Rouses_FINAL-November-December-2017

THE NUTCRACKER SWEET

richer. The extra aging adds a touch of oak spice as well. This makes for a somewhat complex combination of flavors. And the bourbon’s modest 86 proof makes it very easy drinking — perfect to wash down that rich pecan pie. Eagle Rare Eagle Rare is matured for at least 10 years, making it the oldestwhiskey on this list.What makes this bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery stand out here is its richness. The decade this whiskey spends maturing in a new American oak barrel imparts Eagle Rare with complex layers of dark caramel, vanilla bean and oak tannins. It’s more elegant than Jim Beam Black and adds a sense of refinement when paired with pecan pie. It beautifully sits in the flavor space between the pie’s rich filling and crunchy top. Wild Turkey 101 For bourbon, a lot of its spiciness comes from the rye grain used in itsmash bill. (When I say spice, think rye bread vs. wheat bread.) Some bourbons, like Jim Beam Black, don’t use a

Bourbon Sweet by Bobby Childs

I f you’re not pairing bourbon with pecan pie, you’re missing out. Nothing — besides ice cream — goes better with pecan pie than bourbon. These two are Southern soul mates. They share the same flavor nuances. Sure, different mash bills (grain recipes), ages and proofs differentiate one whiskey from another, but it’s the caramelized sweetness that comes from aging in charred new oak barrels that gives bourbon its distinctive flavor — the same type of caramelized sweetness you find in pecan pie. When it comes to pairing bourbon and food,there are two approaches: contrast or complement (it’s the same with wine). Think spicy, like Sazerac Rye, or sweet, like a low-rye mash — either Buffalo Trace or Eagle Rare. Avoid higher-proof bourbon — stick to the 80- or 90-proof range — you want something smooth and food-friendly. Save your rare and barrel proof bourbons higher than 100 proof for after dinner. Here are a few of my favorite pairings to get you started. Jim Beam Black The ever-popular Jim Beam White is everywhere, but its slightly older brother also can be easily found. In addition to the classic bourbon notes of caramel and vanilla, Jim Beam Black has a slight nuttiness that complements the pecans in the pie. Thanks to the fact that it spends a little more time in the barrel than Jim Beam White, Jim Beam Black’s caramel character comes across a bit darker and

lot of rye. Others do. If you’re looking for a bit more bite, reach for Wild Turkey 101. Wild Turkey uses a lot of rye in its bourbon, which accounts for its singular spiciness. That bite, however, comes from its high proof — 101, or 50.5 percent alcohol by volume. (You can determine proof by doubling the alcohol by volume.) There are lots of spices to be found in this bourbon. Things like allspice, cloves and cinnamon will definitely kick your pie-eating experience up a notch. Sazerac Rye Okay, this last one isn’t bourbon. It’s a rye whiskey, which is just as American.Where bourbon is at least 51 percent corn,rye whiskey must be made from at least 51 percent rye. All that extra rye grain makes this whiskey spicier than the much sweeter bourbon, and to some, it tastes a bit sharper or drier. Sazerac Rye offers baking spices, toffee and even a touch of dill with a clean,minty finish. That doesn’t sound like it would pair well with pecan pie, but you’d be surprised how nicely they go together. All that spice cuts right through the pie’s rich filling, leaving your palate surprisingly cleansed and ready for another bite. If you don’t like bourbon or rye, we can’t be friends.Okay, okay — you can choose a tawny port, which is also aged in wooden barrels and pulls in some of the same flavors as the pecan pie. Or a dessert wine like Madeira, which matches the sweetness of the pie. Even a rich, dark, nutty, dessert beer, like a heavily roasted milk stout, works well with pecan pie.

Want something even sweeter with your slice? Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream is handcrafted using Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Try it on the rocks, in coffee, or even poured over ice cream alongside a slice of pecan pie.

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