Your Guide to Beer, BBQ, and Bourbon Pairings

At Crafted Travel, we believe that great moments are born from the perfect pairing of flavors. With Charleston's rich barbecue heritage as our backdrop, we've crafted a guide to elevate your barbecue experience to new heights. Explore how the right beer or whiskey can dance in harmony with each barbecue masterpiece on your own or experience a world of flavor on our bourbon, beer, and bbq tour.

The Meats

Brisket Brilliance: Consider the smoky allure of brisket, a canvas awaiting the perfect brushstroke. A robust porter, with its deep roasted malt character, bridges the gap between the tender caramelized exterior of the brisket and its hearty interior. This marriage of flavors enriches each bite, creating a captivating duet of textures and tastes. Indulge in the allure of brisket at Lewis Barbecue, a Charleston treasure. Pair this smoky masterpiece with "Edmund's Oast Porter" from Edmund's Oast Brewing Co or a smooth bourbon such as Basel Haydens.

Ravishing Ribs: Imagine succulent ribs – a blend of charred exterior and tender meat. A Brown Ale, like "Palmetto Brewing Co.'s Amber Ale"s nutty nuances weave seamlessly through the savory richness, adding depth to every mouthful. This symphony of flavors invites you to explore the layers of the dish, one sip and bite at a time. For some of the best ribs in town, check out Rodney Scott's BBQ.

Chicken Charisma: Grilled chicken, with its delicate flavor, finds a partner in a crisp wheat beer. The beer's effervescence cleanses the palate between bites, ensuring that each taste of the chicken is as refreshing as the first. The subtle spice notes of the wheat beer enhance the chicken's profile, offering a harmonious balance. Discover grilled chicken perfection at Smoke BBQ, pairing it with a refreshing, crisp wheat beer. "Westbrook White Thai.”

Terrific Turkey: Dive into the rich earthiness of barbecue turkey at Bessinger's Barbecue. Elevate this experience with a Belgian Tripel like "Allagash Tripel." The beer's intricate blend of fruity and spicy elements adds dimension to the dish, highlighting the turkey's herb-infused character. This partnership transforms each bite into an exploration of complex flavors.

Spice it Up

Carolina Style: Celebrate Charleston's heritage with the tangy Carolina-style sauce at Home Team BBQ. Carolina-style sauce, with its tangy and zesty personality, finds its counterpart in Bourbon. The spirit's sweet undertones offset the sauce's acidity, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors that showcases both elements without overpowering either.

Kansas City Classic: Delight in Kansas City sauce at Swig & Swine, known for its indulgent barbecue. Elevate this sweetness with a splash of "Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon." The interplay of the sauce's velvety richness and the bourbon's caramel notes creates a symphony of flavors.

Texas Tang: Experience the bold spice of Texas-style sauce at Moe's Crosstown Tavern. Complement this heat with a crisp Lager like "Pabst Blue Ribbon" or a smoky Bourbon such as "Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon." The Lager's clean finish refreshes the palate, while the bourbon's smokiness resonates with the sauce's robust profile.

Last but not Least

Round off your barbecue feast with a slice of "Banana Pudding" from Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q. Pair this indulgence with the richness of an imperial stout such as the "Coast Brewing Co. Blackbeerd" Stout. Or try pairing with a smooth bourbon like "Basel Haydens" for a sublime finish that leaves you craving more.

Crafted Travel invites you to indulge in a sensory adventure where Charleston's culinary heritage meets the world of beer, bourbon, and barbecue. From iconic barbecue joints to local breweries and distilleries, our journey transcends borders and brings together cultures in perfect harmony. Cheers to Crafted Travel and the symphony of flavors that await you!

Put it All Together

Embark on an extraordinary culinary expedition with Crafted Travel's immersive barbecue and libations tour. Our meticulously designed tour takes you on a sensory journey through Charleston's barbecue culture, where every bite and sip is a symphony of flavors. By joining us, you're not just embarking on a tour – you're unlocking the secrets behind the perfect pairings that elevate your barbecue experience to new heights. As you indulge in the exquisite world of beer, bourbon, and barbecue, let this key be your companion, unveiling the science and artistry that unite each element. At Crafted Travel, we believe in crafting moments that linger on your palate and memory, and with this key in hand, you'll navigate the harmonious dance of flavors like a true connoisseur.