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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Best Classic Pairing
Rickhouse SourÂ
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
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
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