Reasons Why Steak and Whiskey Go Well Together
Why Is Whiskey Considered a Good Pairing With Steak?
For generations, whiskey has been paired with a good cut of steak on special occasion meals. The act isn’t a coincidence, though; complementary flavors between the two make the pairing so iconic.
The smoky, robust flavors of both whiskey and steak are much better paired together than, say, a soft drink and a steak.
Richer cuts of steak tend to pair better with lighter whiskey spirits since the flavors don’t have to compete with each other.
Likewise, leaner cuts are best enjoyed with full-bodied selections to enhance both flavors while dining.
What Types of Whiskey Pair Best With Different Cuts of Steak?
To get the full Las Vegas steak restaurant experience, you need to pair your mature whiskeys with specific cuts of steak.
Here are four pairings you can find at Carversteak that are guaranteed to get your taste buds salivating:
- Ribeye and Irish Whiskey: All the marbled excellence inside a ribeye demands a whiskey that doesn’t compete in flavor. You’ll find no other option worthy than a mellow and smooth glass of Irish whiskey. The calm and soothing notes of the whiskey complement the fattiness of the ribeye to create a decadent, full-bodied experience.
- Filet Mignon and Bourbon: Leaner cuts of steak like the filet mignon call for a full-bodied whiskey that only bourbon like the Maker’s Mark Private Selection can create. The complex and distinguished flavor helps bring out the delicate nature of the filet, allowing the buttery texture to shine.
- New York Strip and Rye: With a beefy flavor and perfect balance between fat and lean meat, the New York Strip pairs beautifully with the spiciness of rye whiskey. The peppery bit of rye perfectly contrasts the savory richness of the strip, adding the right amount of complexity to each bite.
- Porterhouse and Scotch: The porterhouse is already a perfect combination of tender filet and flavorful strip. That means the peaty scotch is a wonderful complement to the steak’s smoky char, enhancing the grilled flavors.
No other Las Vegas Strip steakhouse can give you all the pairings above like Carversteak.
How Does Whiskey Enhance the Flavors of Steak?
The alcohol in whiskey tends to clear any taste profiles on your tongue after even a small sip, especially if you swish it around your mouth like a good whiskey should be experienced.
This means that even after a bite of rich and fatty steaks like the ribeye, your taste buds are completely wiped clean by the whiskey.
Instead of your palette becoming oversaturated and fatigued by all the rich flavors of the steak, the whiskey prepares you to experience all the flavors again.
What Is the Science Behind Pairing Whiskey With Steak?
To understand the classic matchup between a premium whiskey and a high-quality cut of steak, you need to look at things from a chemical perspective.
Whiskey, especially aged varieties, contains compounds known as tannins and vanillin. These are transferred to the whiskey from the barrels in which it is aged.
The tannins and vanillins tend to pair well with the rich, smoky notes of a grilled or seared steak. The umami-rich flavors of the steak also help highlight the caramelized, oaky sweetness in whiskey to create a balanced and satisfying taste bud experience.
The alcohol in the whiskey is also a palate cleanser, which cuts through the fattiness of the meat and gives each bite just as fresh a taste as the last.
For the best pairings, Carversteak, our Las Vegas steakhouse, has you covered with the highest quality steak cuts and finest-aged whiskeys.
Are There Specific Whiskey Cocktails That Pair Well With Steak?
Having a straight glass of whiskey with a steak can be overwhelming and doesn’t provide as much liquid to last an entire steak dinner.
That’s why an excellent steak cocktail can be a valued alternative. Classics like the Old Fashioned or the Manhattan will still feature the profile of whiskey prominently to bring out the rich steak flavors.
Carversteak handcrafts its whiskey cocktails to perfectly complement each cut of steak. Our expert mixologists create custom pairings to make us the best steak restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Whiskey To Accompany My Steak?
The first thing that should come to mind is the cut of steak you’ve chosen for your meal. Richer, fattier cuts like ribeye pair better with lighter whiskeys, while leaner cuts like filet mignon go well with full-bodied whiskeys.
You should also consider the whiskey’s flavor profile. Smoky or peaty whiskeys like a scotch go well with the charred and grilled flavors of a steak. Sweeter bourbons tend to balance out savory and umami-rich meats.
Does the Way a Steak Is Cooked Affect Its Pairing With Whiskey?
Whiskey and steak connoisseurs looking for the best steak and whiskey restaurant in Las Vegas should consider how their steak is cooked while pairing the two.
Rare or medium-rare steaks retain more of their natural juices and bold, beefy flavors. It’s a great match for lighter and sweeter whiskeys.
Getting a medium or well-done steak will bring with it more pronounced flavors of char and smokiness, making it perfect for robust whiskeys like scotch or rye.
What Are Some Classic Steak and Whiskey Pairings?
When having a tender cut of steak, the Lagavulin 16 is often recommended as one of the best pairings. The smoky, peaty flavors of the scotch complement the steak beautifully to create a full tastebud experience.
For cast-iron-cooked steaks, try a Laphriog, a single-malt scotch, to bring out the steak’s caramelized and smoky notes.
If you’re having a bone-in ribeye, an Old Fashioned with its signature spice will complement it perfectly. The whiskey’s sweeter notes contrast nicely with the ribeye’s richness for a well-rounded pairing.
What Makes a Perfect Steak and Whiskey Tasting Experience?
A perfect steak and whiskey tasting experience is only possible by visiting an award-winning restaurant located right off the Las Vegas Strip.
Carversteak is your premium steak restaurant experience, perfect for couples, groups, or private events.
By choosing Carversteak, you get access to the area’s premium whiskey selection and the highest-quality cuts of steak available in the world.