Explore the world of Kentucky bourbon and food pairings with these 11 must-try combinations. Each pairing highlights the unique flavors and traditions of Kentucky, offering a delicious journey through the state’s culinary and bourbon heritage. From the iconic Hot Brown to the savory Kentucky burgoo, discover how bourbon enhances 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, featuring a rich blend of Mornay sauce, turkey, bacon, and tomatoes. Pair it with a neat pour of bourbon or the city’s official cocktail, the Old Fashioned, to balance the creamy and salty flavors. The caramel notes of the bourbon complement the sandwich’s depth, while the Old Fashioned adds a hint of citrus and bitters. This pairing remains an essential taste of Kentucky tradition, harmonizing robust flavors with the elegance of bourbon.
2. Country Ham Boards + Neat Bourbon
Kentucky’s country ham, aged and salt-cured to perfection, finds its perfect match in the sweetness of bourbon. As you explore the Country Ham Trail, savor the umami-rich ham at renowned spots like Newsom’s in Princeton. The pairing reveals bourbon’s vanilla and toffee undertones 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 Cheese Trail + High-Rye Bourbon Cocktails — Winchester
In Winchester, the birthplace of beer cheese, embark on the Beer Cheese Trail, indulging in pimento-infused spreads and beer-cheese burgers. The richness of these treats pairs perfectly with a peppery high-rye bourbon cocktail, cutting through the creamy textures. This pairing is a testament to Kentucky’s inventive spirit, where cheese and bourbon unite to create a delightful taste experience. Discover the history behind beer cheese, as multiple sources trace its origins to Kentucky taverns, highlighting this region’s culinary creativity.
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 bourbon-certified chocolatier. Enjoy small-batch truffles designed to complement specific pours from Evan Williams’ Whiskey Row. This Choc-ology experience combines taste education with indulgence. The marriage of chocolate and bourbon is a tradition dating back to the 1930s, rooted in Kentucky’s sweet history with the famed bourbon balls of Frankfort’s Rebecca Ruth Candies. 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 dishes with bourbon in mind, offering a modern take on comfort food. Pair your meal with a curated bourbon flight, allowing the spirits’ complexity to enhance and contrast the flavors on your plate. This spot is not just a restaurant but a celebration of Bardstown’s deep bourbon roots, providing a full-service dining experience where the culinary and bourbon worlds harmoniously intersect. Enjoy the artistry of pairing as you explore new tastes and flavors.
6. Star Hill Provisions + Maker’s Mark Cocktails — Loretto
Nestled in the scenic Maker’s Mark campus, Star Hill Provisions offers farm-to-table delights paired with innovative Maker’s Mark cocktails. The seasonal dishes reflect the local bounty and the distillery’s commitment to quality. Each plate is crafted with pairing in mind, making it a delightful stop on your distillery tour. This experience reflects the essence of Kentucky’s culinary landscape, where fresh ingredients and handcrafted cocktails celebrate the art of good living.
7. The Kitchen Table at Jim Beam + Bourbon-Infused Fare — Clermont
At Jim Beam’s expansive visitor campus, The Kitchen Table offers a menu infused with bourbon inspirations. The dishes highlight the interplay of smoke, oak, and vanilla, typical of Southern cuisine, while showcasing how bourbon elements enhance traditional flavors. This dining experience encapsulates Kentucky’s love for hearty meals and fine spirits, inviting guests to savor the rich history and traditions of Jim Beam bourbon. The setting is casual yet refined, perfect for exploring the nuances of bourbon-enhanced fare.
8. Owensboro’s Mutton Barbecue + Bold, Oak-Forward Bourbon — Owensboro
Owensboro is renowned for its hickory-smoked mutton, a tradition upheld by local institutions like Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn. Pairing the deep smoke and tangy vinegar “dip” with a robust, oak-forward bourbon emphasizes the rich flavors. This pairing pays homage to Owensboro’s barbecue heritage, where the strong character of both the meat and the bourbon creates a memorable dining experience. Discover the bold tastes that define this Kentucky staple and its perfect bourbon match.
9. Raw Bar & Smokehouse Meets Whiskey Row — Doc Crow’s, Louisville
At Doc Crow’s in Louisville, explore a unique pairing of oysters and bourbon, alongside smoked meats and Southern seafood. This unexpected combination works wonderfully, with briny oysters complementing a classic Old Fashioned or neat bourbon. Doc Crow’s offers an encyclopedic bourbon selection, celebrating the spirit of Kentucky’s Whiskey Row. This venue is perfect for adventurous eaters seeking new taste sensations, where the traditions of bourbon and Southern fare meet in delicious harmony.
10. Derby-Pie® by Kern’s Kitchen + Dessert Bourbon — Louisville
Derby-Pie®, a trademarked chocolate-and-nut pie from Kern’s Kitchen, is a Louisville classic. Pair it with a dessert bourbon that has cocoa or toasted nut notes, perfectly complementing the pie’s rich flavors. This sweet tradition traces back to the 1950s at the Melrose Inn, adding a touch of history to your tasting experience. Enjoy a slice of Kentucky heritage with each bite, as the pie’s decadent nature meets the bourbon’s mellow finish, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
11. Kentucky Burgoo + Easy-Sipping Bourbon — racetracks & roadhouses
Kentucky burgoo, a hearty stew with meats and vegetables, is a staple at racetracks and regional eateries. Its savory, peppery broth pairs best with approachable, mid-proof bourbons, enhancing the stew’s complex flavors. This traditional dish offers a taste of Kentucky’s communal dining heritage, where gatherings are celebrated with rich, satisfying flavors. Whether at a bustling racetrack or a cozy roadhouse, enjoy this iconic pairing that embodies the spirit of Kentucky hospitality.
