Can You Use Bourbon To Scent Candles?

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is distilled from a mash containing at least 51% corn. It is aged in charred new oak barrels, which gives bourbon its characteristic caramel color and strong vanilla, oak, and spice aromas and flavors. Bourbon sales have been growing rapidly in recent years, making it an increasingly popular spirit worldwide.

With its rich aroma, bourbon has become a popular scent for various household products like candles and soaps. More and more companies are coming out with bourbon-scented candles that aim to capture the sweet and woody notes of the whiskey. Making your own bourbon-scented candle at home allows you to customize the scent strength and pair it with complementary fragrance notes.

This article will walk through the process of making DIY bourbon candles, from choosing the right bourbon to scent them to pouring and curing the finished candles. We’ll also cover important safety tips for working with wax and alcohol.

Selecting the Bourbon

When selecting a bourbon to use for candle making, you’ll want to look for options that are higher proof (90 proof or higher) with aromatic and complex flavors. According to The 10 Best Bourbons You Can Buy in 2023, some top recommendations include Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Bourbon which has smooth, complex aromas and a delicious finish. You’ll also want to avoid lower proof bourbons (80 proof and below) with more subtle aromas, as these won’t scent your candles as strongly.

Some budget-friendly options to consider are Old Grand-Dad Bourbon and Very Old Barton which both offer great aroma at a reasonable price point. No matter which bourbon you choose, look for ones with strong vanilla, caramel, oak, or spice notes to come through nicely in your finished candles. Avoid any bourbons labeled as “smooth” or “mellow” as these likely won’t have the robust aroma you need to scent candles effectively.

Prepping the Bourbon

Before adding bourbon to candle wax, it helps to first prep the bourbon to really open up its aromas. One method is to gently heat the bourbon to release more of the oaky, vanilla notes. According to Bickford Flavors (source), heating brings out the bold bourbon flavors. Another option is to add complementary extracts or oils to enhance the bourbon scent. LorAnn Oils (source) makes a Bourbon Flavoring Extract that can boost bourbon aromas. It’s best to experiment with small batches first to find the ideal bourbon scent before making a large batch of candles.

Choosing Candle Wax

When making bourbon scented candles, you’ll need to choose the wax carefully to get the best scent throw. Three main types of candle wax to consider are soy, beeswax, and paraffin.

Soy wax is made from soybeans. It’s a natural, clean-burning wax, but may not hold fragrance as well as other waxes. Soy wax blends are available that contain other waxes to help strengthen scent throw. Soy wax candles need to cure for a few days before the scent fully develops. Soy wax is a mid-range budget option.

Beeswax produces clean-burning candles, but has the weakest scent throw of the three main waxes. It’s the most expensive option. Beeswax candles have a honey aroma that comes through even when other fragrances are added. The natural scent can complement some fragrances like floral, but overwhelm others.

Paraffin wax is highly refined petroleum wax. It’s inexpensive and excellent at holding fragrance, making it a top choice for strongly scented candles. Paraffin burns cleanly if the proper wick is used. Some find the natural petroleum odor unpleasant. Paraffin wax is budget-friendly.

For strongly scented bourbon candles, paraffin wax is likely the best choice. Paraffin provides an even burn pool and excellent fragrance throw at a low cost (Source). Beeswax and soy wax blends are other options, but the scent may not be as strong.

Adding Bourbon to Wax

When adding bourbon to candle wax, it’s recommended to use 1-2 ounces of bourbon per pound of wax. This will provide ample fragrance without overpowering the candle. To distribute the bourbon evenly, make sure the wax is fully melted before adding the bourbon. Once the wax has completely liquefied, stir the bourbon in thoroughly to fully incorporate it.

Since bourbon is flammable, proper safety precautions must be taken. Avoid having any open flames or heat sources nearby when adding the bourbon. Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area. It’s best to add the bourbon after the wax has been removed from direct heat. Allow the wax to cool slightly before adding the bourbon. The flash point of bourbon is below room temperature, so take care when working with heated wax.

By using the proper bourbon to wax ratio, stirring thoroughly, and taking safety precautions, you can successfully scent candles with delicious bourbon fragrance.

Wick Selection

Choosing the proper wick size is crucial for achieving optimal candle performance. The wick diameter must match the type of wax and size of the jar or vessel. Thicker candles require wider wicks that can support the larger melted wax pool. Additionally, larger jars and vessels need wider wicks so that the melted wax can climb higher before releasing the scent and vapor.[1] [2]

To determine the ideal wick size, test different wicks with sample candles. Start with the manufacturer’s wick recommendations based on your wax type and jar dimensions. Create a few test candles, incrementing the wick diameter slightly each time. Burn the candles and observe the melt pool, flame height, and burn time. The proper wick will produce a full melt pool without unburned wax around the edges. It will have a bright flame sized to 1/3 the diameter of the container. Finally, the candle should burn cleanly over a typical usage period. Adjust the wick up or down until finding the optimal size that satisfies all criteria. With testing, you can dial in the perfect wick for outstanding performance.

[1] https://www.candlescience.com/learning/wick-guide/

[2] https://lonestarcandlesupply.com/guide-to-wicking/

Pouring Candles

Once you have prepared your wax and selected your candle vessel, you are ready to begin pouring. It is crucial to pour your candle wax at the proper temperature. The wax should be completely melted and hot, but not so hot that it scorches or discolors. Ideally, pour candle wax at temperatures between 130-165°F (BHG). If wax is too cool, it may set up before the candle is fully poured. If too hot, you risk sinkholes and an uneven finish.

To achieve the best looking candle, pour wax in layers, allowing each layer to partially set up before adding the next. This prevents sinking and helps the candle fill out smoothly and evenly. Pour to about 1/4 depth, wait a few minutes until a thin film forms, then continue pouring. Repeat until the vessel is full. If the candle top is uneven after pouring, use a knife to trim the wax flat (Food52). Allow the candle to cure undisturbed for at least 24 hours before lighting.

Curing the Candles

After pouring your bourbon candles, it’s important to allow them to cure properly before lighting. Curing allows the wax to fully solidify and the fragrance to stabilize within the wax. The curing time can vary depending on the type of wax used:

For soy wax candles, allow 1-2 weeks of curing time for the best scent throw. The extended cure time allows the essential oils and fragrance to fully bind with the soy wax (https://armatagecandlecompany.com/blog/candle-curing/). Paraffin wax candles only need 3-5 days of curing.

During the curing process, store the candles in a dry, room temperature area away from direct light and heat. Excessive light and heat can cause the scent to fade or evaporate before the candle is burned (https://www.reddit.com/r/candlemaking/comments/101d7xy/how_long_do_soy_wax_candles_need_to_cure/). Proper storage allows the fragrance to fully set.

Once cured, the candles are ready to be burned and enjoyed! The extended curing time will allow the lovely bourbon fragrance to shine through when the candle is lit.

Safety Tips

When making bourbon candles, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are some key tips:

Ensure proper ventilation when pouring melted wax. Work in a well-ventilated area to allow wax vapors to dissipate. Open windows and use fans to improve airflow and reduce the risk of respiratory irritation. Consider pouring wax outside if possible.

Avoid open flames until candles are fully cured. It takes 1-2 weeks for candles to fully cure and harden. Burning candles too soon can cause the wax to overheat and ignite. Wait until candles have cured before lighting.

Use warning labels. Attach a label clearly indicating the candle contains alcohol. This alerts users to take appropriate precautions when burning.

Take care when melting wax. Use a double boiler method and low heat to gently melt wax. Never leave melting wax unattended.

Wear safety gear. Use heat-resistant gloves when pouring wax. Tie back long hair. Wear eye protection and long sleeves in case of splashes.

Work on a protected surface. Cover work areas with cardboard or wax paper to prevent spills and drips from damaging counters or tables.

Keep children and pets away from the pouring area. Candles should be an adult activity due to hot wax and open flames.

Have a fire extinguisher on hand. Prepare for unexpected fires or spills by keeping an extinguisher nearby.

Enjoying your Bourbon Candles

Once your bourbon candles have properly cured, it’s time to start enjoying their wonderful aroma! Here are some tips:

Best ways to experience the aroma

Place your bourbon candle on a side table or coffee table near where you relax in the evenings. Light the candle and let the room fill with the sweet, oak aromas of bourbon. For maximum fragrance, keep the candle away from any drafts or vents that might dissipate the scent.

According to Candleberry.com, bourbon candles give off a “classic bourbon sweet, clean burn.” Allow the candle to burn for at least an hour for the fragrance to fully permeate the room.

Gift giving ideas

Bourbon candles make fantastic gifts! Present your homemade bourbon candle in a pretty glass container or tie a ribbon around the jar. Add a custom label stating the candle is homemade. Bourbon lovers will appreciate this thoughtful handmade gift.

According to PennandBeech.com, bourbon candles feature notes of “Premium Natural Oils” and cotton wicks for clean burning. Your homemade bourbon candle will be even more special!

Storing to maintain scent

To keep your bourbon candle smelling its best after each burn, let the wax completely solidify before covering with the lid. This prevents the wick from continuing to burn and losing fragrance.

Store bourbon candles in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Consistent conditions help preserve the scent. Frequent temperature fluctuations can cause the fragrance to fade more quickly.