A little over a year ago our Tasting Panel visited Makers Mark in Loretto, Kentucky to select a single barrel from their new Private Select “Exclusive Oak Stave Selection” Program. While tasting through the process of creating our own signature blend, we were astounded by the myriad of flavors that the different components released. The tasting got us to thinking about how to use these different flavors to pair the bourbon with food.
A few simple suggestions will help you enjoy the experience of pairing a course or even a meal around bourbon and different bourbon cocktails.
1. Good goes with good
Before you even think about sophisticated bourbon-food pairings, know that you can never go wrong with pairing a really excellent bourbon with a really excellent dish. A great way to start is chose a dish you already love to eat, then start by pairing it with a bourbon cocktail, then progress to bourbon on the rock, eventually try enjoying the dish with the bourbon served neat.
2. Go with bold flavors
If you're doing a whole dinner with bourbon pairings, the food should progress in intensity.
Over several courses the issue of bourbon numbing taste buds can become a concern, in order to avoid this issue, Simply increase the flavor of the food with each successive course. It’s perfectly acceptable if either the food or beverage is the star of any particular course, no need to worry about the two being in perfect flavor harmony. Let a bright acidic cocktail take center stage when served with heavy dish with gravy or a cream sauce or let your BBQ ribs shine while sipping a lighter Bourbon & Lemonade.
3. Don’t Forget Pairs with Dessert
When pairing desserts with bourbon we are lucky enough to have a rainbow of bourbon options to choose from. Older aged bourbons can draw tannins from the increased time in Oak Barrels, these tannins pair excellently with cake, chocolate and, Pecan Pie (which has bourbon in it). For an easy digestif, start with a glass of the Makers Mark Private Select and add a dash of Amoro (Italian Bitter Spirit) then dive into that dessert.
Liquor Depot offers a selection of over 25 Single Barrel Bourbons, Whiskeys, Rums & Tequillas. Each Single Barrel carries unique nuances not found in the ordinary bottlings of the spirit. Stop in and let us help you select the perfect choice for you to start your tasting adventure.
