Gourmet Bourbon Pairing at Iron Oaks | Wings, Burgers, and Bold Sips
Welcome to Tortured Bourbon! In this delicious episode, Heather and B head to Iron Oaks, one of North Raleigh’s hottest new venues, for an exclusive bourbon and food pairing experience that blends chef-driven dishes with hand-selected pours.
From smoked BBQ wings to a mushroom Swiss burger with golden truffle fries—and even a top-tier charcuterie board—we’re pairing each dish with the perfect bourbon to elevate every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon nerd or just hungry and curious, this episode has your taste buds covered.
🔥 Dish 1: BBQ Wings + Blue Run Kentucky Straight Bourbon
We start with Iron Oaks’ signature BBQ wings, smoked and glazed with a tangy-sweet, spicy sauce that practically demands a bold bourbon.
Bourbon Pairing: Blue Run Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (KSBW)
Distillery: Bardstown, KY
Proof: 111
Tasting Notes: Caramel, vanilla, dried fruit, soft spice
Why It Works: The smoky wings are perfectly balanced by Blue Run’s caramel sweetness and peppery finish.
“It’s like BBQ with a velvet glove punch of bourbon heat.” – B
Blue Run is crafted under the guidance of Jim Rutledge, Four Roses legend, giving it major credibility and flavor.
🧀 Dish 2: Charcuterie Board + Angel’s Envy Triple Oak
Next up, a charcuterie board packed with spicy meats, aged cheeses, and a touch of sweetness from local honeycomb.
Bourbon Pairing: Angel’s Envy Triple Oak
Distillery: Louisville, KY
Proof: 100
Tasting Notes: Vanilla custard, brioche, baking spices, toasted oak
Why It Works: The layered flavors of this finished bourbon complement the sharp cheese and spicy meat like a slow dance at happy hour.
“This isn’t your basic board. It’s a sensory summit.” – Heather
Angel’s Envy is known for its innovative finishes, and this Triple Oak edition turns up the complexity.
🍔 Dish 3: Mushroom Swiss Burger + Truffle Fries
We close the meal with the richest dish of the night—a mushroom Swiss burger and decadent truffle fries. This pairing deserves options, so we go full flight:
1. I.W. Harper Cabernet Cask
Proof: 90
Finish: Cabernet Sauvignon casks
Notes: Dark berries, light tannin, soft oak
Why It Works: The fruity, wine-like notes enhance the mushrooms and tie into the umami richness.
2. Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel
Proof: 94
Notes: Toasted marshmallow, vanilla, soft spice
Why It Works: Brings caramelized depth to the burger and balances the savoriness.
3. Woodinville Applewood Cask
Proof: 90
Notes: Baked apple, light smoke, sweet oak
Why It Works: A smoky-sweet contrast to the earthy burger, pairing especially well with the truffle fries.
“Pick your pour, close your eyes, and pretend you’re in bourbon heaven.” – B
🍽 Meet Iron Oaks: Where Food, Bourbon, and Golf Collide
We’re joined by Conner and Catie, the creative minds behind Iron Oaks. Their vision? A welcoming, elevated space where bourbon isn’t just on the menu—it’s part of the culture. And with Golfzon indoor simulators offering 200+ courses, Iron Oaks is more than dinner—it’s an experience.
Visit Iron Oaks
📍 3800 Glenwood Ave, Suite 120, Raleigh, NC 27612
📞 (919) 900-7897
🥃 Watch the Full Episode
🧡 Final Thoughts
So, which pairing would you go for first?
🔥 Team Wings
🧀 Team Charcuterie
🍔 Team Burger & Fries
Or do you have your own go-to bourbon pairing? Drop us a comment and share your favorite food + bourbon combo.
Big thanks to Conner and Catie for the hospitality—and the bourbon-fueled feast. This might just be the most flavorful episode of Tortured Bourbon yet.
Cheers, y’all.
