Bourbon Pairing... Need help!

[Cundiff5535]

Ok guys, I know there are other areas for something like this but, I thought it fit better over in this section since I am not really talking about a taste test etc...

 

I have a friend who is having a birthday party soon, he is not a huge bourbon guy, but does enjoy it... Meaning he's not going out hunting down bottles or even buying more than a few at a time.  He does enjoy them, but I wouldn't say its a hobby or a passion for him.  His wife is putting on the party and wants to do a tasting and pairing with different food...

 

Looks like I am the one advising on what bottles to buy as well as what may go well together with food...

 

Looking for advise and thoughts on what actually to get here!!  

 

I am on stand by for budget and actual bottle count (I know thats important)...  Does anyone have suggestions on some bottles to get that also pair well with certain "snacks"?

 

Last bit of info, he's been over a few times now and has gravitated to my RHF bottle the first time and my Michter's 10 bottle the second.  Both will be difficult to find but, I am sure I can hunt something down (or just bring one of my own, have multiples of each).  

 

All thoughts and help are very very much appreciated!

 

Thanks in advance,

[Paddy]

Since it's a party, I'd recommend handles.  ER10 comes to mind as the easiest to find.  As to what goes well with what, I don't think that it matters too much, as all bourbon shares many more similarities than differences.

[Clueby]

40 minutes ago, Paddy said:

ER10 comes to mind as the easiest to find.

I have NEVER seen an ER10 handle in the wild..only on the interwebs.

[Cundiff5535]

47 minutes ago, Clueby said:

I have NEVER seen an ER10 handle in the wild..only on the interwebs.

 

Not that I want to bring one, but I have two... One standard... One store pick.

 

I am kinda thinking bottles like OF 1920, EHT Small Batch, EC12, Blantons, Pikesville, 4R Barrel Strength (Store Pick), Maybe an ER10, Maybe a Angels Envy, and a OWA...  Pretty solid spread across the board, Wheaters, High Ryes, Ryes, Barrel Proofs, and a Port Finish.  

 

A lot of very good not to hard to find stuff listed there... Can pair them up with Cheeses, BBQ/Smoked Meats and Fish... add some dark Chocolates and Caramels...  

[Richnimrod]

I'd suggest Buffalo Trace as one that goes well with almost anything; from chocolate to any salty snack (chips, nuts, pretzels, etc.), and Buffalo Trace isn't going to brake the bank. 

If you want to have another one that's different than BT, any good wheater is a nice alternative.     I'd suggest Larceny, or Weller Special reserve, or possibly Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond, if it's available in your area. 

The wheaters kinda get overpowered by strongly salty things in my opinion; but seem to go well with corn chips and cheese dip, or even salsa; but not really-hot salsa, for my taste buddies.   You could go a little further upscale with Maker's Mark for the wheater, if you want to spend a few dollars more.   Good luck, have FUN!!!

[CardsandBourbon]

I would probably pair the ER10 and similar ones with your spicier foods (meats, strong cheeses, etc.)  They are going to overpower lighter foods.  The Larceny, FR and others will pair better with milder foods (think heavy red wines with steak, whites with seafood).  One fun thing to do would be to get 3 or 4 really different good chocolates (dark, bittersweet, milk, etc.) and then try them with different types of bourbon.  Another neat trick is to try a sip of something, then have everyone eat a high oil nut, like a Macadamia, and then try the bourbon again.  The oil in the nut coats your tongue and taste buds and will change the way the bourbon tastes.