GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - Bourbon is the perfect pair for local cheese during your next party. Kowalski's Culinary Director Rachael Perron shared her tips on this delightful combo.
She says that like wine, bourbon offers a range of complex tastes, making it a great partner with local cheese, plus the fat in cheese can help you deal with bourbon’s "punch."
Another tip is to pair bourbon with cheese with similar descriptions. Bourbon is often described as:
• caramel, vanilla and toffee-flavored,
• smoky
• having a dried fruit sweetness
• sweet (from the corn mash)
• spicy (from the rye)
• nutty (from barley and maybe wheat)
RECIPES:
MINNESOTA MANHATTAN
2 oz. J. Carver Bourbon (or Straight Rye Whiskey)
1 oz. sweet vermouth
1-3 dashes Angostura bitters, to taste
1 Jack Rudy Co. Bourbon Cocktail Cherry
- ice
In a mixing glass combine bourbon, vermouth and bitters; add ice and stir until uniformly cold. Strain into a lowball glass and garnish with a cherry.
Serves 1.
CLASSIC OLD FASHIONED COCKTAIL
2 oz. bourbon
½ oz. Simple Syrup
1-3 dashes Angostura bitters, to taste
1 Jack Rudy Co. Bourbon Cocktail Cherry
1 slice of fresh orange
- ice
Add ice to a lowball glass. Pour in bourbon, ½ oz. Simple Syrup and bitters. Stir until uniformly cold; garnish with a cherry and a slice of orange, if desired.
Serves 1.
SIMPLE SYRUP: Combine ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat; cool for 30 min. Store, covered, in the refrigerator until ready to use.