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Explore the world of Kentucky bourbon and food pairings with these 11 must-try combinations. Each pairing highlights Kentucky’s unique flavors and traditions, providing a delicious journey through the state’s culinary and bourbon heritage. From the iconic Hot Brown to savory Kentucky burgoo, discover how bourbon elevates every bite.
1. The original Hot Brown + a Bourbon (or Old Fashioned) at the Brown Hotel — Louisville
The Brown Hotel in Louisville, where the Hot Brown was invented in 1926, serves this iconic dish, made with a rich blend of Mornay sauce, turkey, bacon and tomatoes. Pair it with a dollop of bourbon or the city’s official cocktail, the Old Fashioned, to balance the creamy and savory flavors. The caramel notes of the bourbon complement the depth of the sandwich, while the Old Fashioned adds a touch of citrus and bitterness. This pairing remains a staple taste of Kentucky tradition, harmonizing robust flavors with the elegance of bourbon.
2. Country ham boards + pure Bourbon
Kentucky country ham, aged and cured to perfection, finds its perfect match in the sweetness of bourbon. As you explore the Country Ham Trail, savor umami-rich ham at renowned spots like Newsom’s in Princeton. The pairing reveals the vanilla and caramel nuances of bourbon when sipped neat or with a touch of water. This combination elevates the traditional ham experience, creating a symphony of flavors that food writers and enthusiasts have celebrated for years.
3. Beer and Cheese Trail + Bourbon and Rye Cocktails — Winchester
In Winchester, the birthplace of beer cheese, embark on the Beer Cheese Trail, sampling chilli-infused spreads and beer and cheese burgers. The richness of these treats pairs perfectly with a peppery rye bourbon cocktail, cutting through the creamy textures. This pairing is a testament to the inventive spirit of Kentucky, where cheese and bourbon come together to create a delicious taste experience. Learn about the history of beer cheese, as multiple sources trace its origins to Kentucky taverns, showcasing the culinary creativity of this region.
4. Bourbon & Chocolate Flight — Art Eatables and Evan Williams, Louisville
Louisville’s Art Eatables offers a decadent bourbon and chocolate pairing experience, curated by a certified bourbon chocolatier. Taste small-batch truffles designed to complement Evan Williams’ Whiskey Row-specific pours. This Choc-ology experience combines taste education and indulgence. The pairing of chocolate and bourbon is a tradition dating back to the 1930s, rooted in Kentucky’s sweet history with the famous bourbon balls of Frankfort’s Rebecca Ruth Candy. This pairing is both a sensory delight and a nod to Kentucky’s confectionery heritage.
5. Bottle & Bond Kitchen & Bar + Bardstown Bourbon Company Flight — Bardstown
Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Bottle & Bond Kitchen & Bar creates bourbon-centric dishes, offering a modern take on comfort food. Pair your meal with a curated bourbon flight, allowing the complexity of the spirits to enhance and contrast the flavors on your plate. This place is not just a restaurant but a celebration of Bardstown’s deep bourbon roots, offering a full-service dining experience where the culinary and bourbon worlds intersect seamlessly. Enjoy the artistry of pairings while exploring new tastes and flavors.
6. Star Hill Provisions + Maker’s Mark Cocktails — Loretto
Nestled on the picturesque Maker’s Mark campus, Star Hill Provisions offers farm-to-table delights paired with innovative Maker’s Mark cocktails. Seasonal dishes reflect local generosity and the distillery’s commitment to quality. Each plate is designed with pairings in mind, making it a delicious stop on your distillery tour. This experience captures the essence of Kentucky’s culinary landscape, where fresh ingredients and craft cocktails celebrate the art of good living.
7. The kitchen table at Jim Beam + bourbon-infused fare — Clermont
On the sprawling Jim Beam tourism campus, The Kitchen Table offers a menu infused with bourbon inspirations. Dishes highlight the interplay of smoke, oak and vanilla, typical of Southern cuisine, while showing how elements of bourbon enhance traditional flavors. This dining experience encapsulates Kentucky’s love of hearty meals and fine spirits, inviting guests to savor the rich history and traditions of Jim Beam bourbon. The setting is both casual and refined, perfect for exploring the nuances of dishes enhanced with bourbon.
8. Owensboro Mutton Barbecue + Bold Oak Bourbon — Owensboro
Owensboro is known for its hickory-smoked mutton, a tradition maintained by local institutions like the Moonlite Bar-BQ Inn. Pairing the deep smoke and tangy vinegar “dipping” with a robust, oaky bourbon highlights the rich flavors. This pairing pays homage to Owensboro’s barbecue heritage, where the strong character of the meat and bourbon creates a memorable dining experience. Discover the bold tastes that define this Kentucky staple and its perfect pairing with bourbon.
9. Raw Bar & Smokehouse meets Whiskey Row – Doc Crow’s, Louisville
At Doc Crow’s in Louisville, discover a unique pairing of oysters and bourbon, plus Southern smoked meats and seafood. This unexpected combination works wonderfully, with briny oysters complementing a classic old-fashioned or neat bourbon. Doc Crow’s offers an encyclopedic selection of bourbon, celebrating the spirit of Kentucky’s Whiskey Row. This venue is perfect for adventurous eaters looking for new taste sensations, where the traditions of bourbon and Southern food meet in delicious harmony.
10. Derby-Pie® by Kern’s Kitchen + Dessert Bourbon — Louisville
Derby-Pie®, a Kern’s Kitchen brand chocolate walnut pie, is a Louisville classic. Pair it with a bourbon dessert with notes of cocoa or toasted nuts, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of the pie. This sweet tradition dates back to the 1950s at the Melrose Inn, adding a touch of history to your tasting experience. Savor a slice of Kentucky heritage with every bite, as the decadent nature of the pie meets the mellow finish of the bourbon, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
11. Kentucky Burgoo + Easy-Sipping Bourbon – racetracks and truck stops
Kentucky burgoo, a hearty stew made with meats and vegetables, is a staple at racetracks and regional restaurants. Its flavorful, peppery broth pairs best with approachable, medium-proof bourbons, enhancing the stew’s complex flavors. This traditional dish offers a taste of Kentucky’s community culinary heritage, where gatherings are celebrated with rich, satisfying flavors. Whether at a bustling racetrack or a cozy truck stop, savor this iconic duo who embodies the spirit of Kentucky hospitality.