Whiskey Scented Candles Put New Twist On “Nose”

By Richard Thomas

Chicago Candle Co.’s whiskey-scented offerings
(Credit: Richard Thomas)

Part and parcel of the whiskey craze is whiskey showing up in the most unexpected places, such as outdoor furniture. Now we can add scented candles to that list, thanks to he Chicago Candle Company. As part of their line of booze-infused candles, this outfit has two whiskey-scented offerings: Whiskey and Gingerale, and Bourbon Whiskey. For the whiskey drinker, the question is how such candles fit in with appreciation for the beloved spirit. Just what does a whiskey-scented candle bring to the table, let alone these two?

When you stroll down the aisle and encounter scented candles, whether it be at the Cracker Barrel or Bed, Bath and Beyond, they all fall into two categories. There are the candles that mean what they say in terms of scent, such as “lavender” or “rose petals,” and those that are more thematic, like “heathery meadow” or “evening boardwalk.”

The Bourbon Whiskey candle from Chicago Candle Co. is an example of the latter. The candle certainly has bourbonesque elements to the scent, particularly the musty caramel and vanilla, but the woodiness in the candle is sandalwood, something rarely, if ever, found in the nose of a Bourbon. Whiskey and Gingerale, on the other hand, hits the nail right on the head. The ginger spice kicks while the same sweet smells found in the Bourbon candle sooth.

This is not to say that the Bourbon candle is unsatisfying. Far from it: the Bourbon candle is actually much closer to the aromatherapy smells one expects from most scented candles. This is just to say it smells like something inspired by Bourbon, rather than Bourbon itself. Whiskey and Ginger Ale can afford to be literal, since the ginger is right there. Frankly, I don’t think the smell of a whiskey-soaked room is all that pleasant, and these two candles steer away from that by substituting other scents in place of straight out alcohol.

Answering my own question, what these candles bring is a set of scents a whiskey-lover should appreciate. In my mind, they are perfect for an evening when you might want to burn a scented candle as part of unwinding, but not necessary reach for the liquor shelf at the same time. The scents have just the right amount of association, but without hitting the sauce.