# Women may have a biological edge over men when tasting bourbon, experts say

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/women-may-have-a-biological-edge-over-men-when-tasting-bourbon-experts-say/
- Published: 2026-10-31T12:00:18+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-31T13:41:16+00:00
- Original publisher: Fox News (publisher lean: Far right)
- Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/women-may-have-biological-edge-over-men-when-tasting-bourbon-experts-say
- Topics: Celebrity, Entertainment, World

## Key points

- Smell plays a major role in tasting bourbon.
- Women may have greater average sensitivity to aromas.
- Practice can make anyone a skilled taster.

## Summary

Some experts say women may have an average biological advantage when tasting bourbon, partly because evidence suggests they can be more sensitive to smells. This matters because much of bourbon’s character is detected through aroma, including notes that shape its complexity and finish.

A 2014 study found women had just under 50% more neurons than men in olfactory regions, while experts also point to hormones such as oestrogen. Tasting involves aromas entering through the nostrils and rising from the back of the palate; however, the idea that maternal instincts explain any advantage is difficult to prove. Experts stress that men can also become excellent tasters, and that skill improves with practice.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.