Decadent Indulgence: Pairing Bourbon with Chocolate

Bourbon and chocolate are two of the most beloved indulgences of people around the world. The rich, smooth, and complex flavors of these two beverages make them the perfect match. When combined, the flavors of bourbon and chocolate harmonize in such a way that they elevate each other to create a truly extraordinary experience.

Whether you're a seasoned sipper or a newcomer to the world of bourbon, you can easily elevate your appreciation for these two classic flavors.

Bourbon and Chocolate Pairing

When it comes to pairing bourbon and chocolate, the key is to find a balance between the flavors of the two. A good pairing should elevate both the bourbon and the chocolate, bringing out their unique qualities and making them taste even better together.

Here are some guidelines for pairing bourbon and chocolate:

Match Flavors: When selecting a bourbon and chocolate pairing, look for similar flavor profiles. For example, a bourbon with notes of vanilla and caramel would pair well with a chocolate that is rich and creamy, with notes of caramel and nutty flavors.

Consider the Strength: Consider the strength of the bourbon and chocolate when selecting a pairing. A strong bourbon should be paired with a rich, dark chocolate that is equally strong in flavor. Conversely, a milder bourbon should be paired with a lighter chocolate that will not overpower its flavors.

Think About Texture: The texture of the chocolate should also be considered when selecting a pairing. A creamy chocolate would pair well with a smooth, mellow bourbon, while a crunchy chocolate might be better suited to a more robust bourbon.

Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different pairings to find what works best for you. The beauty of bourbon and chocolate pairing is that there is no right or wrong answer, so feel free to experiment and find the perfect combination for your taste buds.

Recommendations

Here are some of our favorite bourbon and chocolate pairings:

Maker's Mark and Milk Chocolate: Maker's Mark is a classic bourbon that is known for its smooth, mellow flavor. Its notes of vanilla and caramel make it a perfect match for a creamy, milk chocolate.

Bulleit Bourbon and Dark Chocolate: Bulleit Bourbon is a strong, robust whiskey that is known

Breaking Tradition in the Whiskey Industry: A Spirited Conversation with Tom Lix, CEO of Cleveland Whiskey

As we all know, whiskey has a very rich tradition steeped in history and most notably the manner in which its made. For instance, bourbon has always been aged in oak barrels. It has been done like this for 1,000 years. The very thought of doing something different in the aging process would render any traditionalist faint of heart. But imagine what it would be like to craft a bourbon with the flavors of other woods? No one wood can store liquid like oak, so how would you do it? 

Enter Tom Lix, CEO of Cleveland Whiskey. Tom is an entrepreneur but also a self-proclaimed experimenter. Since he was a kid his curiosity knew no bounds – for example – he almost blew up his family home mixing substances from a chemistry set. Several years later he became the apprentice to a Petty Officer in the Navy to distil spirits in a decommissioned destroyer.  

Now he has set his curiosity on addressing the bourbon shortage but figuring out how to bring bourbon to market faster and with different wood flavor notes thanks to a top secret distilling process he has come up with. 

Using the WeFunder platform for equity crowdsourcing, he has already raised millions and raised the disdain of many in the bourbon trade for his practices. But Tom is quick to point out that he is a technology company, not a craft distiller, and he wants to disrupt the way in which we think about how bourbon is made with sacrificing quality (or tradition). 

Check out my podcast with Tom to learn more about his journey towards turning the bourbon market upside down.