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Among other things, one of the debates among citizens of the United States is that of food. More precisely, it’s the debate between Southern food and Northern food.
For those who have their allegiance up north, it might be a little difficult to acknowledge the supremacy of southern food. However, they would not disagree on one thing – bourbon and BBQ.
Originating from the southern states of the US, bourbon and BBQ are a combination to die for. It’s arguably the most classic pairing in the history of food and beverage pairings. But what’s it about bourbon and barbecue that makes it so special? That’s what we’ll find out today.
The History of Barbecue and Bourbon
The history of bourbon is not very clear. It’s apparent that European settlers brought distillation techniques to the United States back in the 18th century, if not earlier. However, there’s no certainty about where bourbon whiskey was first distilled.
Some people attribute its creation to Elijah Craig, a Baptist minister. Others claim that Jacob Spears from Bourbon County was the first person to distill bourbon whiskey. Unfortunately, we do not have access to many used bourbon barrels from that era.
What is clear is that the name Bourbon comes from the French Bourbon dynasty. No matter which version of the Bourbon story you believe, it’s very likely that there wasn’t a single creator of Bourbon. Instead, it’s more likely to be a collective effort that was largely concentrated in the southern states.
The history of barbecue is as old as the history of cooking. When the early humans discovered fire, it’s highly probable that the steaks would have been among the earliest things they would have cooked. However, steaks or barbecue of those times was nothing like what it is today.
Europeans who arrived in the New World got barbecues from the Caribbean Taino tribe. It comes from the word barbacoa, which means an elevated platform for cooking. From there, barbecue was quick to spread across North America. However, the signature southern sauces made barbecues more than grilled meat. Even the founding fathers of the nation are known to have been fond of barbecues.
Why do bourbon and BBQ go together?
Every type of alcoholic drink goes well with some kind of food. Be it plain potato chips or a great steak, food and alcohol have a long history together, a love story as old as time.
As alcohol connoisseurs would already know, every distillation process gives distinct notes and flavors to the drink. Furthermore, the bourbon taste is enhanced in a bourbon cocktail or bourbon specials. Summer is the time to enjoy great bourbon drinks, and that makes it imperative to pair the right food with the right drink. If the combination doesn’t go well, it will ruin the experience of both the food and the drink.
The best thing about barbecue is that you can flavor it however you want. You can make a rich and sweet Memphis-style barbecue or a Kentucky-style Worcestershire-influenced sauce. The choices when it comes to sauces are vast, and the same goes for meat. While beef and pork are the go-to options for most people, some prefer turkey, poultry, lamb, or goats.
How to choose the perfect bourbon whiskey?
Bourbon whiskey
For the convenience of their shoppers, more stores now divide their racks into sections for corn, white corn, and rye whiskey. When compared to conventional corn bourbons, white corn whiskeys are gentler. Keep in mind that a beverage cannot be called bourbon unless it contains at least 51 percent corn. Then there are the rye whiskeys, which must contain 51% rye. These are stronger than bourbon, given the strong rye content, and have a more aggressive taste.
If you are looking for cocktails to make with bourbon, you’ll find several options out there. However, choosing high-quality bourbon is essential for a good cocktail. You can mix bourbon with a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to get some amazing drinks to make with bourbon.
There are several high-quality bourbon whiskeys, and what you choose also boils down to your personal preference. Every barrel of bourbon must be aged for four years at the very least. The longer the distillation process, the sharper the flavor notes.
How to cook and choose a barbecue that goes well with bourbon?
How you choose to make a barbecue depends on your personal taste. By definition, barbecue is slower than grilling, and the cooking is done at a lower temperature. When it comes to sauces, you have three major options. It can be vinegar-based, mustard-based, or tomato and brown sugar-based.
No matter which sauce you choose, make it a point not to serve it beforehand. Let the person eating decide how much sauce they want and how they want it. Some want their meat slathered with sauce, while others may barely have the sauce.
Whichever combination you choose, the pairing of bourbon and BBQ is an all-time classic. It’s a safe recipe idea for all types of social gatherings, and more importantly, anyone can make it.
How to make your summer extraordinary with bourbon and BBQ?
Summers are meant for all the good things you can have. It’s the season to spend time with friends and family and has a great time. While you are at it, having some bourbon with barbecue is the perfect addition.
If you are hosting a house party this summer, the menu is not something you need to worry about. More importantly, you wouldn’t have to break a sweat to produce a delicious platter for everyone. The tried-and-tested formula of bourbon and BBQ will wow everyone no matter what the occasion is.
Barbecue can be had with many different things, but bourbon makes it complete. However, that does not mean you have to serve it with only bourbon. Be it a delicious and healthy salad or a spicy bowl of salsa; you can serve barbecue with many different sides as it is a very versatile meal.
If you are cooking for someone who doesn’t consume alcohol, the next best option is non-alcoholic whiskey. With so many great non-alcoholic options in the market, you can find something that replicates the authentic flavor and notes of bourbon whiskey. It’s not as good as the real deal, but it’s better than nothing.
Used wine barrels and used whiskey barrels also come in handy if you are trying to add decor to the party space. Visuals are an important part of making summers awesome, so don’t glance over them; call the Rocky Mountain Barrel Company.
Conclusion
We hope you have a great summer with bourbon and BBQ. Both are typical southern American dishes that are deeply ingrained in the region’s heritage and traditions. As long as you are creative, you can create wonders with these two items alone. Make this summer extraordinary with bourbon and BBQ!
