The Best Bourbon and BBQ Pairings: A Guide to Perfect Combinations

Introduction:

There’s nothing like the satisfying combination of smoky, spicy BBQ paired with a glass of fine bourbon. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a casual dinner with friends, the two make the ultimate pairing. But with so many bourbons and BBQ dishes to choose from, finding the perfect combination can be a challenge. Luckily, with a little guidance, you can discover  the best bourbon and BBQ pairings that enhance the flavors of your favorite BBQ meals.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best bourbon and BBQ pairings, dive into different types of BBQ dishes, and help you choose the perfect bourbon to complement each one. Special thanks to one of my followers, Guy Davis, for sharing his personal recommendations that have stood out as great pairings in his own BBQ experiences.

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BBQ and Bourbon Pairing Basics

Before we dive into specific pairings, let’s talk about the fundamentals. When pairing bourbon with BBQ, the key is to consider the flavor profile of both the bourbon and the dish. Bold, spicy BBQ calls for bourbons with higher proof and more intense flavors, while lighter BBQ might benefit from a smoother, subtler bourbon.

A good rule of thumb is to match the intensity of the flavors. If you’re working with smoky meats like ribs or brisket, opt for a more robust bourbon. For milder dishes like grilled chicken or pulled pork, a smoother bourbon will work best to complement without overpowering the meal.

Pork Ribs and Bourbon Pairings

Pork ribs, especially when paired with a spicy, cayenne-pepper-heavy sauce, can be a little fiery, so you’ll want a bourbon that can stand up to the heat and richness. For a hearty, flavorful pairing, a high-proof bourbon works wonders.

• Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style (115 proof): This bourbon has a full-bodied flavor of dark chocolate, caramel, and oak that complements the spicy ribs and rich sides.
• Knob Creek 9-Year 120 proof: A bold, nutty bourbon with caramelized flavors, this one is perfect for cutting through the spiciness of cayenne pepper and smoky BBQ flavors.
• Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (ECBP): If you want a bourbon that’s unapologetically strong, ECBP delivers with its sweet vanilla and oak flavors that balance the smokiness of the meat.

For those who prefer a touch of oakiness, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked (90 proof) can bring out a slightly richer flavor, adding depth to the meal.

Pulled Pork and Bourbon Pairings

Pulled pork can be served with a variety of sauces, but the two most common are vinegar-based and sweeter BBQ sauces. For vinegar-based sauces, you’ll want a bourbon with enough backbone to stand up to the tanginess, while a sweeter bourbon pairs nicely with BBQ sauces that have a touch of brown sugar or molasses.

• Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond (BIB) 100 proof: A balanced bourbon that won’t overpower the pork. Its caramel and vanilla flavors complement the meat without competing with the tangy sauce.
• Old Forester 100 proof: With rich oak flavors and a slightly spicy finish, this bourbon matches the savory richness of pulled pork, especially when served with a vinegar-based sauce.
• Makers Mark 46: A slightly sweeter bourbon that pairs perfectly with pulled pork sandwiches, especially when served with a sweet BBQ sauce.

If you prefer a bit of spice and balance, Knob Creek 9-Year 100 proof also does the job beautifully, offering a touch of sweetness and spice.

Beef Brisket and Bourbon Pairings

Beef brisket, especially when seasoned with a heavy Texas-style rub, is a BBQ classic that pairs well with a bourbon that complements its smoky bark and spicy rub. When selecting a bourbon, consider those with moderate proof to ensure the bourbon enhances the brisket rather than overpowering it.

• Buffalo Trace (90 proof): With its subtle vanilla and caramel notes, this bourbon is smooth enough to complement the peppery rub of the brisket without overshadowing the beef’s natural flavors.
• Woodford Reserve (90.4 proof): Known for its rich oak flavor and hint of sweetness, Woodford Reserve offers a great balance for the savory spices of brisket.
• Elijah Craig Small Batch (94 proof): The complex flavors of dried fruit, spice, and oak make this bourbon a perfect match for the smokiness of brisket, adding a depth of flavor to each bite.

For an even more nuanced pairing, Jim Beam Black Label or Double Oak are fantastic options with a slightly sweeter, nutty profile that complements the bark of the brisket.

Other BBQ Dishes and Bourbon Suggestions

BBQ doesn’t stop at pork, beef, and chicken. Vegetables, sausages, and even seafood often make an appearance at BBQ gatherings. Each of these dishes pairs best with bourbons that bring out the unique flavors of the food.

• Grilled Chicken: A lighter bourbon like Angel’s Envy or Buffalo Trace provides a smooth and subtle flavor profile that won’t overpower the chicken.
• Sausages: The spicy, fatty nature of sausages calls for a bourbon with a bit of spice and sweetness, such as Four Roses Small Batch or Old Grand Dad.
• Veggie BBQ: A sweeter bourbon, like Makers Mark or Weller Special Reserve, pairs well with the smoky, charred flavors of grilled vegetables, balancing the flavors without being too overpowering

Guy Davis’s Bourbon and BBQ Recommendations

I’d like to give a special shout-out to Guy Davis, a long-time follower of Bourbinsane, for his excellent bourbon and BBQ pairing suggestions. Guy has spent many years perfecting his BBQ technique and bourbon pairings, especially with his Texas-influenced brisket recipes.

Here are Guy’s top bourbon recommendations based on his experience:

• Pork Ribs with Spicy Sauce: For spicy ribs with cayenne pepper heat, Guy recommends bourbons with higher proof, such as Old Forester 1920 (115 proof), Knob Creek 9-Year 120 proof, and Backbone Bourbon Uncut (116+ proof). For those who want a more oak-forward taste, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked (90 proof) is a great option.
• Pulled Pork Sandwich: For a pulled pork sandwich with vinegar-based sauce or a milder BBQ sauce, Guy suggests bourbons like Evan Williams BIB 100 proof, Old Forester 100 proof, and Knob Creek 9-Year 100 proof. A sweeter bourbon, such as Makers Mark 46, is also a great choice.
• Texas-Style Beef Brisket: For brisket, Guy leans towards bourbons with moderate proof that enhance the spices of the rub without overpowering the beef. His favorites include Buffalo Trace (90 proof), Woodford Reserve (90.4 proof), and Elijah Craig Small Batch (94 proof). These bourbons bring a perfect balance to the smoky, peppery brisket.

Conclusion: Elevating Your BBQ Experience with Bourbon

BBQ and bourbon are a timeless duo, and with the right pairings, you can take your BBQ experience to the next level. Whether you’re grilling up pork ribs, pulled pork, or brisket, there’s a bourbon out there that will enhance the flavors and bring a touch of complexity to every bite and sip.

Thanks again to Guy Davis for sharing his expert recommendations and providing valuable insight into the world of BBQ and bourbon pairings. With these suggestions in hand, you’re ready to host the ultimate BBQ and bourbon pairing event—cheers!