There is nothing quite like the taste of bourbon – deep, complex, and sweet with hints of vanilla, spice, caramel, oak, and fruit. It is also considered a strong drink, that’s why it’s often associated with men and it is consumed in small amounts. Sure, you can take a few sips while smoking a cigar but it’s better if you have something to fill your stomach. So, here are 5 best foods to eat alongside your Three Chord Bourbon (neat or on the rocks) and bourbon cocktails.

Grilled Steak

This is a bit predictable, but that’s because it is such a classic pairing with bourbon. For a nice dinner, grilled steak never fails to impress. The deep and smoky flavor of the beef goes well with the similar flavor profile of the drink. If you would grill lean meat, be sure to pair it with a medium-bodied bourbon. In contrast, if you would serve meat with high-fat content, go for bourbon with higher ABV because it helps cut the fattiness and at the same time, lets you savor all the flavor. If you’re planning for a cocktail, this dish would go well with a classic Old Fashioned.

Cheese Board

Cheese is naturally good at contrasting bourbon’s flavor but what type of cheese are we talking about here? Well, the point of cheese boards is that you get to serve how many types you want. Typically, aged cheese such as Gruyere, Gouda, and Camembert have intense and sharp flavors that would work well with lower proof bourbon or those that have sweeter notes. Brie, Cheddar, and Parmesan-Reggiano are also great choices. Throw in some crackers, jam, nuts, and cured meat to your board, then you got yourself a feast. And you certainly don’t want to get your guests thirsty so how about serving Mint Juleps made with Three Chord Bourbon to keep them refreshed?

Nashville-Style Fried Chicken

Setting the formality aside, you have to get or make yourself a Nashville-style fried chicken. What sets this chicken apart is its crisp exterior, a slather of spicy sauce, pickles on top, and bread on the bottom, giving it tons of flavor. To make this work with bourbon, choose those that have sweet notes to contrast the spiciness of the chicken. If you want to take a challenge, you can also pair this with a higher proof bourbon, because, why not? For a specific drink, try the Bourbon Mule, a Southern drink for a Southern dish.

Smoked Salmon

Salmon may be a lighter protein compared to beef but the way it’s prepared can alter this characteristic. There are many ways to prepare said fish but if it’s going to be paired with bourbon, smoking is the way to go. Smoked salmon has a strong, salty taste and to pair this with a mild bourbon or those with high rye content helps release its sweet and fruity notes. To elevate the fish, you can make a great dish out of it like spreading cream cheese on bread and topping the salmon or making this delicious smoked salmon roulade, to have with an equally delicious drink, the Manhattan, to round out the meal.

Chocolate

Bourbon is a great partner with almost any kind of chocolate. Though, most would say that when having difficulty choosing which one, go with dark chocolate, and pair this with strong or sweet bourbon, either way, it will help bring out the sweet and fruity aspects of the drink. To make it more similar to the bourbon’s flavor profile, try those chocolates with fruit, nuts, or spice. If you want to take things up a notch, you can make a dark chocolate mousse to indulge in, as well as a nice Peach Whiskey Sour cocktail to impress your guests.

Next time you plan on imbibing bourbon, have some of the foods above to munch on to make the experience more whole. And, don’t be afraid to experiment with other foods as well. While you’re at it, check out this awesome collection of bourbon glasses you might be interested in.

Desserts

Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie