Barbecue

• Barbecued meat, whether it be chicken, pork or beef brisket, is a natural match for bourbon. The barbecue's sweet and smoky flavor notes line up perfectly with bourbon's same sweet-smoky character, providing a complementary pairing. Anything slathered in barbecue sauce will have a similar affinity for bourbon, whether it's a side of beans, sausages, a filet of salmon or a portobello mushroom on a bun.

Bacon

• Bacon, too, is smoky and sweet and thus a good match to bourbon. Both hickory-smoked and fruitwood-smoked bacon work well with the brown liquor, and maple bacon is particularly tasty alongside bourbon. A bacon cheeseburger, a bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin or even a spinach-bacon salad would work well with bourbon. Or try wrapping dates in bacon and serving as an appetizer, perhaps stuffed with a dab of goat cheese.

Smoked Meat

• Match the smoky note that charred oak gives to bourbon with smoked gourmet meats. Hot or cold-smoked salmon, slices of smoked duck breast or smoked ham, or a well-smoked pork chop are all options. If you can find a good artisan beef jerky, try it with a sip of bourbon and taste the interplay of flavors. A pastrami sandwich or Montreal-style smoked meat would also make a good mate with a glass of bourbon.

Grilled Meat, Vegetables and Fruit

• Cooking food over an open flame imparts a subtle smokiness that is enhanced by a good bourbon. You can serve the spirit with kabobs of beef, chicken or lamb or with gourmet hamburgers. You can grill a steak and serve bourbon on the side. But there's no need to stick to grilled meats. Try bourbon and grilled pineapple, fig or peach -- the sweet fruity flavors play well with the caramel and vanilla notes of bourbon. Even grilled vegetables such as corn, potatoes and sweet potatoes pair well with bourbon.

Chocolate

• For dessert, try bourbon paired with chocolate. You can offer chunks of pure dark chocolate, or plate up a slice of a rich chocolate torte. Or try chocolate pecan pie -- anything with nuts and chocolate together will play well with bourbon's nutty character. If you're feeling casual, serve bite-sized brownies. If you're looking for a more sophisticated classic for dessert, a cup of chocolate mousse is an option.