Pairing whiskey with steak is predictable.
Pairing whiskey with Texas pecans from Aw, Nuts made with authentic Texas whiskey from 1845 Distilling Co? That’s more interesting.
Here’s what works — and why.
Bourbon Vanilla Pecans
Crispy brown sugar shell that melts into buttery vanilla and bourbon sweetness.
Texas Pairing: Double A Appreciation & Atonement
Non-Texas: Middle West Dark Pumpernickel Rye
The classic bourbon notes in the pecans meet a bready, high-rye spice for balance. Sweetness up front, structure on the finish.
Peppermint Cocoa
Balanced peppermint and cocoa — not overly sweet, not toothpaste-forward. Finished with buttery pecan depth.
Texas: Still Austin Cask Strength Rye
Non-Texas: HK Young Toasted Single Barrel Bourbon
Barrel spice and the natural chocolate-marshmallow character from toasted barrels lock in with the cocoa profile. This one drinks like winter without being heavy.
Brown Sugar Bacon
BBQ chips. Bacon. Salty. Bold.
Texas: Ironroot Harbinger Cask Strength Single Barrel
Non-Texas: McLaughlin Baby Barrel Bourbon
Powerful nuts require powerful whiskey. The tannic, earthy backbone of these bottles holds up to the salt and smoke without getting lost.
Sweet Heat
Starts mild. Quickly builds into a low, steady burn wrapped in maple sweetness.
Texas: Bendt Wheated Bottled-in-Bond
Non-Texas: Luminance Prism
Smoky baked bread and pepper spice enhance the heat rather than compete with it. Sweet meets spice in both directions.
My 3½-year-old walked past the table, looked at the lineup, and asked:
“Are those treat nuts?”
Yes. Yes, they are.
Disclaimer: These samples were provided as no cost by the company. All opinions are my own.
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