How do I stop whisky from hurting me?

If you've never been one to enjoy high-proof spirits, diving into whiskies can present some challenges.

It might take a little while to work up to drinking neat...and that's okay. You might even decide that you don't like whisky neat...and that's okay, too.

However, if you want to find ways to help get past the bite and burn, here are a few things you can try.

♦ Mix it up: Mixing a cocktail or hi-ball can help get you used to some of the flavours and alcohol intensity of whisky at an easier starting point. Something simple, like an Old Fashioned, is a good place to start. It's spirit forward, so you won't be covering up the whisky so much. For hi-balls, start with using more soda and slowly work your way toward stronger versions.

♦ Remember to Breath: Exhale through your mouth after sipping. This helps clear the alcohol vapours from your sinuses. ♦ Cool it: Adding ice can help in a couple of ways. First, it drops the temperature which helps mute some of the intensity, and it also helps dilute the alcohol, making it more approachable. If you want to tone things down without dilution, try throwing the bottle in the freezer. Getting it really cold will help and help you focus on certain flavours. As the whisky slowly warms up to room temperature, you'll start to notice more.

♦ Time: Give it time in the glass. Alcohol likes to evaporate. Pour a drink and let the glass sit for 20 to 30 minutes before sipping.

♦ 3 sip rule: First sip is a shock to the palate. Second sip is a palate cleanser. Third sip and your palate starts to adjust. This where you really start to get the flavours coming through.

♦ From a distance: Start with nosing, but hold your Glencairn (or whichever glass you're using) low, about mid chest. See what you notice. Slowly raise the glass closer to your nose, allowing time to adjust. Really concentrating on the aromas will help you with tasting something other than the alcohol. We need our nose in order to taste. Taking time to nose a whisky before sipping can change the whole experience.

♦ Glassware: A Glencairn or small snifter will help channel the aromas which will change what you taste.

It's a process, but it's a whole lot of fun!

Cocktails are a great way to get used to drinking high proof spirits