Bourbon and Fall Charcuterie Pairings: How to Pair Ezra Brooks Bourbon with Autumn-Inspired Flavors

As the weather cools and fall flavors come into season, there’s no better time to savor bourbon alongside a charcuterie board filled with autumn-inspired ingredients. With their rich, bold, and warming notes, Ezra Brooks bourbons—Ezra Brooks 99, Ezra Brooks 99 Straight Rye Whiskey, and Old Ezra 7 Year—pair perfectly with cheeses, meats, and accompaniments that highlight the best of fall. In this guide, we’ll show you how to create the perfect pairings for a cozy evening or gathering.

The Perfect Fall Charcuterie Board Ingredients

A great fall charcuterie board starts with carefully chosen cheeses, meats, and seasonal garnishes that balance and complement the flavors in bourbon. Here’s how to build a board that pairs beautifully with the deep, warming notes of Ezra Brooks bourbons.

Fall-Inspired Cheeses

Cheeses with rich, bold flavors are perfect for pairing with bourbon. For a fall-inspired board, try these options:

• Aged Cheddar: Its sharp, nutty flavor pairs well with bourbon’s oak and caramel notes.
• Smoked Gouda: The smoky, creamy texture balances bourbon’s spice and depth.
• Blue Cheese: Bold and tangy, blue cheese complements the sweetness of bourbon, especially when paired with dried fruit.

Fall-Inspired Meats

Smoked and savory meats create a wonderful contrast to bourbon’s sweet, oaky character:

• Prosciutto: This thin, salty meat adds a delicate touch that pairs well with sweeter bourbons.
• Smoked Turkey: A perfect fall meat, it complements bourbon’s warmth and adds a savory balance.
• Soppressata: Spicy and rich, this meat pairs particularly well with high-proof bourbons.

Seasonal Fruits, Nuts, and Garnishes

To round out your board, add fall-inspired accompaniments:

• Dried Apricots & Figs: These dried fruits add sweetness and texture, highlighting bourbon’s caramel and spice notes.
• Roasted Pecans & Almonds: The nuttiness pairs wonderfully with bourbon’s toasted oak flavors.
• Apples & Pears: Fresh, crisp slices bring out the fruity undertones in bourbon.
• Honey & Fig Jam: These add sweetness and depth, balancing the bold flavors of the meats and cheeses.

Pairing Ezra Brooks 99 Bourbon with Fall Charcuterie

Ezra Brooks 99 Flavor Profile

Ezra Brooks 99 is a bold bourbon with deep caramel, vanilla, chocolate, and spice flavors, making it ideal for fall pairings. It delivers warmth with every sip, perfect for enjoying with rich cheeses and smoked meats.

Best Pairings for Ezra Brooks 99

• Cheeses: Aged cheddar or smoked gouda will complement the bourbon’s bold caramel and oak flavors, offering a rich, balanced bite.
• Meats: Smoked turkey or salami pairs beautifully with the bourbon’s spice and sweetness, enhancing the savory flavors.
• Other Ingredients: Dried apricots and roasted nuts will highlight the bourbon’s sweetness, creating a harmonious fall pairing.

Pairing Ezra Brooks 99 Straight Rye Whiskey with Fall Charcuterie

Ezra Brooks 99 Straight Rye Whiskey Flavor Profile

Ezra Brooks 99 Straight Rye Whiskey brings more spice to the table, with hints of chocolate, vanilla, spicy grains, and oaky tones. This whiskey calls for charcuterie ingredients that can balance its spiciness with creamy, savory flavors.

Best Pairings for Ezra Brooks 99 Straight Rye Whiskey

• Cheeses: Blue cheese or sharp cheddar provides a creamy counterpoint to the rye’s spice and peppery finish.
• Meats: Pair with prosciutto or chorizo to enhance the rye’s bold, spicy character.
• Other Ingredients: Fig jam and roasted pecans balance the peppery notes of the rye, adding a touch of sweetness to round out the pairing.

Pairing Old Ezra 7 Year Bourbon with Fall Charcuterie

Old Ezra 7 Year Flavor Profile

With a higher proof and robust flavor profile, Old Ezra 7 features prominent vanilla, caramel, oak and brown sugar notes. It’s a bourbon that demands equally bold pairings from your charcuterie board.

Best Pairings for Old Ezra 7 Year

• Cheeses: Go with triple cream brie or smoked gouda. The rich creaminess of these cheeses will mellow the heat of the high-proof bourbon, while still letting its bold flavors shine.
• Meats: Spicy soppressata or smoked ham offers a strong, savory contrast to the sweetness of Old Ezra 7, making for a well-balanced bite.
• Other Ingredients: Pair with crisp pear slices and a drizzle of honey to create a sweet contrast to the bourbon’s spice and heat.

Ezra Brooks Port Cask Finish Flavor Profile

Ezra Brooks Port Cask Finish offers a unique and luxurious flavor experience. On the nose, you’ll find vanilla, tobacco, and leather in perfect harmony, while the palate brings forward notes of sweet fruitiness and dark chocolate. These rich, complex flavors make this bourbon ideal for pairing with bold, decadent charcuterie ingredients.

Best Pairings for Ezra Brooks Port Cask Finish

• Cheeses: Aged gouda or Manchego pairs wonderfully with the dark chocolate and fruit notes of the bourbon, enhancing both the richness and the sweetness.
• Meats: Pair with smoked ham or venison salami. The smoky, gamey flavors complement the bourbon’s tobacco and leather undertones, creating a savory and satisfying combination.
• Other Ingredients: Dark chocolate squares or truffles and dried figs will echo the dark chocolate and fruit flavors in the bourbon, making for a perfect fall indulgence.

How to Build the Ultimate Fall Charcuterie Board with Ezra Brooks

Building the perfect fall charcuterie board to pair with Ezra Brooks bourbons is about balance and variety. Follow these steps to create a board that showcases the best of both the bourbon and the fall season:

1. Start with a Variety of Cheeses: Choose at least three cheeses with varying flavors and textures, such as sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and blue cheese.
2. Add Smoked and Savory Meats: Include two to three types of meat, like prosciutto, smoked turkey, and soppressata, to balance the sweetness of the bourbon.
3. Incorporate Seasonal Fruits: Add fall fruits like apples and pears, along with dried options like figs and apricots for sweetness.
4. Finish with Garnishes: Roasted nuts, fig jam, honey, and mustard make for perfect finishing touches that highlight bourbon’s complex flavors.

Serve each bourbon neat or with a splash of water to fully appreciate the nuanced flavors that pair perfectly with your fall charcuterie board.

Conclusion

Pairing Ezra Brooks bourbons and whiskeys with a fall-inspired charcuterie board is a great way to enjoy the season’s flavors. Regardless of the whiskey you choose, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, meats, and garnishes to find your favorite pairings and savor the warmth and depth of bourbon this fall.

Oh, and if you need to restock, find Ezra Brooks near you.