Top 10 Bourbon-and-Food Pairings You Need to Try This Season

1. Buffalo Trace with Smoked Brisket

Buffalo Trace with smoked brisket

Buffalo Trace and smoked brisket are a match made in heaven. The rich, smoky flavors of the brisket perfectly complement the smooth, caramel notes of the bourbon. This pairing is a must-try for any BBQ lover.

Why It Works

Buffalo Trace has a balanced profile that stands up to the bold flavors of smoked brisket. The bourbon's sweetness cuts through the meat's smokiness, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

How to Serve

  • Slice the smoked brisket thinly.
  • Serve with a side of coleslaw or pickles.
  • Pour Buffalo Trace over a large ice cube to enhance its flavors.

Pro Tip

For an extra kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce to your brisket. It pairs surprisingly well with the bourbon's caramel undertones.

When it comes to whiskey and BBQ, this pairing is a game-changer. The combination of Buffalo Trace and smoked brisket will leave your taste buds dancing.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're hosting a BBQ or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, this pairing is sure to impress. Don't miss out on this delicious duo!

2. Maker's Mark with Dark Chocolate

When it comes to pairing bourbon with food, Maker's Mark is a versatile choice. Its bold and complex flavors make it a great match for a variety of foods, including grilled meats, charcuterie, and especially dark chocolate.

Why It Works

The rich, sweet notes of Maker's Mark complement the bitterness of dark chocolate perfectly. The caramel and vanilla flavors in the bourbon bring out the deep cocoa flavors in the chocolate, creating a harmonious balance.

How to Enjoy

  1. Choose a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
  2. Pour a glass of Maker's Mark, neat or with a single ice cube.
  3. Take a small bite of the chocolate and let it melt in your mouth.
  4. Sip the bourbon slowly, allowing the flavors to mingle.

Pro Tip

For an extra special treat, try pairing Maker's Mark with a dark chocolate that has hints of sea salt or chili. The added flavors will enhance the tasting experience even more.

Maker's Mark can be paired with a variety of foods, including grilled meats, charcuterie, and dark chocolate. Its bold and complex flavors complement rich and intense foods, making it a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts.

3. Woodford Reserve with Grilled Salmon

When it comes to pairing bourbon with seafood, Woodford Reserve and grilled salmon make a match made in heaven. The rich, smoky flavors of the grilled salmon perfectly complement the smooth, caramel notes of Woodford Reserve.

Why it works: The bourbon's hints of vanilla and oak enhance the salmon's natural flavors, creating a harmonious balance.

Tips for the Perfect Pairing

  • Grill the salmon: Make sure to get a nice char on the salmon to bring out its smoky flavor.
  • Season well: Use a mix of herbs and spices to enhance the salmon's taste.
  • Serve with sides: Consider pairing with roasted vegetables or a light salad to complete the meal.
This pairing is perfect for a summer evening, offering a delightful mix of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.

4. Knob Creek with BBQ Ribs

When it comes to pairing bourbon with BBQ ribs, Knob Creek is a top choice. This bourbon's bold flavors stand up to the rich, smoky taste of BBQ ribs, creating a match made in heaven.

Why It Works

Knob Creek has a high proof and a robust flavor profile. This means it can handle the intense flavors of BBQ ribs without being overpowered. The caramel and vanilla notes in the bourbon complement the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce perfectly.

Tasting Notes

  • Knob Creek: Rich caramel, vanilla, and oak.
  • BBQ Ribs: Smoky, sweet, and tangy.

Pro Tip

For the best experience, try pairing Knob Creek with ribs that have been smoked low and slow. The long cooking process brings out the best in both the bourbon and the meat.

Pairing Knob Creek with BBQ ribs is like a flavor explosion in your mouth. The boldness of the bourbon and the smokiness of the ribs create a perfect harmony.

So, next time you're firing up the grill, don't forget to pour yourself a glass of Knob Creek. It's the perfect way to elevate your BBQ game.

5. Four Roses with Apple Pie

When it comes to indulgent pairings, Four Roses Bourbon and apple pie is a match made in heaven. The rich, caramel notes of the bourbon perfectly complement the sweet and tart flavors of the apple pie. It's a combination that will elevate your dessert game to a whole new level.

Imagine taking a bite of warm, freshly baked apple pie, followed by a sip of smooth Four Roses. The bourbon's hints of vanilla and spice enhance the pie's cinnamon and apple goodness, creating a taste experience that's simply unforgettable.

  • The caramel notes in Four Roses bring out the sweetness in the apple pie.
  • The bourbon's vanilla and spice add depth to the pie's flavors.
  • This pairing is perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering.
This pairing is perfect for those seeking indulgent dessert ideas! Enjoy the delightful combination of Four Roses and apple pie, and treat yourself to a truly memorable dessert experience.

6. Elijah Craig with Blue Cheese

Pairing Elijah Craig with blue cheese is a match made in heaven. The rich, caramel notes of the bourbon perfectly complement the stinky and bold flavors of blue cheese. It's a combination that will make your taste buds dance.

Why It Works

  • The sweetness of Elijah Craig balances the saltiness of the blue cheese.
  • The creamy texture of the cheese enhances the smooth finish of the bourbon.
  • Both have complex flavors that play well together.

How to Enjoy

  1. Serve the blue cheese at room temperature to bring out its full flavor.
  2. Pour a glass of Elijah Craig neat or with a single ice cube.
  3. Take a small bite of the cheese, then a sip of the bourbon. Let the flavors mingle in your mouth.
This pairing is perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests at a dinner party. The combination of creamy blue cheese and rich bourbon is sure to be a hit.

Pro Tip

Try adding a drizzle of honey over the blue cheese for an extra layer of flavor. The sweetness of the honey will enhance the caramel notes in the bourbon, making the experience even more delightful.

7. Bulleit Bourbon with Spicy Chicken Wings

Bulleit Bourbon and spicy chicken wings are a match made in heaven. The bold flavors of the bourbon perfectly complement the heat of the wings, creating a taste explosion in your mouth. Swapping the vodka for bourbon in your usual drink can also add a southern touch to your meal.

Why It Works

The high rye content in Bulleit Bourbon gives it a spicy kick that pairs well with the fiery chicken wings. The bourbon's smooth finish helps to balance out the heat, making each bite and sip a delightful experience.

How to Enjoy

  1. Grill or fry your chicken wings to your preferred level of crispiness.
  2. Toss the wings in your favorite spicy sauce.
  3. Pour yourself a glass of Bulleit Bourbon, neat or on the rocks.
  4. Take a bite of the wing, then a sip of the bourbon. Repeat and enjoy!

Pro Tip: Try adding a splash of ginger beer to your bourbon for an extra zing. Bourbon and ginger beer are a perfect pair, enhancing the flavors of both the drink and the wings.

8. Wild Turkey with Pecan Pie

When it comes to holiday desserts, pecan pie is a classic favorite. Pairing it with Wild Turkey bourbon takes it to a whole new level. The sweet and nutty flavor of the pie finds its ideal companion in a glass of bourbon. The caramel and vanilla notes in Wild Turkey complement the pie's rich taste perfectly.

Why This Pairing Works

The combination of Wild Turkey and pecan pie is a match made in heaven. The bourbon's bold flavors enhance the sweetness of the pie, while the nutty undertones of the pecans bring out the bourbon's complexity.

Tasting Notes

  • Caramel: Adds a sweet, rich layer to the pie.
  • Vanilla: Enhances the creamy texture of the filling.
  • Nutty: Complements the pecans in the pie.

How to Serve

  1. Warm the pecan pie slightly to release its flavors.
  2. Pour a glass of Wild Turkey bourbon.
  3. Enjoy the pie with small sips of bourbon to savor the pairing.
This pairing is perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in. The rich flavors of the pecan pie and the bold notes of Wild Turkey create a delightful experience.

9. Blanton's with Seared Scallops

Pairing Blanton's with seared scallops is a match made in heaven. The rich, caramel notes of Blanton's bourbon perfectly complement the delicate, buttery flavor of the scallops. This pairing is a true delight for the taste buds.

When you take a bite of the seared scallops, the smokier qualities of the bourbon enhance the dish's natural flavors. The salt and pepper seasoning on the scallops also benefits from the bourbon's subtle spice, creating a harmonious balance.

  • Blanton's bourbon has a rich, caramel flavor.
  • Seared scallops are delicate and buttery.
  • The smokier qualities of the bourbon enhance the scallops.
  • Salt and pepper seasoning on the scallops pairs well with the bourbon's spice.
This pairing is perfect for a special dinner or a fancy gathering. It's sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

10. Angel's Envy with Maple Bacon

When it comes to a heavenly pairing, Angel's Envy with maple bacon is a match made in flavor paradise. The sweet and smoky notes of the bacon perfectly complement the rich, caramel undertones of the bourbon.

Imagine this: You take a bite of crispy maple bacon, and then a sip of Angel's Envy. The flavors dance together, creating a taste explosion that's hard to beat.

  • The sweetness of the maple syrup enhances the bourbon's vanilla and caramel notes.
  • The smokiness of the bacon adds depth to the drink.
  • Together, they create a balanced and unforgettable experience.
This pairing is perfect for a cozy night in or a fancy dinner party. It's versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.

So, next time you're planning a bourbon & BBQ dinner, don't forget to include this delightful duo. Your taste buds will thank you!

Angel's Envy with Maple Bacon is a match made in heaven. Imagine the rich, smooth taste of Angel's Envy bourbon paired with the sweet and savory flavor of maple bacon. It's a combination that will make your taste buds dance. Don't miss out on this unique experience. Visit our website to learn more and place your order today!