Looking to step up your charcuterie game this time of year? We are diving into the perfect bourbon and whiskey selections to pair with your snack board favorites.
Picture this: a spread of savory delights, from artisanal cheeses to cured meats, laid out for your enjoyment. Now, imagine elevating this culinary experience by introducing the rich and complex notes of bourbons and whiskeys.
The first step in building the perfect snack board is to solidify your cheeses. However, while pairing with a spirit you must choose wisely. Lucky for you– we curated the most delicious selections for you!
When selecting a cheese to accompany your bourbon or whiskey, look for varieties that bring out creamy and nutty undertones to complement the spirit. Gouda stands out as the ideal choice, offering a perfect blend of both —just like our heirloom blue corn mash bill.
Pair it with the Bluegrass Distillers Blue Corn Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon for an impeccable combination that enhances the flavors of both the artisan gouda and the spirit.
It is always important to provide an “old-reliable,” classic to your snack board, especially when appeasing to a crowd– and aged cheddar is just as “classic” as it gets!
Our Bluegrass Distillers Mash Bill #1 Bourbon, featuring a blend of 75% yellow corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley, brings a spicy kick that harmonizes seamlessly with the velvety richness of aged cheddar. Pairing our classic bourbon with this classic cheese is a match made in flavor heaven—it just makes sense!
You cannot have a charcuterie board without the inclusion of top-notch cured meats. The challenge lies when trying to compliment these savory bites with a bourbon or whiskey.
Our first selection of protein is one most agreeable to your guests, a standard salami. This cured meat boasts smoky and peppery notes, making it a crowd-pleaser.
The ideal companion for such a flavor-packed salami is our Bluegrass Distillers Toasted Oak Bourbon. This bourbon, secondarily aged in a lightly toasted barrel instead of a charred one, introduces nuanced oak notes that perfectly complement the salami’s profile. It’s a well-rounded and fan-favorite bourbon that adds a delightful twist to this classic pairing.
Secondly, the inclusion of a delicacy such as prosciutto could take your board to the next level. Despite its saltiness, prosciutto brings forth a delightful sweetness and smoothness. To complement the sweetness of this cured meat, we introduce a unique pairing—Midway Distilling Company’s Colonel Francisco. This rye whiskey, finished in rum barrels, not only delivers the expected rye spice but also unveils notes of sweet molasses and apple, all concluding with a light and savory finish. The perfect pairing to add a bit of sophistication to your board.
Now what you add to your charcuterie board next is up to your own creative discretion. We compiled a few suggestions for you to help get you started!
The incorporation of dried fruit could elevate your board’s look, and provide texture and sweeter flavors too. Typically, the best suggested fruits include dried apricots, dates and cranberries.
If you are interested in pairing a bourbon or whiskey, our Midway Distilling Company Dudley & Gratz could be a perfect union! This rye whiskey is finished in sauternes casks. Sauternes is a French dessert wine which when adjoined with our rye whiskey creates a well encompassed blend of sweet and spice. The compilation of notes such as cedar, baking spices and honeysuckle balances and indulges into the sweetness of the fruits.
When in doubt, add chocolate! What better way to satisfy your guests than with the rich and silky texture of dark chocolate covered almonds.
Looking for a pairing? Our Midway Distilling Company Lee’s Branch is the obvious choice. With its hints of orange zest, oversteeped tea, and a touch of smoke, this bourbon not only goes hand in hand but also takes the whole chocolate-almond experience to a whole new level on your charcuterie board.
Now, it’s time to bring it all together and cue the applause! Follow this method to craft a sophisticated snacking experience that will undoubtedly earn you numerous pats on the back from your guests.