The Still & The VineSchool of Wine & Spirits

School of Wine & Spirits

Food Pairings

Every bottle we review comes with a food pairing recommendation. Find the perfect dish to complement your pour.

AllRumScotch WhiskyWhite WineGinRed WineTequilaBourbonIrish Whiskey

849 pairings

Don Julio 1942 Añejo
Tequila

Mole negro over braised short ribs, or dark chocolate tart

Don Julio 1942 Añejo

Don Julio

Pairing

Mole negro over braised short ribs, or dark chocolate tart with sea salt and a dollop of crème fraîche.

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El Tequileño Platinum
Tequila

Aguachile of wild shrimp

El Tequileño Platinum

El Tequileño

Pairing

Aguachile of wild shrimp with serrano, lime, and cucumber — the tequila's mineral brightness and pepper bite mirror the dish without overwhelming it.

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LALO Blanco Tequila
Tequila

Aguachile verde

LALO Blanco Tequila

LALO

Pairing

Aguachile verde with sweet shrimp, cucumber, and serrano — the tequila's mineral citrus brightens the chile heat while echoing the dish's herbal lift.

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Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon
Bourbon

Smoked brisket rubbed

Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon

Balcones Distilling

Pairing

Pair with: Smoked brisket rubbed with coffee and ancho chile — the roasted corn and pecan in the bourbon echo the dark bark on the meat, while the soft wheat and caramel tame the heat.

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Junípero Gin
Gin

A Meyer lemon tart

Junípero Gin

Hotaling & Co. (formerly Anchor Distilling)

Pairing

A Meyer lemon tart with shortbread crust — the gin's bright citrus botanicals amplify the lemon while the juniper cuts through the richness of the shortbread.

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Teeling Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
Irish Whiskey

Aged Irish cheddar

Teeling Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Teeling Whiskey Company

Pairing

Aged Irish cheddar with a drizzle of heather honey and oat biscuits — the whiskey's barley-forward creaminess melts into the cheese while the oak spice balances the sweetness of the honey.

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Daftmill 2011 Summer Batch Release
Scotch Whisky

A plate of aged Scottish cheddar, a drizzle of heather honey, and a slice of oat cake — mirroring the whisky's grain and orchard-fruit core without overwhelming it.

Daftmill 2011 Summer Batch Release

Daftmill Distillery (Cuthbert family)

Pairing

A plate of aged Scottish cheddar, a drizzle of heather honey, and a slice of oat cake — mirroring the whisky's grain and orchard-fruit core without overwhelming it.

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Tequila Ocho Plata
Tequila

Ceviche of sea bass cured in lime, jalapeño, and red onion — the tequila's herbal and mineral notes echo the marinade while the cooked agave sweetness balances the heat.

Tequila Ocho Plata

Tequila Los Alambiques (Camarena family)

Pairing

Ceviche of sea bass cured in lime, jalapeño, and red onion — the tequila's herbal and mineral notes echo the marinade while the cooked agave sweetness balances the heat.

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Emidio Pepe Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 2018
White Wine

Seared scallops

Emidio Pepe Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 2018

Azienda Agricola Emidio Pepe

Pairing

Pair with: Seared scallops with brown butter, toasted hazelnuts, and a drizzle of aged balsamic. The wine’s nutty, honeyed richness mirrors the brown butter while its acidity cuts through the scallops’ sweetness.

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McConnell’s Irish Whisky 5 Year Old
Irish Whiskey

Smoked salmon on soda bread

McConnell’s Irish Whisky 5 Year Old

Conecuh Brands

Pairing

Pair with: Smoked salmon on soda bread with a squeeze of lemon and cracked black pepper. The whiskey’s butterscotch warmth complements the smoke while its citrus notes echo the lemon.

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Deanston 12 Year Old
Scotch Whisky

Warm apple tart

Deanston 12 Year Old

Distell Group (Burn Stewart Distillers)

Pairing

Pair with: Warm apple tart with a crumble topping and a drizzle of salted caramel. The whisky’s honeyed malt amplifies the baked fruit while its nutty dryness contrasts the caramel’s sweetness.

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Terralta Blanco Extra Strength 110 Proof
Tequila

Grilled carne asada

Terralta Blanco Extra Strength 110 Proof

Tequila Terralta (Felipe Camarena)

Pairing

Pair with: Grilled carne asada with charred lime, fresh pico de gallo, and warm corn tortillas. The tequila’s mineral backbone and peppery heat stand up to the char while its agave sweetness complements the lime.

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Ferdinand’s Saar Dry Gin
Gin

Pan-seared trout

Ferdinand’s Saar Dry Gin

Avadis Distillery GmbH

Pairing

Pair with: Pan-seared trout with brown butter, capers, and a squeeze of lemon. The gin’s herbal-floral notes complement the fish while its Riesling acidity mirrors the caper brine.

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New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon
Bourbon

Slow-smoked pork belly

New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon

New Riff Distilling

Pairing

Pair with: Slow-smoked pork belly with a brown sugar and black pepper glaze. The bourbon’s caramel sweetness mirrors the glaze while its rye spice cuts through the richness of the pork fat.

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Dominus Estate Napa Valley 2019
Red Wine

Grilled lamb rack

Dominus Estate Napa Valley 2019

Dominus Estate (Christian Moueix)

Pairing

Pair with: Grilled lamb rack with a rosemary-thyme crust and a side of roasted root vegetables. The wine’s herbal complexity mirrors the rosemary while its tannin structure stands up to the lamb’s richness.

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Goslings Black Seal Bermuda Black Rum
Rum

Jerk chicken

Goslings Black Seal Bermuda Black Rum

Gosling Brothers Ltd.

Pairing

Jerk chicken with rice and peas. The rum's molasses depth and spice complexity mirror the allspice, scotch bonnet, and brown sugar in the jerk marinade — a Caribbean pairing that's been working for centuries.

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Domaine de la Pépière Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie Clos des Briords 2020
White Wine

Fresh oysters on the half shell — the classic Muscadet pairing. The wine's granite-born minerality and saline finish echo the brine of the oyster so perfectly that it feels less like a pairing and more like a natural conversation.

Domaine de la Pépière Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie Clos des Briords 2020

Domaine de la Pépière (Marc Ollivier & Rémi Branger)

Pairing

Fresh oysters on the half shell — the classic Muscadet pairing. The wine's granite-born minerality and saline finish echo the brine of the oyster so perfectly that it feels less like a pairing and more like a natural conversation.

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ArteNOM Seleccion de 1579 Blanco
Tequila

Ceviche

ArteNOM Seleccion de 1579 Blanco

ArteNOM (Grover Sanschagrin)

Pairing

Ceviche with fresh snapper, lime, and serrano pepper. The mineral and citrus notes in the tequila mirror the bright acidity of the ceviche, while the agave sweetness balances the heat.

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Isle of Harris Gin
Gin

Seared scallops

Isle of Harris Gin

Isle of Harris Distillers

Pairing

Seared scallops with brown butter and capers. The gin's sugar kelp and maritime notes harmonize with the sweet brine of the scallops, while the cassia bark warmth complements the nutty brown butter.

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Lambay Small Batch Blend
Irish Whiskey

Fresh oysters on the half shell

Lambay Small Batch Blend

Lambay Whiskey (Baring Family & Maison Camus)

Pairing

Fresh oysters on the half shell with a mignonette of shallot and champagne vinegar. The maritime whiskey echoes the brine of the oyster — a natural coastal pairing.

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Old Pulteney 12 Year Old
Scotch Whisky

Smoked salmon on dark rye

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old

Inver House Distillers (Thai Beverages)

Pairing

Smoked salmon on dark rye with a squeeze of lemon and crème fraîche. The whisky's brine and honey meet the smoke and fat of the salmon in perfect coastal harmony.

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Knappogue Castle 12 Year Old
Irish Whiskey

Smoked salmon on brown soda bread

Knappogue Castle 12 Year Old

Cobblestone Brands

Pairing

Smoked salmon on brown soda bread with dill cream cheese, where the whiskey's clean malt and gentle vanilla complement the delicate smoke and rich cream.

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Malfy Con Limone
Gin

Grilled branzino

Malfy Con Limone

Biggar and Leith (Pernod Ricard)

Pairing

Grilled branzino with lemon, capers, and herbs, where the gin's Amalfi citrus and juniper backbone complement the delicate, briny fish.

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Clos Mogador Priorat 2019
Red Wine

Slow-braised lamb shoulder

Clos Mogador Priorat 2019

Clos Mogador (Barbier Family)

Pairing

Slow-braised lamb shoulder with rosemary, roasted garlic, and a red wine reduction, where the wine's concentration and herbal complexity meet their perfect counterpart.

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Larceny Small Batch
Bourbon

Pecan-crusted pork tenderloin

Larceny Small Batch

Heaven Hill Brands

Pairing

Pecan-crusted pork tenderloin with a maple glaze, where the bourbon's butterscotch and brown spice notes mirror the dish's caramelized sweetness.

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Gravner Ribolla Gialla 2015
White Wine

Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano

Gravner Ribolla Gialla 2015

Gravner

Pairing

Pair with: Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano with honeycomb and walnuts — the wine's tannic structure and nutty complexity meet the cheese as equals, while the honey bridges to the Ribolla's amber sweetness.

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Ailsa Bay Sweet Smoke
Scotch Whisky

Smoked salmon canapés

Ailsa Bay Sweet Smoke

William Grant & Sons

Pairing

Pair with: Smoked salmon canapés with honey-dill crème fraîche — the smoke meets smoke while the honey bridges to the whisky's sweetness score.

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Volcán De Mi Tierra Cristalino
Tequila

White chocolate mousse

Volcán De Mi Tierra Cristalino

Moët Hennessy (LVMH)

Pairing

Pair with: White chocolate mousse with toasted coconut — the cristalino's hidden oak complexity emerges against the sweetness, while the agave cuts through the richness.

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Fortaleza Añejo
Tequila

Mole negro

Fortaleza Añejo

Tequila Los Abuelos (NOM 1493)

Pairing

Pair with: Mole negro with braised chicken — the sauce's chocolate, chili, and warm spice layers harmonize with the tequila's oak-aged complexity.

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Barr Hill Gin
Gin

Aged Manchego

Barr Hill Gin

Caledonia Spirits

Pairing

Pair with: Aged Manchego with honeycomb and marcona almonds — the cheese's nuttiness and the honeycomb's sweetness create a bridge to the gin's two core ingredients.

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Old Grand-Dad 114
Bourbon

Smoked brisket

Old Grand-Dad 114

Beam Suntory

Pairing

Pair with: Smoked brisket with a brown sugar and black pepper bark — the caramelized meat crust mirrors the bourbon's charred oak and brown spice, while the fat tempers the proof.

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Redbreast Lustau Edition
Irish Whiskey

Dark chocolate truffles dusted

Redbreast Lustau Edition

Irish Distillers (Pernod Ricard)

Pairing

Pair with: Dark chocolate truffles dusted with sea salt — the cocoa amplifies the whiskey's dark chocolate notes while the salt lifts the dried fruit and sherry sweetness.

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Siembra Valles Blanco
Tequila

Ceviche of fresh snapper

Siembra Valles Blanco

Siembra Spirits

Pairing

Pair with: Ceviche of fresh snapper with lime, cilantro, and serrano chile — the citrus and minerality of the tequila mirror the brightness of the dish while the pepper echoes the chile’s heat.

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Caol Ila 12 Year Old
Scotch Whisky

Fresh oysters on the half shell

Caol Ila 12 Year Old

Diageo

Pairing

Pair with: Fresh oysters on the half shell with a squeeze of lemon, or a plate of smoked Scottish salmon with capers — the maritime character of the whisky echoes the brine of the sea.

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Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Bourbon

Slow-smoked beef brisket

Wild Turkey Rare Breed

Campari Group

Pairing

Pair with: Slow-smoked beef brisket with a brown sugar and black pepper bark, or a square of dark chocolate with sea salt — the char and sweetness mirror the bourbon’s own oak-driven profile.

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Pazo de Señorans Albariño 2022
White Wine

Fresh Galician-style pulpo a la gallega (octopus

Pazo de Señorans Albariño 2022

Pazo de Señorans

Pairing

Pair with: Fresh Galician-style pulpo a la gallega (octopus with paprika and olive oil), grilled whole branzino, or a plate of briny Kumamoto oysters.

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St. George Terroir Gin
Gin

Grilled lamb chops

St. George Terroir Gin

St. George Spirits

Pairing

Pair with: Grilled lamb chops with a rosemary and garlic crust — the herbaceous intensity of the gin finds a natural partner in the savory, woody char of the lamb.

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The Real McCoy 12 Year Old
Rum

Bananas Foster or a plate of aged Gouda — the caramel and vanilla notes in the rum mirror the dish’s brown butter sweetness.

The Real McCoy 12 Year Old

The Real McCoy Rum Co.

Pairing

Pair with: Bananas Foster or a plate of aged Gouda — the caramel and vanilla notes in the rum mirror the dish’s brown butter sweetness.

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Roe & Co Blended Irish Whiskey
Irish Whiskey

Honey-glazed roast pork belly

Roe & Co Blended Irish Whiskey

Diageo

Pairing

Pair with: Honey-glazed roast pork belly with apple compote — the sweetness of the glaze and the fruit notes mirror the whiskey’s stone-fruit character and caramel warmth.

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Rabbit Hole Dareringer
Bourbon

A Spanish-inspired board of aged Manchego, marcona almonds, and dried Mission figs—each element mirroring the PX sherry cask’s contribution to the bourbon.

Rabbit Hole Dareringer

Pernod Ricard

Pairing

Pair with: A Spanish-inspired board of aged Manchego, marcona almonds, and dried Mission figs—each element mirroring the PX sherry cask’s contribution to the bourbon.

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Benanti Etna Bianco 2022
White Wine

Grilled swordfish

Benanti Etna Bianco 2022

Benanti Viticoltori

Pairing

Pair with: Grilled swordfish with capers and lemon — a classic Sicilian pairing where the wine's minerality cuts through the richness of the fish.

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Maker's Mark 46
Bourbon

Crème brûlée — the torched sugar crust mirrors the seared oak staves, and the custard echoes the bourbon's butterscotch core.

Maker's Mark 46

Beam Suntory

Pairing

Pair with: Crème brûlée — the torched sugar crust mirrors the seared oak staves, and the custard echoes the bourbon's butterscotch core.

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Espolòn Reposado
Tequila

Grilled street corn (elotes)

Espolòn Reposado

Campari Group

Pairing

Pair with: Grilled street corn (elotes) with chili-lime crema — the char on the corn echoes the roasted agave, and the spice is a natural match.

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Kilchoman Machir Bay
Scotch Whisky

Smoked salmon on dark rye bread

Kilchoman Machir Bay

Kilchoman Distillery Co. (Independent)

Pairing

Pair with: Smoked salmon on dark rye bread with a squeeze of lemon — the smoke in both amplifies the maritime character.

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Glendalough Double Barrel
Irish Whiskey

Dark chocolate truffles dusted

Glendalough Double Barrel

Glendalough Distillery (Mark Anthony Brands)

Pairing

Pair with: Dark chocolate truffles dusted with cocoa powder — the sherry cask finish and chocolate create a seamless bridge.

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Smith & Cross Traditional Jamaica Rum
Rum

Jamaican jerk chicken — the rum's spice and tropical fruit are a natural echo of the scotch bonnet and allspice in the marinade.

Smith & Cross Traditional Jamaica Rum

Hayman Ltd. (UK)

Pairing

Pair with: Jamaican jerk chicken — the rum's spice and tropical fruit are a natural echo of the scotch bonnet and allspice in the marinade.

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Angostura 1824
Rum

Sticky toffee pudding

Angostura 1824

House of Angostura

Pairing

Sticky toffee pudding with crème anglaise — the toffee, dried fruit, and vanilla in both are a natural marriage.

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Nolet's Silver Dry Gin
Gin

97 Points, Wine Enthusiast; Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Nolet's Silver Dry Gin

Nolet Distillery (Nolet family, 11th generation)

Pairing

97 Points, Wine Enthusiast; Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition

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Chinaco Añejo
Tequila

Mole negro

Chinaco Añejo

Chinaco (González family)

Pairing

Mole negro with roasted chicken — the chocolate, spice, and fruit complexity in both the mole and the tequila create one of the great pairings.

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Vietti Barolo Castiglione 2019
Red Wine

Braised osso buco

Vietti Barolo Castiglione 2019

Vietti (Krause family, since 2016)

Pairing

Braised osso buco with saffron risotto — a classic Piedmontese pairing where the wine's acidity and tannin structure cut through the richness of the marrow.

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Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage
Bourbon

Smoked gouda and fig jam on walnut bread — the caramel and smoke in the bourbon mirror the cheese while the fig amplifies the dried fruit notes.

Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage

Heaven Hill Brands

Pairing

Smoked gouda and fig jam on walnut bread — the caramel and smoke in the bourbon mirror the cheese while the fig amplifies the dried fruit notes.

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Gin Mare
Gin

Grilled octopus

Gin Mare

Vantguard / Brown-Forman

Pairing

Grilled octopus with romesco sauce — the herbal, olive-forward gin complements the char and the smoky pepper of the romesco.

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Auchentoshan Three Wood
Scotch Whisky

Dark chocolate tart

Auchentoshan Three Wood

Beam Suntory

Pairing

Dark chocolate tart with salted caramel — the PX sweetness and dark fruit in the whisky find their mirror in the chocolate and caramel.

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Blue Spot 7 Year Old
Irish Whiskey

Aged Manchego cheese

Blue Spot 7 Year Old

Irish Distillers (Pernod Ricard)

Pairing

Aged Manchego cheese with quince paste — the nutty, crystalline quality of the cheese meets the whiskey's pot still spice, while quince mirrors the fortified wine sweetness.

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Gran Centenario Añejo
Tequila

Mole negro

Gran Centenario Añejo

Casa Cuervo (Beckmann Family / Proximo Spirits)

Pairing

Mole negro with braised short ribs — the chocolate and warm spice in the tequila amplify the mole's depth while the oak tames the richness.

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Arette Añejo
Tequila

Mole negro

Arette Añejo

Tequila Arette de Jalisco S.A. de C.V.

Pairing

Mole negro with dark chocolate — the tequila's cocoa and spice notes weave right into the sauce.

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Cascahuin Tahona Blanco
Tequila

Ceviche

Cascahuin Tahona Blanco

Destilería Cascahuin (Grupo Cascahuin)

Pairing

Pair with: Ceviche with fresh lime and cilantro — the mineral agave and citrus notes in the tequila amplify every element of the dish.

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Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin
Gin

Smoked trout pâté on rye crisp — the tea tannin and citrus cut through the fat while the juniper echoes the gentle smoke.

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin

The Shed Distillery

Pairing

Pair with: Smoked trout pâté on rye crisp — the tea tannin and citrus cut through the fat while the juniper echoes the gentle smoke.

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Lagavulin 16 Year Old
Scotch Whisky

Hot-smoked salmon and crème fraîche on dark rye — the smoke in the fish meets the whisky's peat, and the fatty richness of the crème fraîche softens the intensity beautifully.

Lagavulin 16 Year Old

Diageo plc

Pairing

Pair with: Hot-smoked salmon and crème fraîche on dark rye — the smoke in the fish meets the whisky's peat, and the fatty richness of the crème fraîche softens the intensity beautifully.

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Redbreast 15 Year Old
Irish Whiskey

A board of aged hard cheeses — Comté, Gruyère, and mature cheddar. The pot still spice cuts through the fat while the sherry notes echo the nuttiness of the aged cheese.

Redbreast 15 Year Old

Irish Distillers (Pernod Ricard)

Pairing

Pair with: A board of aged hard cheeses — Comté, Gruyère, and mature cheddar. The pot still spice cuts through the fat while the sherry notes echo the nuttiness of the aged cheese.

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Eagle Rare 10 Year Old
Bourbon

Pecan pralines and dark chocolate — the nut and caramel tones in both the bourbon and the candy create a seamless, indulgent pairing.

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old

Sazerac Company

Pairing

Pair with: Pecan pralines and dark chocolate — the nut and caramel tones in both the bourbon and the candy create a seamless, indulgent pairing.

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Joseph Phelps Insignia 2020
Red Wine

Prime dry-aged ribeye

Joseph Phelps Insignia 2020

Joseph Phelps Vineyards (LVMH Moët Hennessy)

Pairing

Pair with: Prime dry-aged ribeye with black truffle butter — the weight and tannin structure of Insignia demands equally substantial, umami-rich food.

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Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin
Gin

Fresh oysters

Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin

Four Pillars Gin Pty Ltd

Pairing

Pair with: Fresh oysters with a squeeze of Meyer lemon — the citrus and oceanic mineral qualities in both the gin and the oyster create a maritime pairing of rare elegance.

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Patrón Añejo
Tequila

Dark chocolate and ancho chile truffles — the spice and cocoa notes amplify the tequila's warm agave character.

Patrón Añejo

Patrón Spirits International (Bacardi Limited)

Pairing

Pair with: Dark chocolate and ancho chile truffles — the spice and cocoa notes amplify the tequila's warm agave character.

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Clairin Sajous
Rum

Featured in Velier Clairin Collection. 93 Points, Rum Ratings.

Clairin Sajous

Michel Sajous (imported by Velier)

Pairing

Featured in Velier Clairin Collection. 93 Points, Rum Ratings.

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Sassicaia 2019
Red Wine

Bistecca alla fiorentina — thick-cut charcoal-grilled T-bone

Sassicaia 2019

Tenuta San Guido

Pairing

Bistecca alla fiorentina — thick-cut charcoal-grilled T-bone with salt, pepper, and olive oil

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Fortaleza Blanco
Tequila

Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Platinum, SIP Awards. 95 Points, Tasting Panel Magazine.

Fortaleza Blanco

Fortaleza (Casa San Matias de Jalisco)

Pairing

Double Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Platinum, SIP Awards. 95 Points, Tasting Panel Magazine.

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Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022
Red Wine

Prime ribeye steak

Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022

Wagner Family of Wine (Caymus Vineyards, est. 1972)

Pairing

Pair with: Prime ribeye steak with a red wine reduction and roasted garlic mashed potatoes. The Caymus was built for this — the wine's dark fruit and soft tannins envelop the marbled beef, and the reduction intensifies the pairing into something transcendent.

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Jameson Black Barrel
Irish Whiskey

Dark chocolate brownies

Jameson Black Barrel

Irish Distillers (Pernod Ricard; Jameson, est. 1780)

Pairing

Pair with: Dark chocolate brownies with sea salt and caramel. The whiskey's charred oak and toffee notes are a mirror image of the brownie, and the salt sharpens every flavor. Simple, patient, perfect.

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Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak
Scotch Whisky

Aged Manchego cheese

Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak

Edrington Group (The Macallan, est. 1824)

Pairing

Pair with: Aged Manchego cheese with quince paste and Marcona almonds. The sherry-cask whisky and Spanish cheese share a lineage — both shaped by time and Iberian tradition. The quince paste mirrors the dried fruit, and the almonds echo the nutty oak.

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Roku Japanese Craft Gin
Gin

Sashimi-grade yellowtail

Roku Japanese Craft Gin

Beam Suntory (Suntory Spirits, est. 1899)

Pairing

Pair with: Sashimi-grade yellowtail with ponzu, shiso, and pickled ginger. The gin's yuzu and green tea notes echo the ponzu, while the sansho pepper mirrors the ginger. A pairing built on precision and restraint.

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Plantation XO 20th Anniversary
Rum

Bananas Foster

Plantation XO 20th Anniversary

Maison Ferrand (Plantation Rum, est. 1996)

Pairing

Pair with: Bananas Foster with vanilla bean ice cream. The rum's banana, caramel, and vanilla notes are literally the ingredients of the dessert — a pairing so natural it feels inevitable. The Cognac cask elegance keeps it from feeling heavy.

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Clase Azul Reposado
Tequila

Mole negro

Clase Azul Reposado

Clase Azul México (est. 1997)

Pairing

Pair with: Mole negro with slow-braised chicken. The tequila's 72-hour slow-cooked agave sweetness and warm spice are a perfect echo of the mole's complex sauce — both products of patience, both layered with depth.

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Angel's Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Bourbon

Duck breast

Angel's Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Louisville Distilling Company (Angel's Envy, est. 2010)

Pairing

Pair with: Duck breast with a cherry-port reduction. The bourbon's port-barrel sweetness and cherry notes mirror the sauce, while the rye spice cuts the richness of the duck fat. A pairing that rewards patience — sear the duck slowly, let the fat render, and the meal will match the whiskey sip for sip.

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Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay Napa Valley 2022
White Wine

Roast chicken

Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay Napa Valley 2022

Cakebread Cellars (est. 1973)

Pairing

Pair with: Roast chicken with lemon, herbs, and roasted root vegetables. The definitive Chardonnay pairing — Dolores Cakebread literally wrote cookbooks about food and wine pairing, and her roast chicken recipe with this Chardonnay is a masterclass in simplicity and patience.

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Siete Leguas Reposado
Tequila

Carnitas tacos

Siete Leguas Reposado

Casa Siete Leguas (est. 1952)

Pairing

Pair with: Carnitas tacos with salsa verde and pickled onions. The tequila’s savory earthiness and herbal quality mirror the pork and salsa, while the agave sweetness balances the acid from the pickled onions.

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Talisker 10 Year Old
Scotch Whisky

Pan-seared halibut

Talisker 10 Year Old

Diageo (Talisker Distillery, est. 1830)

Pairing

Pair with: Pan-seared halibut with seaweed butter and crispy capers. The whisky’s maritime salt and smoke mirror the sea flavors, while the black pepper cuts through the richness of the butter.

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Plymouth Gin
Gin

Fish and chips

Plymouth Gin

Pernod Ricard (Plymouth Gin Distillery, est. 1793)

Pairing

Pair with: Fish and chips with mushy peas and malt vinegar. The definitive English pairing — Plymouth’s juniper and citrus cut through the batter’s richness, and the soft mouthfeel won’t overwhelm delicate white fish.

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Elijah Craig Small Batch
Bourbon

Smoked brisket

Elijah Craig Small Batch

Heaven Hill Distillery (Elijah Craig, est. 1986)

Pairing

Pair with: Smoked brisket with a brown sugar and black pepper rub. The bourbon’s charred oak and caramel match the bark on the brisket, while the baking spice echoes the pepper rub — a Kentucky-meets-Texas pairing.

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Flor de Caña 12 Year Old
Rum

Grilled pineapple

Flor de Caña 12 Year Old

Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua (Flor de Caña, est. 1890)

Pairing

Pair with: Grilled pineapple with cinnamon and dark chocolate drizzle. The rum’s butterscotch and tropical notes mirror the caramelized pineapple, while the cinnamon and chocolate bridge the oak and cocoa flavors in the finish.

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Domaine William Fèvre Chablis 2022
White Wine

Fresh oysters

Domaine William Fèvre Chablis 2022

Domaine William Fèvre / Henriôt Group (est. 1959)

Pairing

Pair with: Fresh oysters with mignonette. The definitive Chablis pairing — and one that borders on cliché because it works so perfectly. The wine’s fossilized-seabed minerality, briny salinity, and electric acidity were born to meet a raw oyster. Pour the Chablis, shuck the oysters, and taste 150 million years of terroir.

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Antinori Tignanello 2021
Red Wine

Bistecca alla Fiorentina — a thick-cut, rare-grilled T-bone seasoned only

Antinori Tignanello 2021

Marchesi Antinori (est. 1385, 26th generation)

Pairing

Pair with: Bistecca alla Fiorentina — a thick-cut, rare-grilled T-bone seasoned only with salt, olive oil, and lemon. The quintessential Tuscan pairing: the wine’s tannins cut through the fat, the cherry fruit echoes the char, and the mineral backbone matches the simplicity of the preparation.

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Teeling Small Batch
Irish Whiskey

Glazed ham

Teeling Small Batch

Teeling Whiskey Company (est. 2012)

Pairing

Pair with: Glazed ham with pineapple and clove. The whiskey’s rum cask sweetness and tropical fruit echo the glaze, while the clove note in the finish mirrors the studded ham.

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Four Roses Single Barrel
Bourbon

Pecan-crusted pork chops

Four Roses Single Barrel

Kirin Brewery Company (Four Roses Distillery, est. 1888)

Pairing

Pair with: Pecan-crusted pork chops with apple chutney. The bourbon’s fruit-forward profile and rye spice mirror the pecan crust, while the caramel sweetness plays against the tart chutney.

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El Tesoro Reposado
Tequila

Mole negro

El Tesoro Reposado

Camarena Family / Beam Suntory (El Tesoro, est. 1937)

Pairing

Pair with: Mole negro with braised chicken. The tequila’s roasted agave sweetness and mineral earthiness echo the mole’s complex layers of chili, chocolate, and spice — a pairing that feels like it was destined.

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Jermann Vintage Tunina 2022
White Wine

Prosciutto di San Daniele

Jermann Vintage Tunina 2022

Jermann (est. 1881, fourth generation)

Pairing

Pair with: Prosciutto di San Daniele with burrata and grilled peaches. The wine’s stone fruit and honey notes echo the peach, the creamy texture matches the burrata, and the Friulian minerality cuts through the richness of the prosciutto — a northeastern Italian table at its finest.

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Oban 14 Year Old
Scotch Whisky

Seared scallops

Oban 14 Year Old

Diageo (Oban Distillery, est. 1794)

Pairing

Pair with: Seared scallops with brown butter and capers. Oban’s sea salt and honey profile is a natural match for sweet shellfish, and the whisky’s gentle smoke echoes the caramelization on the sear.

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Catena Zapata Malbec High Mountain Vines 2021
Red Wine

Grilled chimichurri steak

Catena Zapata Malbec High Mountain Vines 2021

Bodega Catena Zapata (est. 1902, fourth generation)

Pairing

Pair with: Grilled chimichurri steak with roasted sweet potatoes. The Argentine classic — Malbec’s dark fruit and spice amplify the charred meat, while the herby chimichurri plays off the wine’s violet and floral notes.

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Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin
Gin

Black Forest ham

Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin

Pernod Ricard (Monkey 47, est. 2010)

Pairing

Pair with: Black Forest ham with cornichons and mustard on dark rye. A regional pairing for a regional gin — the botanicals echo the forest, the pepper spice matches the mustard, and the lingonberry acidity cuts through the richness of the ham.

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Powers Three Swallow Release
Irish Whiskey

Oysters Rockefeller. The whiskey’s bold pot still spice and oily texture stand up to the richness of the butter and herbs, while the green apple notes cut through the brine.

Powers Three Swallow Release

Irish Distillers / Pernod Ricard (Powers, est. 1791)

Pairing

Pair with: Oysters Rockefeller. The whiskey’s bold pot still spice and oily texture stand up to the richness of the butter and herbs, while the green apple notes cut through the brine.

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El Dorado 12 Year Old
Rum

Sticky toffee pudding

El Dorado 12 Year Old

Demerara Distillers Limited (El Dorado)

Pairing

Pair with: Sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel sauce. The rum’s demerara sugar and toffee notes are a direct flavor bridge to the dessert, while the oak spice adds a grown-up complexity.

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Laphroaig 10 Year Old
Scotch Whisky

Cold-smoked salmon

Laphroaig 10 Year Old

Suntory Global Spirits (Laphroaig Distillery, est. 1815)

Pairing

Pair with: Cold-smoked salmon with crème fraîche and capers on dark rye. The whisky’s brine and smoke mirror the salmon, while the cream and bread provide a gentle landing pad for all that intensity.

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Tanqueray No. Ten
Gin

Ceviche

Tanqueray No. Ten

Diageo (Tanqueray, est. 1830)

Pairing

Pair with: Ceviche with fresh lime, red onion, and avocado. The gin’s citrus-forward profile mirrors the ceviche’s acidity, while the juniper and chamomile add an aromatic layer that lifts the seafood.

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Wild Turkey 101
Bourbon

Smoked brisket

Wild Turkey 101

Campari Group (Wild Turkey, est. 1940)

Pairing

Pair with: Smoked brisket with a black pepper bark. The bourbon’s rye spice mirrors the pepper crust, while its caramel sweetness tempers the smoke — a Texas-meets-Kentucky handshake.

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Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 Solera
Rum

Dark chocolate truffles dusted

Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 Solera

Industrias Licoreras de Guatemala / Diageo (Ron Zacapa)

Pairing

Pair with: Dark chocolate truffles dusted with cocoa and sea salt. The rum’s cacao and butterscotch notes fuse with the chocolate, while the salt sharpens every flavor on both sides.

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Tullamore D.E.W. Original
Irish Whiskey

Irish soda bread

Tullamore D.E.W. Original

William Grant & Sons (Tullamore D.E.W., est. 1829)

Pairing

Pair with: Irish soda bread with salted butter and smoked salmon. The whiskey’s malty grain notes echo the bread, the honey mirrors the butter, and the gentle spice lifts the richness of the salmon.

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Don Julio Reposado
Tequila

Carnitas tacos

Don Julio Reposado

Diageo (Don Julio, est. 1942)

Pairing

Pair with: Carnitas tacos with pickled red onion and fresh cilantro. The tequila’s agave sweetness and oak warmth cut through the pork’s richness, while the pickled onion echoes the citrus notes in the spirit.

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Trimbach Riesling 2021
White Wine

Choucroute garnie (Alsatian sauerkraut

Trimbach Riesling 2021

Maison Trimbach (est. 1626)

Pairing

Pair with: Choucroute garnie (Alsatian sauerkraut with smoked sausages and pork). The classic regional pairing — the wine’s acidity slices through the richness, and the slate minerality mirrors the tangy sauerkraut.

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Marqués de Riscal Reserva 2019
Red Wine

Lamb chops

Marqués de Riscal Reserva 2019

Herederos del Marqués de Riscal (est. 1858)

Pairing

Pair with: Lamb chops with rosemary and roasted garlic. Rioja Reserva and lamb is one of wine’s great marriages — the wine’s savory leather and herb notes amplify the lamb, while the fruit balances the char.

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Appleton Estate 12 Year Old Rare Casks
Rum

Jamaican jerk chicken — the allspice and scotch bonnet heat pair naturally

Appleton Estate 12 Year Old Rare Casks

Campari Group (Appleton Estate, est. 1749)

Pairing

Pair with: Jamaican jerk chicken — the allspice and scotch bonnet heat pair naturally with the rum’s spice and orange notes.

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Tapatio Reposado
Tequila

Grilled corn elote

Tapatio Reposado

Tequila Tapatio S.A. de C.V. (Camarena family, 5th generation)

Pairing

Pair with: Grilled corn elote with cotija cheese and chili lime — the sweet agave and savory cheese create a classic Mexican pairing.

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Glenfarclas 12 Year Old
Scotch Whisky

Dark chocolate truffles

Glenfarclas 12 Year Old

J. & G. Grant (family-owned, 6th generation)

Pairing

Pair with: Dark chocolate truffles with orange zest — the sherry-rich whisky amplifies the cocoa and citrus.

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Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett 2022
White Wine

Spicy Thai green curry — the wine’s sweetness tames the heat while its acidity cuts through the coconut cream.

Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett 2022

Weingut Dr. Loosen (Ernst Loosen, family-owned since early 1800s)

Pairing

Pair with: Spicy Thai green curry — the wine’s sweetness tames the heat while its acidity cuts through the coconut cream.

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Writers’ Tears Copper Pot
Irish Whiskey

Aged Gouda

Writers’ Tears Copper Pot

Walsh Whiskey Distillery (Bernard & Rosemary Walsh, founders)

Pairing

Pair with: Aged Gouda with honey and walnuts — the caramel sweetness of the cheese mirrors the whiskey’s honey notes.

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Maker’s Mark
Bourbon

Butter pecan ice cream — the creamy wheat bourbon and buttery pecans are a perfect marriage.

Maker’s Mark

Beam Suntory (originally T. William Samuels)

Pairing

Pair with: Butter pecan ice cream — the creamy wheat bourbon and buttery pecans are a perfect marriage.

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Sipsmith London Dry Gin
Gin

Fish and chips

Sipsmith London Dry Gin

Beam Suntory (founded by Fairfax Hall, Sam Galsworthy & Jared Brown)

Pairing

Pair with: Fish and chips with malt vinegar — a gin born in London, paired with London’s most iconic dish.

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Fortaleza Reposado
Tequila

Carnitas tacos

Fortaleza Reposado

Destilería La Fortaleza (Guillermo Erickson Sauza)

Pairing

Pair with: Carnitas tacos with fresh pineapple salsa — the roasted pork and sweet fruit echo the caramel and agave in the tequila.

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Redbreast 12 Year Old
Irish Whiskey

Warm apple crumble

Redbreast 12 Year Old

Pernod Ricard (Irish Distillers)

Pairing

Pair with: Warm apple crumble with vanilla custard — the orchard fruit and baking spice in both are a natural match.

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Mount Gay XO
Rum

Crème brûlée

Mount Gay XO

Remy Cointreau

Pairing

Pair with: Crème brûlée with toasted coconut — the caramelized sugar, vanilla, and coconut mirror the rum’s core flavors.

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Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva
Rum

Bananas Foster — the caramel, banana, and vanilla in the dish mirror the rum perfectly.

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva

Destilerías Unidas S.A. (DUSA)

Pairing

Pair with: Bananas Foster — the caramel, banana, and vanilla in the dish mirror the rum perfectly.

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G4 Reposado
Tequila

Chicken mole negro — the chocolate and spice in both create a beautiful bridge.

G4 Reposado

El Pandillo (Felipe Camarena)

Pairing

Pair with: Chicken mole negro — the chocolate and spice in both create a beautiful bridge.

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Green Spot Single Pot Still
Irish Whiskey

Seared pork chops

Green Spot Single Pot Still

Pernod Ricard (Irish Distillers) — bonded for Mitchell & Son

Pairing

Pair with: Seared pork chops with an apple and sage butter — the orchard fruit in both creates a seamless pairing.

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Jeppson's Malört
Gin

Rich, fatty foods like Chicago-style deep dish pizza or a char-grilled Italian beef sandwich — the bitterness cuts through heaviness like nothing else can.

Jeppson's Malört

Jeppson's

Pairing

Rich, fatty foods like Chicago-style deep dish pizza or a char-grilled Italian beef sandwich — the bitterness cuts through heaviness like nothing else can.

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Lagavulin 16 Year
Scotch Whisky

Pair

Lagavulin 16 Year

Lagavulin

Pairing

Pair with cold-smoked salmon on dark rye, a sharp aged cheddar, or dark chocolate with sea salt — anything that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the smoke and sweetness without flinching.

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Yamazaki 12 Year
Scotch Whisky

Lightly seared salmon

Yamazaki 12 Year

Yamazaki

Pairing

Lightly seared salmon with a yuzu-miso glaze, or a plate of aged Comté cheese with honeycomb and marcona almonds.

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