I require a full etomach to handle liquor, but can handle beer on an empty, why?

Hello, I have a slight problem

Basically, I intermittent fast, meaning I don’t eat until 8 pm.

Normally if I want to drink, I start at around 5-6pm, and I normally drink around 5, 5% beers in that 6-8pm time frame, and normally catch a reasonable very “handled” buzz, I can talk to people and seems un-buzzed.

However, I have tried taking a single shot on an empty stomach, and it BURNS LIKE HELL, like a cramping burn, that I have to go to the bathroom to handle, and I normally end up puking and “being done” for the night.

However, if I have even a sandwich, or a little bit of fries or something, I’m perfectly fine either way.

Does anyone know why liquor would “require” food in my belly? I can only handle beer on an empty stomach, is it like this for everyone?

Does it almost seem like the liquor 40% concentration is too high? To be just in your stomach acid byitself?

I’m fairly confused as to why I can drink so much beer/wine, but not liquor until I have atleast half a meal in my stomach.

Any tips would be appreciated guys.