Snack Suggestions for a Bourbon Tasting?

[GeeTen]

Hi all,

 

I'll be hosting a bourbon tasting for about 30 people in a couple of weeks.  We'll be trying 9 or 10 bourbons (from Jim Beam or similar to Blanton's) and the gang will include newbies and geeks.  Since joining SB.com, I've noted that many of the veterans and enthusiasts have attended events hosted by the industry and distillers.  Any snacks (in addition to cheese, fruit, and crackers, etc.) stick out as memorable addition to a tasting?  Does pepperoni/salami help as much a BBQ steak tips do to enhance the moment of imbibing the amber liquid?   

 

Any suggestions or warnings on what food pairings work well with bourbon and which things should I avoid (cocktail hot dogs????).   

 

TIA for your replies.    

[Richnimrod]

1 hour ago, GeeTen said:

Hi all,

 

I'll be hosting a bourbon tasting for about 30 people in a couple of weeks.  We'll be trying 9 or 10 bourbons (from Jim Beam or similar to Blanton's) and the gang will include newbies and geeks.  Since joining SB.com, I've noted that many of the veterans and enthusiasts have attended events hosted by the industry and distillers.  Any snacks (in addition to cheese, fruit, and crackers, etc.) stick out as memorable addition to a tasting?  Does pepperoni/salami help as much a BBQ steak tips do to enhance the moment of imbibing the amber liquid?   

 

Any suggestions or warnings on what food pairings work well with bourbon and which things should I avoid (cocktail hot dogs????).   

 

TIA for your replies.    

I'd avoid pepperoni.    In fact anything 'spicy' diminishes my palate's effectiveness when it comes to the nuances of a Bourbon.   Mixed nuts or peanuts usually is a nice snack and it goes well with most Bourbons.    Be careful, of course, in case anybody has a nut allergy.     Chocolates can be a nice compliment, as well.... either dark or milk; but, I prefer dark.

[Flyfish]

You might consider dividing the occasion into the tasting and a social hour to follow. When we do tastings, the edibles are usually limited to crackers and water to cleanse the palate. For the cocktail hour, serve whatever you like. We enjoy a variety of cheeses, some hard salami, marinated mushrooms, mixed olives....Of course, there is no rule that says you have to stop tasting the bourbon after the "tasting." 

[garbanzobean]

I'd second what @Flyfish said.  And not trying to be judgy--trust me, I occasionally "taste" quite a lot in one sitting, but 9-10 bourbons is sizeable for one tasting, depending on the quantity of the pours.  I'd suggest making sure there are spit cups for those who aren't getting turnt up.  

[GeeTen]

Water and spit buckets will be on every table!  

[meadeweber]

First of all, I'm insulted that I wasn't invited.  Harry and I could have carpooled. 

 

I agree that peanuts, cashews, and the like are snacks that go well with whiskey.  A plain type of cracker is also good as a palate cleanser.

 

I would also agree that it would be best to avoid anything spicy.  It always seems to mess up my palate for whiskey.

I also think Flyfish has a good idea about dividing it up.

I wish you the best of luck and I hope you have a lot of fun with it.

[miller542]

Corn chips aka tostitos, I prefer organic yellow corn tostitos.

 

Its not going to impress your friends, but bourbon is made from corn afterall

Edited September 12, 2016 by miller542

[Vosgar]

4 hours ago, miller542 said:

Corn chips aka tostitos

 

I agree. Four Roses has those out for their barrel selection tastings, and along with water they do a good job of getting you ready for the next pour. If it was good enough for Jim Rutledge.........

Edited September 13, 2016 by Vosgar

[GeeTen]

On 9/12/2016 at 8:02 AM, meadeweber said:

First of all, I'm insulted that I wasn't invited.  Harry and I could have carpooled. 

 

 

 

Don't worry - this is going to bed a fairly basic tasting.  I'm saving the 2016 Yamazaki Sherry Cask whisky for my next trip down to the DC area.  And I'll see if I can resist opening my '14 William Larue Weller 'til then, too.   

[GeeTen]

15 hours ago, miller542 said:

Corn chips aka tostitos, I prefer organic yellow corn tostitos.

 

 

Yellow corn tostitos is now on the menu.  Thanks, all.   

[Richnimrod]

3 hours ago, GeeTen said:

 

Don't worry - this is going to bed a fairly basic tasting.  I'm saving the 2016 Yamazaki Sherry Cask whisky for my next trip down to the DC area.  And I'll see if I can resist opening my '14 William Larue Weller 'til then, too.   

I'd open the WLW now or soon, and pour out a few nice portions.    Or decant into sample bottles that seal tightly for future experimentation, if you really can't bear to drink it right now.    My experience with WLW, and more than a few other Bourbons (especially wheaters), especially higher proof ones, is that they improve more than a little, with some air in the bottle for a couple weex.    Just one man's experience, of course.    But, what do you have to lose?

[Josh]

smoked almonds and chocolates are two of my go-to tasting snacks!

[skiwez2]

Just had this the other day, but ice cream seems to hit the spot for me.  I think it may have to do with the vanilla flavors playing off each other.  

[dcbt]

51 minutes ago, Richnimrod said:

 My experience with WLW, and more than a few other Bourbons (especially wheaters), especially higher proof ones, is that they improve more than a little, with some air in the bottle for a couple weex.   

I agree with this wholeheartedly.  I remember the first time I opened a WLW and tried it right there on the spot; I was disappointed and didn't really understand what all the fuss was about.  A month or two later and it was like night and day. 

[GeeTen]

5 hours ago, Richnimrod said:

I'd open the WLW now or soon, and pour out a few nice portions.    Or decant into sample bottles that seal tightly for future experimentation, if you really can't bear to drink it right now.    My experience with WLW, and more than a few other Bourbons (especially wheaters), especially higher proof ones, is that they improve more than a little, with some air in the bottle for a couple weex.    Just one man's experience, of course.    But, what do you have to lose?

Thanks for the reminder about opening high test bourbon bottles before significant tasting.  Poured 100ml of the WLW out into a smaller (but clean) whiskey bottle.  Will anybody report me for licking the tip of the funnel????????????   

[fishnbowljoe]

1 hour ago, GeeTen said:

 Will anybody report me for licking the tip of the funnel????????????   

 

Hell, I'd report you if you didn't. 

 

As for the topic at hand, I prefer the cheddar flavored Chex Snack Mix. 

[luv2hunt]

I'm wondering if these guys have really hosted a party with food [emoji849]

Make cocktail weenies wrapped in bacon, cooked with brown sugar over the top. Big hit.

Chicken sliders, also big hit. Hawaiian buns, chicken thighs (boneless/skinless) marinated in an island teriyaki sauce, grilled. Yum!

Pulled pork sliders also good idea

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Harry in WashDC]

On 9/12/2016 at 8:02 AM, meadeweber said:

First of all, I'm insulted that I wasn't invited.  Harry and I could have carpooled. 

*  *  *  *  *

(Just saw this -- and, here's my belated response) - We could have carpooled.  We'd fight about who had to drive on the way home, though, and how many side trips we'd make.

[GeeTen]

10 hours ago, luv2hunt said:

I'm wondering if these guys have really hosted a party with food

Make cocktail weenies wrapped in bacon, cooked with brown sugar over the top. Big hit.

Chicken sliders, also big hit. Hawaiian buns, chicken thighs (boneless/skinless) marinated in an island teriyaki sauce, grilled. Yum!

Pulled pork sliders also good idea

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Wow, a real menu!  Thanks, Dawn - now to see if SWMBO allows me to spend the extra "cheese" (who said that?) for the good stuff.  Otherwise it's cheddar Chex Mix and Tostitos.  Maybe some real cheese, too.  

[Postal Grunt]

You might motor west down RT2 and then head over to Smith's Country Cheese in Winchendon. It's actually closer to Baldwinville and Otter River than the center of Winchendon so be sure to use your GPS. They have an excellent variety of cheddars available with a far greater character than almost all of the commercial cheddars. Stay away from the rat cheese cheddar other than a private stock kind of purchase. I haven't had anything as sharp as that in many years.

If you have to buy at a local Hannaford's or something like that, go with some New York cheddar. Don't get me wrong, I love Vermont cheddar and always bring back five pounds of the stuff after visiting New England. However, the NY cheddar is usually creamier in texture and less salty.

 

https://smithscountrycheese.com/

[b1gcountry]

I've been surprised at how good the aged cheddar at aldi is. They also have gruyere from time to time, and a decent gouda or two. Decent prices too.