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.

1000 pairings

Crossbill Highland Dry Gin
Gin

Smoked salmon with crème fraîche

Crossbill Highland Dry Gin

Crossbill

Pairing

The gin's piney intensity and peppery bite cut through the richness of cold-smoked salmon, while the lemon note mirrors the traditional squeeze of citrus.

Pietradolce Etna Bianco DOC 2023
White Wine

Grilled branzino with capers and lemon

Pietradolce Etna Bianco DOC 2023

Pietradolce

Pairing

The wine's saline minerality and citrus acidity make it a perfect foil for simply grilled Mediterranean sea bass, dressed with Pantelleria capers, extra virgin olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon.

G4 Extra Añejo 5 Year Tequila
Tequila

Mole negro with braised short ribs

G4 Extra Añejo 5 Year Tequila

G4

Pairing

The chocolate and tobacco notes in this extra añejo mirror the complex spice profile of Oaxacan mole negro, while the agave sweetness balances the dish's bitter chocolate and dried chili heat.

Pietradolce Etna Rosso DOC 2021
Red Wine

Grilled swordfish with caponata

Pietradolce Etna Rosso DOC 2021

Pietradolce

Pairing

Chargrilled swordfish steaks alongside Sicilian caponata — the sweet-sour vegetable medley bridges the wine's fruit and mineral elements while the char complements its volcanic character.

Midleton Very Rare 2022
Irish Whiskey

Seared scallops with brown butter and hazelnuts

Midleton Very Rare 2022

Midleton Very Rare

Pairing

The whiskey's buttery texture and honeyed sweetness mirror the caramelized scallop surface, while toasted hazelnuts echo the almond and woody undertones of the spirit.

Volans Blanco Tequila
Tequila

Volans Blanco Tequila

Volans

Pairing

Aguachile verde with fresh shrimp, cucumber, and serrano — the tequila's mineral bite and herbal cool mirror the dish's brightness without overpowering the seafood.

Hendrick's Orbium Gin
Gin

Seared scallops with bitter endive salad

Hendrick's Orbium Gin

Hendrick's

Pairing

The gin's quinine bitterness and violet florals play off the sweet scallop meat, while its juniper pine notes complement the bitter endive and a light lemon vinaigrette.

Applewood Gin
Gin

Grilled prawns with finger lime

Applewood Gin

Applewood

Pairing

The citrus and peppery gin amplifies the sweetness of grilled prawns, while finger lime caviar bursts add a tart, textural counterpoint that mirrors the gin's brightness.

Calle 23 Añejo Tequila
Tequila

Mole negro with braised chicken

Calle 23 Añejo Tequila

Calle 23

Pairing

The tequila's chocolate and spice notes mirror the mole's complexity, while the agave sweetness bridges the sauce's smoky chiles and the tender, savory chicken.

Beefeater London Garden Gin
Gin

Grilled halloumi with herb salad

Beefeater London Garden Gin

Beefeater

Pairing

Charred halloumi cheese served over a bright salad of fresh herbs — mint, dill, parsley — with shaved cucumber and a lemon-olive oil dressing. The cheese's salty char and the herbs' brightness echo the gin's botanical profile.

Graci Etna Rosso DOC 2021
Red Wine

Grilled swordfish with caponata

Graci Etna Rosso DOC 2021

Graci

Pairing

Charcoal-grilled swordfish steaks served with warm Sicilian caponata — eggplant, tomatoes, capers, and pine nuts in a sweet-and-sour sauce. The dish's smoky char and Mediterranean flavors mirror the wine's volcanic minerality.

El Pandillo Añejo Tequila
Tequila

Mole negro with braised short ribs

El Pandillo Añejo Tequila

El Pandillo

Pairing

Slow-braised beef short ribs in Oaxacan mole negro with its blend of dried chiles, chocolate, and roasted spices. The mole's depth and bittersweet complexity mirror the tequila's coffee and caramel notes.

Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Mont Demi-Sec 2023
White Wine

Pan-roasted lobster with beurre blanc

Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Mont Demi-Sec 2023

Domaine Huet

Pairing

Butter-basted lobster tail with a classic beurre blanc sauce finished with fresh tarragon, served alongside blanched asparagus. The wine's honey sweetness and cutting acidity handle the butter's richness while echoing the dish's elegance.

Glendalough Pot Still Irish Whiskey
Irish Whiskey

Glendalough Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Glendalough Distillery

Pairing

Roasted pork loin with apple-cider glaze and caraway-roasted parsnips — the whiskey's virgin-oak spice and orchard fruit mirror the caramelization on the pork while cutting the root vegetables' sweetness.

Domaine André Ostertag Pinot Gris Fronholz 2023
White Wine

Tarte flambée with crème fraîche

Domaine André Ostertag Pinot Gris Fronholz 2023

Domaine Ostertag

Pairing

A classic Alsatian tarte flambée with thin crispy dough, crème fraîche, caramelized onions, and lardons — the wine's richness and acidity cut through the cream while its honeyed character complements the onion sweetness.

Chamucos Añejo
Tequila

Mole negro with chicken

Chamucos Añejo

Chamucos

Pairing

Slow-braised chicken thighs in a complex Oaxacan mole negro — the chocolate, chili, and spice in the sauce echo the tequila's dark cocoa, cinnamon, and oak character.

Neisson 18 Year Old Rhum Agricole Vieux
Rum

Dark chocolate tart with fleur de sel

Neisson 18 Year Old Rhum Agricole Vieux

Neisson

Pairing

A rich bittersweet chocolate tart with a buttery crust, topped with a scattering of Guérande fleur de sel — the salt opens up the chocolate's bitterness to meet the rum's cacao and toffee character.

Auchroisk 10 Year Old Flora & Fauna
Scotch Whisky

Honey-glazed roasted salmon

Auchroisk 10 Year Old Flora & Fauna

Auchroisk

Pairing

Wild salmon fillet roasted with a honey-thyme glaze, served alongside roasted fingerling potatoes and wilted watercress — the honey mirrors the malt while the fish's fatty richness complements the buttery texture.

Bodegas Aalto 2021
Red Wine

Grilled lamb chops with rosemary

Bodegas Aalto 2021

Aalto

Pairing

Thick-cut lamb loin chops grilled over charcoal with fresh rosemary, served alongside roasted root vegetables and a red pepper romesco — the lamb's char and fat match the wine's tannic structure while rosemary echoes its herbal notes.

Sottimano Barbaresco Currà DOCG 2020
Red Wine

Braised rabbit with porcini mushrooms

Sottimano Barbaresco Currà DOCG 2020

Sottimano

Pairing

Slowly braised rabbit with dried porcini mushrooms, fresh thyme, and soft polenta. The gamey richness of the rabbit complements the wine's structure and earthy undertones, while the porcini echo its forest floor aromatics.

Domaine Marc Tempé Riesling Zellenberg 2023
White Wine

Flammekueche with crème fraîche and lardons

Domaine Marc Tempé Riesling Zellenberg 2023

Domaine Marc Tempé

Pairing

Traditional Alsatian tarte flambée with thin-rolled dough, crème fraîche, caramelized onions, and smoked lardons. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the cream, while its mineral backbone matches the savory, smoky character of the dish.

Kyrö Napue Rye Gin
Gin

Gravlax with mustard-dill sauce

Kyrö Napue Rye Gin

Kyrö

Pairing

Cured salmon gravlax with a sweet mustard and dill sauce on rye crispbread. The gin's rye base echoes the crispbread, while the juniper and herbal botanicals complement the cure spices on the salmon.

Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #11
Bourbon

Smoked brisket with coffee rub

Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery Series #11

Bardstown Bourbon Company

Pairing

Slow-smoked brisket with a coffee and brown sugar rub, served alongside pickled red onion and cornbread. The smoke and char on the meat echo the bourbon's charred oak notes, while the coffee rub amplifies the cocoa undertones.

Habitation Velier Hampden DOK 2010
Rum

Jamaican jerk pork belly

Habitation Velier Hampden DOK 2010

Habitation Velier

Pairing

Slow-roasted jerk pork belly with mango chutney and charred pineapple. The rum's tropical fruit intensity finds a natural partner in the mango, while the jerk spice and char bridge to the spirit's oak, leather, and smoky funk.

Niepoort Charme Douro DOC 2020
Red Wine

Braised short ribs with black olive tapenade

Niepoort Charme Douro DOC 2020

Niepoort

Pairing

The rich, slow-cooked beef mirrors the wine's depth and tannin structure, while the olive tapenade's savory brininess plays against the Douro's mineral backbone. Serve with roasted root vegetables.

Cascahuín Plata 48
Tequila

Cascahuín Plata 48

Cascahuín

Pairing

Grilled octopus with smoked paprika, lemon, and Castelvetrano olives — the tequila's salinity and pepper mirror the char while its citrus lifts the richness.

Clos Erasmus Priorat 2019
Red Wine

Slow-roasted lamb shoulder with romesco sauce

Clos Erasmus Priorat 2019

Clos Erasmus

Pairing

The wine's mineral intensity and concentrated dark fruit stand up to the lamb's richness, while romesco's roasted peppers and almonds echo the toasted, herbal character of the Priorat terroir.

Whitley Neill Quince Gin
Gin

Manchego with quince paste

Whitley Neill Quince Gin

Whitley Neill

Pairing

The gin's quince character echoes the classic membrillo pairing, while the juniper and spice cut through the creamy richness of aged Manchego cheese.

Four Roses Small Batch
Bourbon

Smoked pork chops with apple chutney

Four Roses Small Batch

Four Roses

Pairing

The bourbon's apple and butterscotch notes harmonize with the sweet-tart chutney, while the rye spice cuts through the richness of the smoked pork.

Chalong Bay Pure Series Original
Rum

Chalong Bay Pure Series Original

Chalong Bay

Pairing

Green papaya salad (som tam) with dried shrimp, or grilled prawns with a nam jim seafood dipping sauce — the rum's herbal minerality lifts chili heat and echoes the citrus-lemongrass palette of Thai cuisine.

Arbikie AK's Gin
Gin

Smoked salmon blinis with dill cream

Arbikie AK's Gin

Arbikie

Pairing

The gin's peppery juniper and citrus cut through the rich, fatty salmon while complementing the herbaceous dill. The ginger warmth echoes the smokiness.

Girolamo Russo Etna Rosso 'a Rina 2021
Red Wine

Wild mushroom risotto with shaved pecorino

Girolamo Russo Etna Rosso 'a Rina 2021

Girolamo Russo

Pairing

The earthy minerality and bright acidity of the Etna Rosso complement the umami depth of wild porcini and chanterelle mushrooms, while the cherry fruit cuts through the richness of the rice and aged pecorino.

Hayman's London Dry Gin
Gin

Grilled sardines with lemon

Hayman's London Dry Gin

Hayman's

Pairing

The piney juniper and bright citrus of the gin cut through the rich oiliness of grilled sardines, while the cassia bark warmth complements a squeeze of charred lemon and a scattering of sea salt.

Stellum Equinox Bourbon Whiskey
Bourbon

Smoked brisket with coffee rub

Stellum Equinox Bourbon Whiskey

Stellum

Pairing

The bourbon's charred oak and brown spice notes dovetail with the smoky bark and coffee crust of slow-smoked brisket, while its caramel sweetness tempers the meat's richness.

Sipsmith Sloe Gin
Gin

Duck liver pâté with cornichons

Sipsmith Sloe Gin

Sipsmith

Pairing

The gin's tart berry fruit and almond undertone complement the richness of duck liver pâté, while its acidity mirrors the snap of cornichons.

Radikon Slatnik 2022
White Wine

Radikon Slatnik 2022

Radikon

Pairing

Aged Montasio, prosciutto di San Daniele, roasted chicken with saffron, or lentil and farro stews. Its tannic grip also handles grilled mushrooms and miso-glazed fish beautifully.

Rhum J.M Millésime 2012
Rum

Dark chocolate tart with sea salt and candied orange

Rhum J.M Millésime 2012

Rhum J.M

Pairing

The rum's chocolate and orange peel notes mirror the tart's flavors directly, while the agricole character and oak tannins cut through the richness of the ganache. The sea salt heightens everything.

Mannochmore 12 Year Old Flora & Fauna
Scotch Whisky

Lemon-thyme roasted chicken

Mannochmore 12 Year Old Flora & Fauna

Mannochmore

Pairing

The whisky's delicate floral and honey notes pair beautifully with herb-roasted chicken, where the peach undertones complement the lemon's brightness and the malt echoes the golden skin.

Domaine Weinbach Pinot Blanc Réserve 2023
White Wine

Tarte flambée with crème fraîche and gruyère

Domaine Weinbach Pinot Blanc Réserve 2023

Domaine Weinbach

Pairing

The wine's citrus brightness and mineral backbone cut through the richness of a traditional Alsatian tarte flambée, while its subtle creaminess complements the crème fraîche and melted cheese. Add thinly sliced onions for sweetness.

Thomas Dakin Gin
Gin

Smoked trout rillettes

Thomas Dakin Gin

Thomas Dakin

Pairing

The gin's juniper backbone and peppery finish cut through the richness of smoked trout rillettes, while the citrus notes complement the traditional caper and cornichon accompaniments.

Boatyard Double Gin
Gin

Boatyard Double Gin

Boatyard Distillery

Pairing

Pan-seared trout with brown butter, capers, and dill — the gin's piney juniper and bog myrtle mirror the freshwater fish and herbal butter beautifully.

El Tesoro Extra Añejo Tequila
Tequila

Mole negro with braised short ribs

El Tesoro Extra Añejo Tequila

El Tesoro

Pairing

The dark chocolate and tobacco in the tequila dovetail with the complex spice blend of mole negro, while the braised meat's richness matches the spirit's weight and butterscotch sweetness.

Wolfburn Northland Gin
Gin

Gravlax with mustard-dill sauce

Wolfburn Northland Gin

Wolfburn

Pairing

The gin's pine-driven juniper and citrus brightness cut through the cured salmon's richness, while the peppery finish complements the mustard's heat.

La Gritona Reposado
Tequila

La Gritona Reposado

La Gritona

Pairing

Grilled branzino with salsa verde, charred spring onions, and a squeeze of lime — the fish's clean minerality mirrors the tequila's saline finish.

Marcel Lapierre Regnié 2022
Red Wine

Charcuterie board with country pâté

Marcel Lapierre Regnié 2022

Domaine Marcel Lapierre

Pairing

The wine's bright acidity and light tannins cut through the richness of rustic country pâté, saucisson sec, and cornichons on a simple board.

Hernö Gin
Gin

Gravlax with mustard-dill sauce

Hernö Gin

Hernö

Pairing

The gin's juniper and herbal brightness cuts through the rich, cured salmon, while the mustard-dill sauce echoes the gin's botanical complexity. Serve on dark rye bread.

Tequila Ocho Añejo 2019 Single Estate
Tequila

Mole negro with braised chicken

Tequila Ocho Añejo 2019 Single Estate

Tequila Ocho

Pairing

The deep, layered spice of mole negro — chocolate, dried chiles, cinnamon — finds natural harmony with the añejo's oak and baking spice, while the braised chicken's richness matches the tequila's body.

GlenAllachie 12 Year Old
Scotch Whisky

Dark chocolate torte with candied orange

GlenAllachie 12 Year Old

GlenAllachie

Pairing

The torte's bittersweet chocolate and candied citrus amplify the whisky's cocoa and orange peel notes, while the sherry-cask sweetness bridges dessert and dram.

El Dorado 21 Year Old Special Reserve
Rum

Espresso crème brûlée

El Dorado 21 Year Old Special Reserve

El Dorado

Pairing

The custard's caramelized sugar crust mirrors the rum's toffee notes, while espresso in the base matches the coffee and chocolate character. The rum's dried fruit complexity provides the counterpoint the dessert needs.

Limavady Single Barrel Irish Whiskey
Irish Whiskey

Grilled peach and burrata salad

Limavady Single Barrel Irish Whiskey

Limavady

Pairing

The charred sweetness of grilled peaches echoes the whiskey's peach and honey notes, while burrata's cream mirrors the buttery mouthfeel. A drizzle of aged balsamic adds the right tannic contrast.

Beara Ocean Gin
Gin

Smoked mackerel on soda bread

Beara Ocean Gin

Beara

Pairing

The gin's maritime salinity and juniper pine match the oily richness and smoke of the mackerel, while the soda bread provides a neutral, wheaty base.

Cotswolds Dry Gin
Gin

Herbed goat cheese crostini

Cotswolds Dry Gin

Cotswolds

Pairing

Crostini topped with whipped goat cheese, fresh thyme, and a drizzle of wildflower honey. The herbal and floral notes of the cheese echo the gin's lavender and juniper.

Espolòn Añejo Tequila
Tequila

Mole negro chicken

Espolòn Añejo Tequila

Espolòn

Pairing

Braised chicken thigh in mole negro with toasted sesame seeds and warm tortillas. The mole's chocolate and chili complexity mirrors the tequila's dark chocolate and pepper notes.

Telmo Rodríguez Lanzaga Rioja 2019
Red Wine

Grilled lamb chops with romesco

Telmo Rodríguez Lanzaga Rioja 2019

Compañía de Vinos Telmo Rodríguez

Pairing

Grilled lamb chops served with smoky romesco sauce and roasted piquillo peppers. The lamb's char and fat mirror the wine's gamey notes and tannin structure, while romesco bridges the cherry fruit.

Tobermory Hebridean Gin
Gin

Seared scallops with lemon butter and samphire

Tobermory Hebridean Gin

Tobermory

Pairing

The gin's lemon brightness and floral juniper character echo the sea-salty samphire, while its peppery finish cuts through the rich butter sauce surrounding the sweet, caramelized scallops.

Cascahuin Extra Añejo Gran Reserva
Tequila

Oaxacan mole negro over slow-braised short rib

Cascahuin Extra Añejo Gran Reserva

Cascahuin

Pairing

The dark chocolate and cinnamon in both the tequila and the mole create a deep resonance, while the agave's sweetness lifts the chili-forward sauce and the rich, falling-apart beef.

Siete Leguas D'Antaño Extra Añejo
Tequila

Mole negro with braised short ribs

Siete Leguas D'Antaño Extra Añejo

Siete Leguas

Pairing

Slow-braised short ribs in a complex mole negro sauce — with its notes of chocolate, dried chiles, and warm spices — creates a dialogue with the tequila's dark chocolate and tobacco character while the meat's richness matches its silky body.

Copperhead London Dry Gin
Gin

Moules-frites with garlic aioli

Copperhead London Dry Gin

Copperhead

Pairing

Classic Belgian steamed mussels in white wine broth with crispy frites and a garlic aioli, where the briny shellfish highlights the gin's angelica earthiness and the aioli bridges its coriander notes.

Clairin Communal Le Rocher Ansyen 24 Mois
Rum

Griot (Haitian fried pork)

Clairin Communal Le Rocher Ansyen 24 Mois

Clairin

Pairing

Crispy Haitian griot — marinated, braised, then fried pork shoulder served with pikliz (spicy pickled cabbage) — matches the rum's funky depth and tropical brightness while the heat of the pikliz plays against its subtle sweetness.

Tequila Ocho Curado Espadín
Tequila

Grilled octopus with salsa verde

Tequila Ocho Curado Espadín

Tequila Ocho

Pairing

The charred, tender octopus echoes the spirit's smoke, while the bright, herbaceous salsa verde complements the tequila's green vegetal notes and citrus brightness.

Talisker Distillers Edition 2023
Scotch Whisky

Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and sea salt

Talisker Distillers Edition 2023

Talisker

Pairing

The smoky char of the lamb meets the whisky's peat, while the herb crust echoes the dried fruit sweetness and the sea salt amplifies Talisker's signature brine.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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