Peggy Noe Stevens is a master taster, whiskey reviewer, and competition judge. She is known for her super palate in the industry, as well as her founding innovations connecting whiskey and food pairing styles and methods.
In this issue we feature the following brands and the inspiration for creating unique profiles and food pairings. The following is a guideline to discovering the ultimate food pairings for your guests.
Featured products that received the highest flavor tasting profile ratings:
15 Stars First West
Rye – 105 proof
From Rick and Ricky Johnson, co-founders of 15 Stars
“Our belief in blending and our general curiosity inspired us to experiment with the combination of straight rye whiskeys from three different states with the goal of adding extra depth and complexity to what were already great whiskeys in order to create a truly exceptional product. First West Rye is an expression of distilling in America’s First West, which in 1795 centered on Kentucky, the first state west of the Appalachians.
“The First West Rye is a blend of three rye whiskeys, all made from a mash bill of 95 per cent rye and 5 per cent malted barley, and distilled in Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. This marriage of fine rye whiskeys features bright notes of apricot, green tea, and honey, which are accented by baking spices, cocoa, and ground pepper.”
Balance – Simple Pairing
Amaretto cookie
Balance – Appetizer/entrée/dessert
Lamb shank in a portobello sauce
Counterbalance – Simple pairing
Italian sausage pizza bites
Counterbalance – Appetizer/entrée/dessert
Gumbo
Explosion – Simple Pairing
Chocolate moon pie
Explosion – Appetizer/entrée/dessert
Fig and balsamic truffle glazed flatbread
Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon – 116 proof
From Murphy Quint, head distiller and director of operations at Cedar Ridge Distillery:
“The signature of Cedar Ridge whiskey is the approachability. Our Iowa bourbon is an easy-sipping whiskey that packs a lot of flavors. You can have it neat or in a cocktail and it holds up. We really try to make our whiskey represent the midwestern people – it’s very inviting and friendly.”
Balance – Simple Pairing
Corn bread with sorghum
Balance – Appetizer/entrée/dessert
Corn bread salad
Counterbalance – Simple pairing
Spianch tortellini bites
Counterbalance – Appetizer/entrée/dessert
Beef stew
Explosion – Simple Pairing
Jam cupcakes with caramel icing
Explosion – Appetizer/entrée/dessert
Bourbon-glazed baby back ribs with spice rub
Hope you enjoy these products alongside your favorite food pairings. The texture and quality of each spirit will stir anybody’s taste buds. Enjoy!
----
|
How To Pair |
|
Balance is when you complement a predominant note in the whiskey |
|
Counterbalance is when opposites attract and you fire up a food flavor, |
|
Explosion is almost too much of a good thing, when you take a predominant whiskey note and dial up the food match, to create surround-sound flavors that slap an immediate smile on your face and palate. |
