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Pairing smoked BBQ meats with bourbon might sound fancy, but it’s easier than you think and way more fun. Both bourbon and BBQ are rich in flavour, rooted in tradition, and made for enjoyment.
If you’re dining at your favourite smokehouse, the right bourbon can take your BBQ experience to the next level. From beef brisket to St. Louis cut pork ribs, every meat has a perfect whiskey match waiting to be poured.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand the basics of bourbon, the key flavour notes in different BBQ meats, and how to bring bourbon and BBQ together like a true pro. You don’t need to be a food critic or whiskey expert; just someone who loves good food and great drinks.
Let’s dive in and pair the best bourbon for your next BBQ feast.
Bourbon is a type of whiskey that originates from the United States (specifically Kentucky). Unlike Scotch or Irish whiskey, it’s known for its smooth, slightly sweet flavour.
In the UK, it falls under the general category of whiskey, but it’s worth knowing that not all whiskeys are bourbon. What makes bourbon unique is its recipe and ageing process. It has to be made from at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, and distilled to specific guidelines.
This gives it a rich, caramel-like depth that pairs beautifully with smoked meats. Plus, bourbon legally can’t contain any added flavourings or colour, so what you taste comes purely from the grain and the barrel.
Bourbon and BBQ both have bold, rich flavours, which is why they pair so well together. Bourbon often has notes of vanilla, caramel, oak, and spice, depending on how long it’s aged and the grains used.
BBQ meats, on the other hand, can range from smoky and savoury to sweet and tangy, depending on the cut and sauce. The key is to match the flavour strength.
For example, hearty meats, like brisket, go well with full-bodied bourbons, while sweeter BBQ, like glazed ribs, pair nicely with whiskeys that have softer, caramel notes.
Once you understand these flavour profiles, it’ll help you create a balanced, tasty BBQ and whiskey pairing when you’re ordering at a smokehouse like Red Dog Saloon.
Brisket and ribs are well-known BBQ classics, and they deserve a bourbon that can stand up to their deep flavours.
For brisket, which is rich, smoky, and often peppery, you could go for a full-bodied bourbon with deep oak, spice, and smoky vanilla notes, something that complements the meat without overpowering it. With ribs, especially if they’re glazed or sweet, a slightly sweeter bourbon works best.
Try to look for whiskeys with hints of caramel, honey, or even a touch of cinnamon to match the BBQ sauce. These pairings will bring out the best in the meat and the bourbon, making each bite and sip better.
When you’re pairing bourbon with BBQ, it’s all about balance. Smoked meats often bring bold, savoury flavours, while BBQ sauces can be sweet, tangy, or spicy. Bourbon also adds another layer with its caramel, oak, and spice notes.
To get the perfect sip, you could try matching sweet with sweet, like a peach bourbon-glazed pork rib with a caramel-rich whiskey, for example. Alternatively, you could contrast smoky brisket with a spicy bourbon for a flavour clash that works.
The goal is to let the flavours complement or play off each other without clashing.
Pairing meat and whiskey can be fun, but some mistakes can throw off the balance. Firstly, try to avoid overpowering the meat with a bourbon that’s too strong, especially with lighter cuts like chicken or pulled pork.
On the flip side, don’t pair bold meats like brisket with a bourbon that’s too light or sweet, or its flavour might get lost. Additionally, steer clear of heavily flavoured sauces that clash with the bourbon’s notes.
The goal is harmony, which means each sip and bite should enhance the other, not compete.
Now that you know how to pair bourbon and BBQ, why not browse our menu for the best smoked meats and drinks?
At Red Dog Saloon, our menu includes hickory-smoked meats, ground-in house loaded burgers and cocktails. Our award-winning smokers have been imported from the USA and are built to recreate the cooking process of those original fire pits.
With locations across the UK, each saloon is slightly different, but they all offer a laid-back vibe perfect for casual dining or private parties.
Book your table today!