Mention bourbon to someone and they will normally have one of two reactions. Half will wince and almost shudder. There are some distant memories in there somewhere. The other half will purse their lips and talk about their favourite bourbon pairings. You might be someone who historically struggles with bourbon or you might be a bourbon fanatic. The good news is that we have some pairings you might like to try!
Let’s first clear up what bourbon is because we see lots of confusion around the internet. Bourbon, the distinguished American whiskey, has some strict rules to play by. It’s got to be at least 51% corn, aged in fresh charred oak barrels, and keep its alcohol content in check below 80%. No fancy additives allowed, just a splash of water for dilution. Cheers to the rebel with a tasty cause. So only when it meets these requirements is the drink in your hand considered bourbon.
There’s bourbon, there’s a BBQ – it doesn’t get any better. The smoky allure of a fine whiskey dances harmoniously with the sweet and tangy embrace of BBQ sauce. Indulge in the symphony of flavors by pairing your beloved bourbon with succulent ribs, mouthwatering brisket, or tender pulled pork. Give yourself a treat with whiskies like Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, or Wild Turkey. Let your taste buds embark on a tantalizing journey.
We know that some people will say ‘I like my bourbon whiskey with a steak‘. This is another strong option and one that will get lots of agreeing nods from readers. The strong, bold flavors of the meat perfectly balance with the oaky, caramel notes of the bourbon. For this pairing, you can try Basil Hayden’s, Woodford Reserve or Pappy Van Winkle.
Some people think that drinking bourbon is like pouring fire into their throats. The great news is that you can pair the bourbon itself to discover the flavour profile without scorching your taste buds. Bourbon cocktails: the smoothest way to embark on a flavor adventure and elevate your experience. Savor the classics like an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan, or embrace the tangy twist of a Whiskey Sour. For those with a sweet tooth, indulge in the decadent combination of bourbon and chocolate. People often raise their eyebrows in surprise because they think that bourbon shouldn’t go with sweet treats.
Cheese is life, and there’s almost relief when people hear that this is a best teammate of bourbon. Hard, aged cheeses like cheddar or gouda are bourbon’s flavor soulmates, with their sharp and nutty personalities. Soft cheeses like brie or camembert join the bourbon party for a creamy contrast that will make your taste buds dance. And for the truly adventurous, blue cheese boldly embraces the boldness of bourbon, creating a pairing that will blow your mind (and your taste buds). We’re not stopping you from buying a whole range of cheeses to see which combo you like best (eat and drink responsibly, though!).