Is Drinking Bourbon Healthier Than Beer?

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderate alcohol consumption is defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. However, when choosing a drink, many wonder, is drinking bourbon healthier than beer? The answer lies in understanding the key differences in nutritional content and overall health impacts.

Quick Summary

This article explores the nutritional facts and potential health implications of bourbon compared to beer. Key differences in calories, carbohydrates, and antioxidant content are reviewed, emphasizing that moderation is the most important factor for overall health.

Key Points

Nutritional Content: Bourbon has fewer calories and zero carbohydrates per standard serving compared to beer, making it a lower-calorie option when served neat.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): Bourbon has a significantly higher alcohol concentration than beer, meaning smaller volumes are standard servings; it is crucial to monitor total alcohol intake.
Calorie Source: While bourbon's calories come purely from alcohol, beer's calories are from both alcohol and carbohydrates, which can be a factor for weight management.
Antioxidant Advantage: Bourbon contains ellagic acid from oak barrels, an antioxidant with potential health benefits, although this does not make it a 'healthy' beverage.
Moderation is Key: No type of alcohol is fundamentally healthy; the greatest determinant of health impact is the total amount consumed, not the type.
Weight Management: For those watching calories and carbs, a neat bourbon is a better choice than a heavy beer, but sugary mixers eliminate this advantage.
Liver Health: The liver processes ethanol similarly from both drinks; damage comes from the quantity and frequency of drinking, not the source.
Gluten-Free: For individuals with gluten sensitivities, distilled bourbon is a safe alternative to beer, which is typically brewed with gluten-containing grains.

Bourbon vs. Beer: A Nutritional Breakdown

When evaluating if drinking bourbon is healthier than beer, the primary comparison revolves around their caloric and carbohydrate content. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of bourbon contains approximately 97 calories and zero carbohydrates. In contrast, a typical 12-ounce regular beer can have between 140 and 160 calories, along with a significant amount of carbohydrates. Lighter beers have fewer calories and carbs, but still generally more than a straight pour of bourbon.

Alcohol Content and Serving Size

The concentration of alcohol, or alcohol by volume (ABV), is another critical distinction. Bourbon has a much higher ABV than beer, meaning a smaller volume is needed to achieve the same effect. This higher concentration also means the alcohol enters the bloodstream faster and can impact the body more strongly. This is why serving sizes differ significantly: a 1.5 oz pour of bourbon is a standard drink, whereas for beer, a standard drink is 12 oz. For those who can't moderate their intake easily, the higher concentration of bourbon could be a greater risk.

Potential Health Benefits and Considerations

Both bourbon and beer have potential health effects, though often exaggerated by proponents of either. Some studies suggest moderate consumption of distilled spirits like bourbon may offer cardiovascular benefits due to antioxidants like ellagic acid, which is released from the oak barrels during aging. This antioxidant is also linked to potential cancer-fighting properties. However, beer is not without its own benefits, as some varieties contain trace amounts of B vitamins and other beneficial compounds from their ingredients. The ultimate takeaway is that any potential health 'benefits' from alcohol are strongly outweighed by the risks of overconsumption. The most important factor remains moderation, regardless of the beverage.

The Impact on Weight Management

The concept of a "beer belly" is often associated with the higher calorie and carbohydrate count in beer. For individuals focused on weight management, consuming several beers can add hundreds of extra calories and dozens of carbohydrates to their daily intake. A straight shot of bourbon, with its lower calorie and zero-carb profile, is often a preferred choice for those tracking macronutrients. However, the advantage of bourbon is lost if it's mixed with high-sugar sodas or other caloric mixers. A neat or "on the rocks" serving is key to maintaining this nutritional edge.

Comparing Liver and Cognitive Health

When it comes to liver health, the type of alcohol consumed is less important than the total amount and frequency of consumption. Both ethanol, the active compound in all alcoholic drinks, is processed by the liver. Excessive consumption of either beer or bourbon will cause liver damage over time, including fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. Regarding cognitive function, some research has suggested that moderate alcohol intake, including bourbon, may be associated with a lower risk of dementia compared to heavy drinkers and non-drinkers. This protective effect is likely tied to the act of moderate drinking itself rather than the specific type of alcohol, with the overall consensus from the scientific community being that alcohol is not a protective health measure.

A Deeper Look at Congeners and Hangovers

Hangovers are another area where the drinks differ. Congeners are byproducts of fermentation that contribute to the taste, aroma, and color of alcoholic beverages. Generally, darker liquors like bourbon contain more congeners than lighter liquors or beer, and higher congener intake is often linked to more severe hangovers. While a shot of bourbon might lead to a worse hangover than a single light beer, the total amount of alcohol consumed is still the most significant factor. Binge drinking large quantities of either will inevitably result in a bad hangover.

Nutritional Comparison: Bourbon vs. Beer


Feature	Bourbon (1.5 oz)	Beer (12 oz, Regular)	Winner (Health-focused)
Calories	~97	~150-160	Bourbon
Carbohydrates	0g	10-17g+	Bourbon
Sugar	0g	~0.3g+	Bourbon
Antioxidants	Contains ellagic acid	Generally low	Bourbon
B Vitamins	None	Small amounts in some beers	Beer
Gluten	Gluten-free after distillation	Contains gluten (barley)	Bourbon (for sensitive individuals)
ABV	40%+	4-6% typical	Neither (depends on intake)

Conclusion

When asking if is drinking bourbon healthier than beer, the answer is nuanced. From a purely nutritional standpoint, a 1.5-ounce serving of bourbon is lower in calories, has zero carbohydrates, and is gluten-free, giving it an edge over most beers. It also contains antioxidants not found in beer. However, this comparison is only valid when both are consumed in strict moderation. Given bourbon's much higher alcohol content, it's easier to overconsume and face negative health consequences, including liver damage, cognitive impairment, and addiction. For most people, the decision should be less about which is 'healthier' and more about controlling overall alcohol intake. The potential health benefits of either are minor and easily negated by excessive drinking. The healthiest choice remains moderation or abstinence.

Authoritative Source

For more information on balancing alcohol consumption with your health goals, consider resources like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's guide to alcohol. Read more about balancing risks and benefits of alcohol consumption.

Further Considerations

Mixers Matter: Adding high-sugar soda to bourbon negates its low-calorie and zero-carb advantage.
Weight Impact: Long-term, excessive calorie intake from either beverage contributes to weight gain and conditions like fatty liver.
Congeners and Hangovers: While bourbon has more congeners, the volume of alcohol consumed is the primary determinant of hangover severity.
Overall Health: Any alcohol intake, regardless of type, poses risks. The safest option for health is always abstinence.
Individual Differences: Factors like gender, genetics, and health status influence how alcohol affects the body.
Sipping vs. Chugging: Slower consumption of bourbon might lead to less overall intake than quickly drinking multiple beers.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a 'beer belly' is associated with the higher calories and carbohydrates in beer. Since bourbon contains zero carbs and fewer calories per serving, it's less likely to contribute to abdominal weight gain, as long as sugary mixers are avoided.

For those counting calories and carbs, a straight bourbon is often a better choice for weight loss than beer due to its lower nutritional load. However, the key is overall caloric deficit and moderation, not the drink itself.

Some studies suggest moderate bourbon intake may offer heart-protective benefits and antioxidants like ellagic acid, but these effects are minimal and easily negated by overconsumption. Alcohol is not considered a health tonic.

Neither is inherently 'better' for gut health. Some beers contain probiotics, but can cause bloating. Bourbon is zero-carb and gluten-free, which may be easier on some people's digestion, but excessive alcohol harms the gut.

Bourbon and other dark liquors often contain more congeners, which can contribute to more severe hangovers than beer. However, the most significant factor is the total amount of alcohol consumed, regardless of type.

Yes, bourbon is gluten-free. While it is made from grains like corn, wheat, and barley, the distillation process removes gluten proteins, making it safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Moderation is the most important factor. The health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption of either beverage far outweigh any potential minor benefits. Sticking to the recommended daily limits is crucial for your health.