Heading to Bourbon & Beyond Sept. 14-17? Good choice. Before bourbon sampling (and in between seeing Bruno Mars, The Killers, and 60+ other artists ), take tabs on these music-pairing tips from bourbon expert Chris Blandford, who curated an extensive lineup of bourbons for the festival’s Kroger Big Bourbon Bar .
🎸 Match intensity + mood
Think:
- Rock or blues — bold and oaky bourbon
- Progressive rock (or other intricate, layered genres) — rich, complex bourbon
- Jazz — smooth and sweet bourbon
- Acoustic or folk music — simple, no-fuss bourbon
🥃 Consider flavors
Think about the flavor profile and how it complements the music’s emotions. A bourbon with lots of caramel and vanilla notes might pair nicely with mellow tunes, while a spicier bourbon could resonate with energetic tracks.
🎵 Experiment
Try different bourbons with various music genres to find combinations you enjoy. The goal is to create a harmonious balance that enhances both the bourbon-drinking experience and the enjoyment of the music.