Some of the best pairings are often the simplest. Tacos and margaritas, burgers and fries, pizza and beer… and whiskey and BBQ, of course!
What makes whiskey and BBQ a winning combination? The two share sweet and smoky elements that complement and enhance the flavor of one another. Barbecue is bold and packed with big flavors, and few drinks have what it takes to stand up to them. Whiskey has the rich, complex profile to match, however. It’s why many pitmasters and BBQ sauce makers use Bourbon or whiskey to enhance their tasty creations.
Explore six top-ranked whiskeys from Vintegrity with their ultimate BBQ pairing below.
High N’ Wicked Straight Bourbon Whiskey
An approachable five-year Bourbon with a high-rye mash bill that leans toward the sweet side.
Nose
Strong notes of leather, pipe tobacco, and rich oak are followed by layers of baked fruit, orange peel, cinnamon, and pepper.
Palate
Rich flavors of caramelized berries and orange with a creamy mouthfeel.
BBQ Pairing
Smoked Brisket – The rich oak and leather notes of the bourbon build on the brisket’s deep smoke and spice flavors. Add a sweet BBQ sauce to bring out the bourbon’s fruitier notes.
Augusta Distillery Small Batch Bourbon
An award-winning bourbon bottled at cask strength and unfiltered for added depth and character.
Nose
Inviting aromas of vanilla bean, candied cherry, brown sugar, oak, clove, and nutmeg.
Palate
Velvety smooth with gentle spice, toasted oak, caramel, and sweet corn notes, followed by a warm finish.
BBQ Pairing
Kansas City-style Pork Ribs – The classic caramelized glaze of Kansas City pork ribs matches the vanilla and cherry notes of this bourbon, while the smoky char rounds out the sweetness.
Jeptha Creed Four Grain Bourbon
This bourbon features a mash bill of heirloom grains – Bloody Butcher corn, malted rye, malted wheat, and malted barley – and is aged for four years.
Nose
Sweet cream candy and delicate floral notes mingle with layers of peach, apricot, red berry, and blackberry.
Palate
The flavor profile is rich and complex, with toasted pecan, nutmeg, vanilla, and clove notes followed by a unique vanilla mint finish.
BBQ Pairing
Glazed Pulled Pork – The slow-cooked pork flavor pairs naturally with the sweet, grain-forward profile and textured mouthfeel of this bourbon.
St. George American Single Malt Whiskey
St. George’s distiller hand-selected 28 casks from a collection of 2,000, each made from American or French oak and previously used to age whiskey, rum, brandy, or port, to create the blend for this American whiskey.
Nose
A sweet mix of crème brûlée, marzipan, peach, and orange zest with a hint of sandalwood.
Palate
Sweet peanut brittle and rich cocoa notes are followed by those of malty brown ale and aromatic nutmeg.
BBQ Pairing
Smoked Duck – Peach and peanut brittle notes work together to complement the fattiness of the duck, while the sandalwood emphasizes those wood-fire elements.
KOVAL Rye Whiskey
Awarded 92 points by Whiskey Wash, this 100% organic rye from KOVAL is crafted from meticulously sourced grain from a Midwestern farm collective.
Nose
A distinct combination of baking spice, charred sugar, nutmeg, and honey notes with strong undertones of toasted barrel and red pepper.
Palate
Inviting flavors of chocolate, almond, maple syrup, and gingerbread with a hint of mint and ginger.
BBQ Pairing
Burnt Ends – The sweetness of this rye is the perfect pairing for the sweet, caramelized exterior of traditional burnt ends.
Restless Spirits Sons of Erin 15 Year Irish Whiskey
Aged for 15 years in ex-Bourbon barrels before finishing in apple brandy barrels.
Nose
Delicate notes of green apple.
Palate
Rich and honeyed with a long green apple finish.
BBQ Pairing
Pork Belly – Apple and honey notes are the classic pairing for the richness of pork belly. Really emphasize this natural combination with the addition of an apple-infused sauce or marinade.
