Bourbon Pairings

Bourbon is known for its complex and rich flavor profile. Lucky for us, that means it pairs really well with several different types of delicious food and chocolate. Some of these pairings include grilled or smoked meats, cheese, hot chocolate, chocolate cake, and more.

Bourbon and Food Pairings

  • Grilled or smoked meats: Bourbon's smoky, woody flavor profile makes it a great pairing with grilled or smoked meats, such as ribs, steak, or pulled pork.
  • Charcuterie and cheese: A charcuterie board or cheese plate with a variety of flavors and textures can complement the sweet and spicy notes in bourbon.
  • Barbecue sauce: Bourbon is often used in barbecue sauce, so it makes sense that it would pair well with dishes that feature this tangy, smoky flavor.
  • Spicy dishes: The heat in spicy dishes can be tamed by the sweetness in bourbon, making it a great pairing for spicy dishes such as buffalo wings or chili.
  • Nuts: Nuts such as almonds or pecans can be a great pairing with bourbon, as they complement the nutty, caramel flavors in the whiskey.

Bourbon and Chocolate Pairings

  • Dark chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate can complement the sweetness of bourbon and bring out its rich, chocolatey undertones.
  • Bourbon truffles: Bourbon-infused truffles are a decadent way to enjoy the pairing of bourbon and chocolate. Look for truffles made with high-quality chocolate and aged bourbon for the best flavor.
  • Chocolate cake: A rich, chocolatey dessert like chocolate cake can be a great pairing for bourbon. The sweetness and richness of the cake can complement the complex flavors of bourbon, creating a delicious balance.
  • Chocolate-covered nuts: Bourbon's nutty, caramel flavors pair well with chocolate-covered nuts like almonds or pecans. Look for lightly salted nuts and high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
  • Bourbon and hot cocoa: For a cozy winter treat, try adding bourbon to your hot cocoa. The warmth and richness of the hot chocolate can be a great match for the spicy, smoky flavors of the bourbon.

Some of Our Favorite Bourbon Pairings and Previous Bourbon Classic Cocktail & Culinary Challenge Winners »

2023 Culinary Pairing Winners

Bourbon Classic 2023

Judges’ Choice Best Small Plate

Freedom Run Smoked Lamb Hummus with Pomegranates, Jerusalem Artichokes, Pine Nuts and Soft Herbs

Featuring: Lamb from Freedom Run Farm

Created by:
Chef Noam Bilitzer, Meesh Meesh Mediterranean

Distillery Partner:
Angel’s Envy Distillery

Bourbon Classic 2023

Judges’ Choice Best Pairing

The Peerless Archivist
Featuring Peerless Double Oak Bourbon

Created by:
Bartender Karla Green, Watch Hill Proper

Marksbury Farm’s Pork Belly with Smoked Curry Coconut Cream, Pineapple Togarashi Jam and Cucumber Blossom

Featuring: Pork Belly from Marksbury Farm and Togarashi and Smoked Curry from Bourbon Barrel Foods

Created By:
Chef Michael Crouch, Watch Hill Proper

Distillery Partner:
Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co

2021 Culinary Pairing Winners

Bourbon Classic 2021

Best Classic Small Plate

Sweet Potato Crostini with Goat Cheese, Molasses & Balsamic Glazed Figs and Broadbent Country Ham

Featuring Kentucky Proud Broadbent Country Ham from Kuttawa, KY.

Created By:
Chef Lee Mayfield, Louisville Thoroughbred Society

Distillery Partner:
Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Bourbon Classic 2021

Best Classic Pairing

Creole Cocktail
Featuring Monk's Road Bourbon

Created By:
Jayma Neese, Bob’s Steak and Chophouse

Shrimp & Grits with Andouille Sausage and Creole Gravy

Featuring Kentucky Proud Grits from Weisenberger Mills in Midway, KY and Cheddar Cheese from Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese in Austin, KY.

Created By:
Chef Christopher McIntosh, Bob’s Steak and Chophouse

Distillery Partner:
Log Still Distillery

Bourbon Classic 2021

Best Contemporary Small Plate

Cocoa Foie Gros Mousse with Maple Cotton Candy & Black Locust Vinegar

Featuring Kentucky Proud Chicken Liver from Rivercrest Farm in Prospect, KY.

Created By:
Chef Jeff Dailey, Proof on Main

Distillery Partner:
1792

Bourbon Classic 2021

Best Contemporary Pairing

The Blind Pilot
Featuring Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Created By:
Jacob Buckingham, Repeal

Grilled Carrots with Tahini Yogurt

Featuring Kentucky Proud carrots from Mount Pleasant Acres in Owingsville, KY.

Created By:
Chef Joshua Carter, Repeal

Distillery Partner:
Buffalo Trace Distillery

2020 Culinary Challenge Winners

Bourbon Classic 2020

Best Classic Small Plate

Cavehill BLT Grits

Featuring Kentucky Proud Grits from Weisenberger Mills in Midway, KY and Tomatoes from Field Day Family Farm in Louisville, KY.

Created By: Bluegrass Supper Club
Chef Coby Ming
Chef Damaris Phillips

Distillery Partner:
Rabbit Hole Distillery

Bourbon Classic 2020

Best Classic Pairing

Mint Julep
Featuring Cavehill Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Created By:
Barret Cooper, Bluegrass Supper Club

Cavehill BLT Grits

Featuring Kentucky Proud Grits from Weisenberger Mills in Midway, KY and Tomatoes from Field Day Family Farm in Louisville, KY.

Created By: Bluegrass Supper Club
Chef Coby Ming
Chef Damaris Phillips

Distillery Partner:
Rabbit Hole Distillery

Bourbon Classic 2020

Best Contemporary Small Plate

Smoked Pork Cheek Sausage

Featuring Kentucky Proud Pork Cheek from Marksbury Farm in Lancaster, KY.

Created By:
Chef Zach Chancey, RYE

Distillery Partner:
Buffalo Trace Distillery

Bourbon Classic 2020

Best Contemporary Pairing

Water Buffalo
Featuring Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Created By:
Kelsey Hofmann, RYE

Smoked Pork Cheek Sausage

Featuring Kentucky Proud Pork Cheek from Marksbury Farm in Lancaster, KY.

Created By:
Chef Zach Chancey, RYE

Distillery Partner:
Buffalo Trace Distillery

2019 Culinary Challenge Winners

2019ClassicSmallPlate

Best Classic Small Plate

Woodford Blintz

Featuring Kentucky Proud Microgreens from Salad Days Farm in Versailles, KY, Kentucky Rose Cheese and Frommage Blanc Cheese from Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese in Austin, KY

Created By: Ouita Michel Family of Restaurants
Chef Ouita Michel
Chef Charles Taylor
Chef Nat Henton

Distillery Partner:
Woodford Reserve

2019ClassicPairingMichters

Best Classic Pairing

Rickhouse Sour 
Featuring Michter's Small Batch Bourbon

Created By:
Jayma Neese and Sarah Thomas, Bob’s Steak and Chop House

Bourbon Corn Mash Pancakes

Featuring Kentucky Proud Smoked Salmon from Shukman’s Fish Co. and Smokery in Louisville, KY

Created By:
Chef Paul Sant, Bob’s Steak and Chop House

Distillery Partner:
Michter’s Distillery

2019ContemporaryCocktailandSmallPlate_Square

Best Contemporary Small Plate

Winter Tok-Sel: Lima Bean Puree with Roasted Winter Root Vegetables and Pumpkin Seed Oil

Featuring Kentucky Proud Elephant Ear from Field Day Family Farm in Louisville, Kentucky

Created By:
Chef Bruce Ucán, Mayan Cafe

Distillery Partner:
Heaven Hill Distillery

2019ContemporaryPairingWinners_Square

Best Contemporary Pairing

The Beetnik
Featuring Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon

Created By:
Karla Plott, ON3 at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience

Winter Tok-Sel: Lima Bean Puree with Roasted Winter Root Vegetables and Pumpkin Seed Oil

Featuring Kentucky Proud Elephant Ear from Field Day Family Farm in Louisville, Kentucky

Created By:
Chef Bruce Ucán, Mayan Cafe

Distillery Partner:
Heaven Hill Distillery

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