Top 10 Bourbon-and-Food Pairings to Elevate Your Dinner Parties

1. Buffalo Trace and BBQ Ribs

Buffalo Trace bourbon is a great match for BBQ ribs. The smoky flavors of the ribs complement the rich and oaky notes of the bourbon, creating a mouthwatering combination. When enjoying this pairing, be sure to take a sip of the bourbon after each bite of the ribs to fully appreciate the flavors. For a fun twist, try adding a splash of barbecue sauce to your bourbon for an extra kick of flavor. This duo is a crowd-pleaser at any dinner party, guaranteed to leave your guests impressed and satisfied.

2. Maker's Mark and Dark Chocolate

Pairing Maker's Mark with dark chocolate is like a match made in heaven. The smooth, caramel notes of the bourbon blend perfectly with the rich, slightly bitter taste of dark chocolate. It's a combination that will make your taste buds dance.

Why It Works

• Maker's Mark has a sweet, vanilla flavor that complements the bitterness of dark chocolate.
• The bourbon's smooth finish enhances the creamy texture of the chocolate.
• Both have complex flavors that unfold with each bite and sip.

How to Serve

1. Choose a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content.
2. Pour a small glass of Maker's Mark, neat or with a single ice cube.
3. Take a small bite of chocolate, let it melt in your mouth, then take a sip of bourbon.
4. Enjoy the symphony of flavors!

This pairing is perfect for a cozy night in or as a sophisticated end to a dinner party. It's simple yet incredibly satisfying.

3. Woodford Reserve and Grilled Steak

When it comes to pairing bourbon with food, Woodford Reserve pairs well with savory and rich foods like grilled steak. The bourbon's bold flavors stand up to the hearty taste of a perfectly cooked steak, making it a match made in heaven.

Why It Works

The caramel and vanilla notes in Woodford Reserve complement the smoky, charred flavors of grilled steak. This pairing brings out the best in both the bourbon and the meat, creating a dining experience that's both luxurious and satisfying.

How to Serve

• Grill your steak to your preferred doneness.
• Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing.
• Pour a glass of Woodford Reserve neat or with a single ice cube.
• Enjoy the combination of flavors as you savor each bite and sip.

For a truly unforgettable dinner party, serve Woodford Reserve with grilled steak and watch your guests' faces light up with delight.

4. Knob Creek and Smoked Salmon

Pairing Knob Creek with smoked salmon is like a match made in heaven. The bold, rich flavors of Knob Creek bourbon perfectly complement the smoky, savory taste of the salmon. It's a combination that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Why It Works

• Knob Creek's strong, oaky notes enhance the smoky flavor of the salmon.
• The bourbon's slight sweetness balances the saltiness of the fish.
• Both have a rich, full-bodied taste that makes each bite and sip a delight.

How to Serve

1. Serve the smoked salmon on a platter with lemon wedges and capers.
2. Pour Knob Creek into a glass with a large ice cube to keep it chilled but not watered down.
3. Enjoy the pairing with friends and family for a memorable dinner party.

This pairing is perfect for those who love bold flavors and want to impress their guests with something unique.

5. Bulleit Bourbon and Apple Pie

When it comes to classic American desserts, nothing beats a warm slice of apple pie. Pair it with a glass of Bulleit Bourbon, and you've got a match made in heaven. Bulleit, popular for its high rye content, adds a spicy kick that perfectly complements the sweet and tart flavors of the apple pie.

Why It Works

The high rye content in Bulleit Bourbon gives it a unique spiciness that balances the sweetness of the apple pie. This pairing brings out the best in both the bourbon and the dessert, making each bite and sip more enjoyable.

How to Serve

For the best experience, serve the apple pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Pour a glass of Bulleit Bourbon neat or on the rocks. The combination of warm pie, cold ice cream, and smooth bourbon is simply irresistible.

Pro Tip

If you want to take it up a notch, try drizzling a bit of bourbon over the apple pie before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

Bulleit Bourbon and apple pie is a pairing that will elevate any dinner party. The spicy kick of the bourbon and the sweet, tart flavors of the pie create a perfect harmony that is sure to impress your guests.

6. Four Roses and Spicy Chicken Wings

Pairing Four Roses with spicy chicken wings is a match made in heaven. The bourbon's smooth and slightly sweet flavor balances the heat of the wings perfectly. The subtle sweet notes of Four Roses help to mellow out the spiciness, making each bite and sip a delightful experience.

When you take a bite of those wings, the charred notes from the grill mix with the bourbon's rich taste, creating a flavor explosion in your mouth. It's like a party for your taste buds!

• Four Roses' smoothness complements the heat.
• The bourbon's sweetness balances the spice.
• The charred flavor of the wings enhances the bourbon's richness.

This pairing is perfect for those who love a bit of heat with their drink. It's a surefire way to impress your guests at any dinner party.

7. Elijah Craig and Blue Cheese

When it comes to the perfect pairings of bourbon and cheese, Elijah Craig and Blue Cheese is a match made in heaven. The rich, caramel notes of Elijah Craig bourbon blend seamlessly with the bold, tangy flavors of blue cheese. This combination is a true delight for the taste buds.

Why It Works

Elijah Craig has a spicy, oak-forward profile with undertones of vanilla and caramel. These flavors complement the creamy and pungent nature of blue cheese, creating a balanced and harmonious pairing.

How to Serve

• Serve Elijah Craig neat or with a single ice cube to enhance its flavors.
• Pair with a variety of blue cheeses, such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton.
• Add some crackers and fresh fruit to the cheese platter for added texture and flavor.

For an unforgettable experience, try this pairing at your next dinner party. Your guests will be impressed by the sophisticated flavors and the perfect balance between the bourbon and the cheese.

8. Wild Turkey and Pulled Pork

When it comes to pairing Wild Turkey with pulled pork, you're in for a treat. This classic combination brings out the best flavors in both the bourbon and the savory meat. Get ready to savor the rich, smoky notes of Wild Turkey alongside the tender, juicy pulled pork. The boldness of the bourbon perfectly complements the hearty flavors of the dish, creating a match made in culinary heaven. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or a casual dinner party, Wild Turkey and pulled pork are sure to impress your guests.

9. Blanton's and Pecan Pie

Blanton's Bourbon and pecan pie make a match made in heaven. The rich, nutty flavors of the pie perfectly complement the smooth, caramel notes of the bourbon. This pairing is a surefire way to impress your guests at any dinner party.

When you take a bite of pecan pie and follow it with a sip of Blanton's, you'll be exploring the captivating aromas of top bourbons through food pairings. The sweetness of the pie enhances the bourbon's flavor, creating a delightful experience.

• The caramel in Blanton's brings out the roasted pecans' richness.
• The pie's sweetness balances the bourbon's slight spiciness.
• Together, they create a warm, comforting finish.

This combination is perfect for those who love a sweet ending to their meal. It's like a hug in dessert form, with a kick of bourbon to keep things interesting.

10. Angel's Envy and Charcuterie Board

Angel's Envy bourbon is a delightful choice for a charcuterie board. Its smooth and slightly sweet flavor complements a variety of cured meats and cheeses. When hosting a dinner party, serving Angel's Envy with a charcuterie board is sure to impress your guests. Pairing this bourbon with a selection of meats and cheeses allows for a diverse range of flavors to be enjoyed together. The versatility of Angel's Envy makes it a great option for creating a balanced and enjoyable tasting experience. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect match.

Pairing Angel's Envy bourbon with a charcuterie board is a match made in heaven. The smooth, rich flavors of the bourbon complement the variety of meats and cheeses perfectly. Want to experience this delightful combination? Visit our website and explore our monthly bourbon subscription options. Don't miss out on the chance to elevate your tasting experience!