New to 120 proof in moderation?

So I was previously told I was an alcoholic, but not really. I had issues with other substances but alcohol wasn’t my DOC as a teen and recently in my 20s I’ve started drinking again after many years sober bc, well, I want to have a normal adult life and be able to enjoy normal adult things. But I’m not as experienced with alcohol as my peers, bc I got sober before I was 21 and didn’t start drinking again until around when I turned 24. I like getting drunk and I’m pretty conscious of myself and my habits so if I was developing an addiction I’d reach out for support, but mostly right now I’m focused on rhe harm reduction method of being cautious and measuring my intake carefully. Recently I got a bottle of Everclear 120, which I’ve only used to make herbal tinctures in the past few years, and before that to irresponsibly get wasted on without a second thought. I’ve never put thought into how to properly drink it and tonight I took a couple shots of it as I would with a standard 80 proof vodka and my throat burned /so bad/, I didn’t think ahead that it would feel so much worse, my mistake for sure. Any advice or insight on how to drink Everclear 120 in moderation and not burn my throat to hell? I’m not asking for support in recovery or whatever, I’m doing pretty well, just thought background might be helpful.