Winter is the perfect season to slow down, pour intentionally, and deepen your bourbon knowledge – all without leaving the couch. With shorter days and cozier nights, this time of year invites learning that feels approachable, engaging, and pressure-free.
Whether you’re new to bourbon or looking to refine your palate, here are some of our favorite ways to continue your bourbon education all winter long.
1. Join Virtual Bourbon Events (Yes, Pajamas Are Welcome)
One of the easiest ways to stay connected during winter is through virtual bourbon experiences. From guided tastings to author conversations and educational sessions, virtual events allow you to learn directly from industry experts – no travel required.
✨ Tip: Always keep an eye on our Upcoming Events page, where new virtual experiences are added regularly.
2. Build Your Bourbon Knowledge One Page at a Time
There’s nothing quite like curling up with a great bourbon book during the colder months. Reading offers a deeper look into bourbon history, tasting techniques, and the people shaping the industry – at your own pace.
📚 Our Bourbon Women Retail Shop features a curated selection of bourbon and whiskey books, with several titles that explore:
Bourbon history and heritage, Tasting and sensory development, Women shaping the spirits industry, Behind-the-scenes distilling stories and more!
- Which Fork Do I Use With My Bourbon? | Peggy Noe Stevens & Susan Reigler
- KY Bourbon Essential Travel Guide | Susan Reigler
- Bourbon Is My Comfort Food | Heather Wibbels
- Beautiful Booze | Natalie Migliarini & James Stevenson
- Bourbon Belles and Whiskey Women | Karen Locke
- The Bourbon Tasting Notebook, 3rd Edition | Susan Reigler & Michael Veach
3. Practice Structured Tasting at Home
Winter is an ideal time to focus on palate development. With fewer distractions and slower evenings, it’s easier to notice nuance and build confidence.
Try this simple at-home approach:
- Taste the same bourbon across different nights
- Compare two styles side-by-side
- Jot down notes on aroma, palate, and finish
Consistency, not perfection, is what helps develop your bourbon vocabulary.
4. Explore Exclusive Member-Only Bourbon Education Resources
For Bourbon Women members, winter learning goes even further. Our members-only resources include a variety of educational guides designed to help you deepen your understanding of bourbon anytime you’re ready to learn.
Inside the member hub, you’ll find resources focused on: Bourbon tasting fundamentals, Flavor identification and palate training, Industry insights and bourbon history, Building confidence for tastings, events, and more!
If January has you craving more knowledge without leaving home, these guides are a great place to start.
5. Learn at Your Own Pace (That’s the Best Part)
At-home bourbon education is about flexibility. You can explore topics that interest you most, revisit lessons as needed, and learn in a way that fits your lifestyle.
Whether it’s attending a virtual event, reading a book, or exploring member resources, winter is the perfect season to lean into curiosity.
Looking for new ways to learn this winter?
👉 Visit our Upcoming Events page for virtual experiences
👉 Browse bourbon books in our Retail Shop
👉 Members: Don’t forget to explore your exclusive education resources for even more ways to learn
Because the best bourbon education meets you right where you are – on the couch.