspect tooth decay, we can help.
Why does alcohol mouthwash burn my mouth? ›
Some mouth rinses contain high levels of alcohol — ranging from 18 to 26 percent. This may produce a burning sensation in the cheeks, teeth, and gums. Burning can also come from consistent mouthwash use, which causes irritated mouth tissue and can lead to mouth sores.
Why does my tongue hurt after drinking alcohol? ›
Yes, it's causes tongue inflammation, otherwise known as glossitis. Alcohol is known to dehydrate the whole body, meaning it also dehydrates the mouth. This is why in the morning after drinking excessively, the first thing you reach for is a glass of water!
Is alcohol bad for burning mouth syndrome? ›
Avoid things that can irritate your mouth, such as: Tobacco. Hot, spicy foods. Alcoholic beverages.
It's good to know that not all liqueurs are flammable. The more alcohol content (or proof, as some people may refer it to) a drink has, the bigger the flame. Generally, any liqueur with over than 40 per cent in alcohol volume, should flame up but it's not quaranteed to give a very big flame.
Which alcohol burns faster? ›
The higher the percentage of alcohol, the better the alcohol will burn. Isopropyl alcohol produces a yellow flame and does not burn as cleanly denatured alcohol or ethanol. Denatured alcohol is often recommended by manufacturers of alcohol stoves.
Do alcoholics burn alcohol faster? ›
Alcoholism. Heavy drinking increases alcohol metabolic rate ( see below). Advanced liver disease will decrease the rate of ethanol metabolism.
What organ is responsible for burning alcohol? ›
Alcohol Metabolism
Although the liver is the main organ responsible for metabolizing ingested alcohol, stomach (i.e., gastric) ADH has been reported to contribute to FPM. The relative contribution of the stom ach and the liver to FPM, however, is controversial.
What are the first signs of liver damage from alcohol? ›
When this happens, symptoms can include:
- feeling sick.
- weight loss.
- loss of appetite.
- yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
- swelling in the ankles and tummy.
- confusion or drowsiness.
- vomiting blood or passing blood in your stools.
Yup, alcohol can cause an unwanted burning sensation and can lead to: dryness.
Why does my mouth hurt when I drink alcohol? ›
Direct irritation of the mouth tissue.
Alcohol is acidic with a pH ranging from 3.3 to 5. This acidity creates an inflammatory environment in the mouth that wears away at the protective mucous membranes of the cheeks, gums, and tongue. Over time, this leaves areas raw and vulnerable to painful ulcer formation.
Why does my tongue burn after drinking? ›
Acidic beverages such as soft drinks, hot spicy foods, overzealous brushing of your tongue, and overusing your mouthwash can irritate your mouth. If you're experiencing a burning sensation in your mouth, try to drink fewer irritating beverages.
What does alcohol intolerance feel like? ›
Whether you're drinking beer, wine or hard liquor, the symptoms of alcohol intolerance are the same. They include flushing (such as a red face), rapid heart rate, headache, low blood pressure, hives, runny nose and stomach pain.
Why is my mouth bitter after drinking alcohol? ›
That is because alcohol is a diuretic, zapping the mouth of saliva, leading to a dry mouth and bitter taste. Saliva acts as a cleaning agent that washes down harmful bacteria and food debris. Without saliva, that bacteria and debris form causing morning breath and “hangover halitosis.”
