Whiskey paring with your steak

The Perfect Match: Pairing Premium Steaks with Exceptional Bourbon & Whiskey

A great steak deserves more than just a glass of red wine. At a true steakhouse, bourbon and whiskey offer a bold, flavorful companion enhancing the richness of the beef, complementing char, and elevating the entire dining experience.

Below is our curated guide to pairing classic steak cuts with select bourbons and whiskeys, each chosen to bring out the best in both the glass and the plate.

Tomahawk Ribeye & Angel’s Envy

The tomahawk ribeye is all about drama , massive marbling, deep beef flavor, and a beautifully charred crust.

Why it works:

Angel’s Envy delivers a rich, velvety profile with notes of vanilla, caramel, and subtle sweetness from its port wine finish. That smooth complexity mirrors the indulgence of the tomahawk without overwhelming it.

Bone-In Ribeye & Buffalo Trace

A bone-in ribeye offers bold flavor and juiciness, thanks to its generous fat content and natural richness.

Why it works:

Buffalo Trace is a classic, well-balanced bourbon with hints of toffee, oak, and spice. Its approachable structure complements the ribeye’s richness while allowing the beef to remain the star.

Boneless Ribeye & Four Roses

Slightly more refined than its bone-in counterpart, the boneless ribeye still delivers deep flavor with a smoother bite.

Why it works:

Four Roses brings floral notes, gentle spice, and a touch of sweetness that cuts through the fat while enhancing the steak’s natural umami.

New York Strip & Bulleit Bourbon

The New York strip is known for its firm texture and bold, beef-forward flavor.

Why it works:

Bulleit’s high-rye mash bill adds a spicy edge with notes of oak and dried fruit , perfect for matching the assertive personality of this classic steakhouse cut.

Kansas Strip & Woodford Reserve

A close cousin to the New York strip, the Kansas strip offers a balance of tenderness and flavor with a pronounced char.

Why it works:

Woodford Reserve’s toasted oak, cocoa, and warm spice notes echo the grill’s smokiness, creating a seamless steakhouse pairing.

Tenderloin Filet & The Macallan

The filet tenderloin is prized for its buttery texture and subtle flavor.

Why it works:

The Macallan’s smooth, refined profile—featuring notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and soft oak enhances the filet without overpowering its delicate nature.

Manhattan Filet & Rye Whiskey

Elegant and tender, the Manhattan filet calls for a spirit with character and bite.

Why it works:

Rye whiskey offers peppery spice and a dry finish that adds contrast and sophistication, echoing the classic Manhattan cocktail while elevating the steak’s mild richness.

Bonus Pairing: Talisker & Charred Ribeye Cuts

For guests who enjoy Scotch, Talisker is an exceptional choice with ribeye cuts.

Why it works:

Its smoky, maritime character and peppery finish pair beautifully with heavily charred steaks, especially bone-in ribeye or tomahawk.

Elevate the Steakhouse Experience

Pairing steak with bourbon or whiskey isn’t just about flavor , it’s about creating a memorable moment. Whether you prefer bold and smoky, smooth and sweet, or spicy and complex, the right pairing transforms a great meal into an exceptional one.

Next time you order your favorite cut, consider what’s in your glass. The perfect pairing is waiting.