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

1. Buffalo Trace and BBQ Ribs

Buffalo Trace, with its rich and smooth flavor, pairs perfectly with the smoky and savory taste of BBQ ribs. The bourbon's caramel and vanilla notes enhance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce, creating a mouth-watering combination.

Why It Works

  • Rich Flavor: Buffalo Trace's deep flavor profile stands up to the bold taste of BBQ ribs.
  • Caramel and Vanilla Notes: These notes in the bourbon complement the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
  • Smoky and Savory: The smoky flavor of the ribs pairs well with the smoothness of the bourbon.

How to Enjoy

  1. Grill your ribs to perfection, ensuring they are tender and juicy.
  2. Brush on your favorite BBQ sauce generously.
  3. Pour yourself a glass of Buffalo Trace, neat or on the rocks.
  4. Take a bite of the ribs, followed by a sip of bourbon. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Pairing Buffalo Trace with BBQ ribs is like a match made in heaven. The flavors dance together, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds.

2. Maker's Mark and Dark Chocolate

When it comes to pairing bourbon with food, Maker's Mark and dark chocolate is a match made in heaven. The smooth, sweet notes of Maker's Mark perfectly complement the rich, slightly bitter taste of dark chocolate.

Why It Works

  • Maker's Mark has a caramel and vanilla flavor that enhances the chocolate's sweetness.
  • The bourbon's slight spiciness balances the bitterness of the dark chocolate.
  • Both have a creamy texture that makes each bite and sip a luxurious experience.

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, let it melt in your mouth, then take a sip of the bourbon.
  4. Savor the combined flavors and enjoy the harmony.
This bourbon is an excellent choice for pairing with smoky and tangy BBQ dishes, but it truly shines when matched with dark chocolate. The combination is simply irresistible.

3. Woodford Reserve and Smoked Salmon

When it comes to pairing bourbon with food, Woodford Reserve and smoked salmon is a match made in heaven. The rich, smoky flavor of the salmon perfectly complements the smooth, caramel notes of the bourbon.

Why It Works

The smokiness of the salmon brings out the deep, oaky flavors in the Woodford Reserve. This combination creates a balanced taste that is both savory and sweet.

How to Serve

  • Serve the smoked salmon on a platter with lemon wedges and capers.
  • Pour a glass of Woodford Reserve neat or with a single ice cube.
  • Enjoy the pairing as an appetizer or a light meal.
This pairing is perfect for those who love a good balance of flavors. The richness of the salmon and the smoothness of the bourbon make for an unforgettable dining experience.

Pro Tip

For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of dill on the salmon. It enhances the flavors and adds a fresh note to the dish.

4. Knob Creek and Grilled Steak

When it comes to pairing bourbon with food, Knob Creek and grilled steak is a match made in heaven. The rich, smoky flavors of the steak are perfectly complemented by the bold, spicy notes of Knob Creek. This combination is sure to impress at any dinner party.

  • The charred exterior of the steak enhances the caramel and vanilla undertones of the bourbon.
  • Knob Creek's high proof cuts through the fattiness of the steak, creating a balanced and enjoyable experience.
  • The pairing brings out the best in both the bourbon and the steak, making each bite and sip more enjoyable.
For those exploring the captivating aromas of top bourbons, this pairing is a must-try. It transforms a simple meal into an extraordinary experience.

So, fire up the grill and pour yourself a glass of Knob Creek. Your taste buds will thank you!

5. Four Roses and Apple Pie

red and gold baubles on white and black floral textile

When it comes to pairing bourbon with dessert, Four Roses and apple pie is a match made in heaven. The smooth, slightly spicy notes of Four Roses bourbon complement the sweet and tart flavors of a classic apple pie.

Why It Works

The caramel and vanilla undertones in Four Roses bourbon enhance the cinnamon and sugar in the apple pie. It's like a flavor explosion in your mouth!

How to Serve

  • Warm up a slice of apple pie.
  • Pour a glass of Four Roses bourbon, neat or on the rocks.
  • Enjoy them together for a cozy, comforting treat.

Pro Tip

For an extra special touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of your apple pie. The cold ice cream, warm pie, and smooth bourbon create a delicious contrast that's hard to beat.

This pairing is perfect for a fall evening by the fireplace. It's simple, yet incredibly satisfying.

6. Elijah Craig and Spicy Chili

When it comes to pairing bourbon with food, Elijah Craig Small Batch and spicy chili is a match made in heaven. The bourbon's robust flavors can complement the earthy and smoky notes of a well-made chili.

Imagine the warmth of the chili mingling with the rich, caramel undertones of Elijah Craig. It's a combination that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Why It Works

  • Bold Flavors: Elijah Craig's strong profile stands up to the intense spices in chili.
  • Smoky Notes: The bourbon's smoky hints enhance the chili's depth.
  • Balance: The sweetness of the bourbon balances the heat of the chili.

How to Enjoy

  1. Pour a glass of Elijah Craig Small Batch.
  2. Serve a bowl of your favorite spicy chili.
  3. Take a sip of bourbon, then a bite of chili.
  4. Repeat and enjoy the flavor explosion!
This pairing is perfect for a cozy night in or a fun gathering with friends. The combination of Elijah Craig and spicy chili will leave everyone talking about your excellent taste in food and drink pairings.

7. Bulleit Bourbon and Pulled Pork

When it comes to pairing bourbon with food, Bulleit Bourbon and pulled pork is a match made in heaven. The rich, smoky flavors of the pulled pork perfectly complement the spicy, robust notes of Bulleit Bourbon. This combination is sure to impress at any gathering.

Pulled pork, with its tender and juicy texture, brings out the best in Bulleit Bourbon. The bourbon's high rye content adds a spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the pork. It's a flavor explosion you won't want to miss.

Why It Works

  • The smoky flavor of pulled pork enhances the bourbon's spicy notes.
  • Bulleit Bourbon's high rye content adds a unique twist to the pairing.
  • The sweetness of the pork balances the bourbon's bold flavors.

How to Serve

  1. Slow-cook the pulled pork to perfection.
  2. Serve with a side of coleslaw for added crunch.
  3. Pour a glass of Bulleit Bourbon over a large ice cube.
  4. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors.
This pairing is a great example of how balancing flavors can create a delightful tasting experience. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect match!

8. Wild Turkey and Pecan Pie

When it comes to pairing bourbon with dessert, Wild Turkey and pecan pie is a match made in heaven. The rich, nutty flavors of the pecan pie perfectly complement the bold, spicy notes of Wild Turkey bourbon.

Imagine taking a bite of sweet, gooey pecan pie and then sipping on a glass of Wild Turkey. The combination is simply irresistible. The sweetness of the pie enhances the caramel and vanilla notes in the bourbon, creating a delightful taste experience.

Wild Turkey bourbon has a robust flavor profile that stands up well to the richness of pecan pie. This pairing is perfect for those who enjoy a dessert that is both sweet and savory.

This pairing is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dessert game. The bold flavors of Wild Turkey and the sweet, nutty goodness of pecan pie are a match made in dessert heaven.

9. Blanton's and Blue Cheese

Pairing Blanton's bourbon with blue cheese is like a match made in heaven. The rich, caramel notes of Blanton's complement the tangy, bold flavors of blue cheese perfectly.

Why It Works

Blanton's has a smooth, sweet profile with hints of vanilla and honey. These flavors balance out the strong, salty taste of blue cheese, creating a harmonious blend.

How to Enjoy

  1. Choose a quality blue cheese: Opt for a creamy, well-aged blue cheese for the best experience.
  2. Serve at room temperature: Let the cheese sit out for a bit to enhance its flavors.
  3. Pour a glass of Blanton's: Sip slowly and savor the combination.

Pro Tip

Try adding a drizzle of honey on the blue cheese to bring out the sweetness in the bourbon even more. This simple addition can elevate the pairing to a whole new level.

This pairing is perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests at a dinner party. The unique combination of flavors will leave everyone wanting more.

10. Angel's Envy and Caramelized Nuts

Angel's Envy is a bourbon that stands out with its smooth and rich flavor. When paired with caramelized nuts, it creates a delightful combination that is hard to resist. The sweetness of the nuts complements the bourbon's notes perfectly.

Bold flavors of the bourbon enhance the sweetness of the caramelized nuts, making each bite a treat. This pairing is perfect for a cozy evening or a special occasion.

  • The bourbon's smoothness balances the crunchiness of the nuts.
  • The caramelized coating on the nuts brings out the bourbon's subtle vanilla and maple notes.
  • This pairing is great for those who enjoy a sweet and savory combination.
For a truly memorable experience, try serving Angel's Envy bourbon neat with a side of caramelized nuts. The flavors will meld together beautifully, creating a taste sensation you won't forget.

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a quiet night in, this pairing is sure to impress. Give it a try and discover why it's a favorite among bourbon lovers.

Angel's Envy pairs perfectly with caramelized nuts, creating a delightful taste experience. Imagine the smooth bourbon mingling with the sweet crunch of the nuts. It's a match made in heaven! Want to try it for yourself? Visit our website to explore our monthly bourbon subscriptions and get your bottle delivered right to your door.