Consuming alcohol can trigger or worsen heartburn in some people. This may be due to various reasons, including irritation of the throat or stomach or the way alcohol affects stomach acid. Heartburn is a painful, burning sensation in the chest and upper throat.

The folks over at SciShow recently tackled the “why” behind alcohol’s burn, and the answer is surprising. It all starts with a receptor known as VR1, contained in our mouths and throats. High temperature foods trigger VR1, which then tells our nerves and brain what’s going on, and results in a burning sensation.

The reason you feel “the burn” more with spirits than wine or beer especially is due entirely to alcohol concentrations. Strong beers might clock in at upwards of 11%, and big wines might leap into the 15 or 16%ABV range, but spirits tend to start at 40%ABV and go from there. The more alcohol present, the greater the burn.