There’s something undeniably special about the pairing of whiskey and barbecue. Both are steeped in tradition, shaped by time, and defined by craftsmanship. They share a deep connection to fire, wood, and smoke—elements that transform simple ingredients into something rich, complex, and unforgettable.

At The Smoke Shop BBQ Restaurant, we celebrate this natural pairing every day. Whiskey’s bold character stands up to the deep, smoky flavors of slow-cooked meats, creating a balance that’s as timeless as the craft itself. The aging process of whiskey, especially bourbon and rye, takes place in charred oak barrels, where the spirit develops notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. These same characteristics complement the flavors of authentic barbecue, from the smoked bark of a brisket to the sweet heat of a well-crafted sauce.

Beyond flavor, there’s a shared heritage between whiskey and barbecue. Both have roots in American tradition—whiskey, carefully distilled and aged over years, and BBQ, patiently smoked over hours by skilled pitmasters. Whether you’re enjoying a carefully selected whiskey flight or a slow-smoked plate of brisket, the experience is one of craftsmanship and appreciation.

At The Smoke Shop, we take pride not only in serving the best barbecue but also in offering an extensive whiskey program that includes over 250 American whiskeys. Our guests can enjoy private tastings, explore whiskey flights, and attend special events designed to highlight the beauty of whiskey and barbecue together.

One of the best ways to experience this pairing is through our monthly Whiskey Dinner Series. Each month, we partner with a featured distillery to present a curated three-flight whiskey tasting, expertly paired with a full BBQ dinner. These exclusive dinners offer a unique opportunity to explore rare and limited-release whiskeys while indulging in our signature barbecue dishes, all in the company of fellow whiskey enthusiasts.

Three Whiskeys We Can’t Stop Sipping Right Now

1. Buffalo Trace Bourbon – A classic whiskey that goes with just about anything. Great for sipping, over a king cube, or in a cocktail – this one is tried and true to its core.
2. WhistlePig Farmstock Rye – A staple in our rye collection, this New England-born whiskey is crafted with WhistlePig’s own grain, distilled using water from their well, and aged in Vermont Oak barrels sourced sustainably from the region. Bold, complex, and undeniably smooth.
3. Rabbit Hole Heigold Bourbon Private Barrel (Only available at The Smoke Shop BBQ) – We hand-selected this private barrel to highlight one of Kentucky’s most exciting up-and-coming distilleries. Its rich spice notes make it a perfect match for our BBQ, especially our Nashville sliders.

Not one to sip straight whiskey? We go you.

In Andy’s esteemed cookbook, “Pitmaster,” we follow the recipe for his Day Drinking Sweet Tea more often than not. This is how we take our sweet tea up a notch (or two) with a splash of bourbon and a touch of Campari—a bold, bittersweet combo that hits just right. If you’re looking for something a little tamer, just skip the bourbon (but let’s be honest, why would you?).

Fair warning: More than two, and you might just forget the meat is in the smoker.

Ingredients

• Crushed ice
• 2 oz (60 ml) of your favorite bourbon
• 1 oz (28 ml) Campari
• A couple of dashes of walnut bitters
• Sweet tea, to fill the glass

Method

1. Fill a pint (475 ml) glass with crushed ice.
2. Add bourbon, Campari, and bitters.
3. Top it off with sweet tea.
4. Give it a quick stir and enjoy!

Whether you’re here for a casual meal, a whiskey tasting, or one of our special events, we invite you to pull up a chair, raise a glass, and experience the magic of whiskey and BBQ together.