How to Pair Bourbon with Milktooth in Indianapolis

Indianapolis has emerged as a vibrant hub for craft distillers, artisanal chefs, and culinary innovators — and at the heart of this movement is the elegant pairing of bourbon with the elevated dining experience offered by Milktooth, one of the city’s most celebrated brunch destinations. While “pairing bourbon with Milktooth” may sound like an unusual phrase at first glance, it’s not about combining a spirit with a restaurant. Rather, it’s about thoughtfully aligning the flavor profiles, textures, and cultural ethos of Indiana-bottled bourbon with the creative, seasonal, and locally sourced dishes served at Milktooth. This guide will walk you through how to master this pairing, elevate your dining experience, and deepen your appreciation for both Indiana’s bourbon heritage and its culinary renaissance.

Understanding how to pair bourbon with Milktooth isn’t just about choosing a drink to go with your food — it’s about creating harmony between tradition and innovation. Bourbon, with its caramelized oak, vanilla, spice, and subtle smoke, mirrors the warmth and craftsmanship found in Milktooth’s signature dishes like duck confit hash, sweet potato pancakes, and smoked trout crostini. When done right, the pairing enhances both the spirit and the meal, revealing layers of flavor that neither could achieve alone.

This tutorial is designed for bourbon enthusiasts, food lovers, and Indianapolis locals who want to elevate their weekend brunches — or anyone planning a visit to Milktooth and seeking a deeper, more intentional experience. Whether you’re a seasoned taster or new to craft spirits, this guide will give you the knowledge, tools, and confidence to make informed, delicious pairings that celebrate the best of Indiana’s food and drink culture.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand Milktooth’s Menu Philosophy

Before selecting a bourbon, you must first understand the culinary language of Milktooth. The restaurant, founded by chef and owner Aaron Bludorn, emphasizes seasonal ingredients, global influences, and meticulous technique. Their menu rotates frequently, but core elements remain: rich umami notes from fermented and smoked proteins, bright acidity from pickled vegetables, creamy textures from house-made dairy, and sweet-savory balances from maple, honey, and brown sugar.

For example, the “Duck Confit Hash” features slow-cooked duck, crispy potatoes, caramelized onions, and a poached egg — all topped with a sherry vinaigrette. The dish is fatty, savory, earthy, and slightly acidic. A bourbon that’s too sweet or overly oaky will clash. Instead, you want a bourbon that cuts through richness while complementing the smokiness and depth.

Similarly, the “Sweet Potato Pancakes” are fluffy, lightly spiced, and drizzled with bourbon-infused maple syrup. Here, the bourbon in the syrup already sets the tone — so your glass should echo, not compete with, those flavors.

Step 2: Identify Key Flavor Profiles in Bourbon

Bourbon is defined by U.S. law as a distilled spirit made from at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, and bottled at no less than 80 proof. But within those legal boundaries, flavor varies dramatically based on:

• Grain Bill: Higher rye content = spicier; higher wheat = softer, sweeter
• Aging Time: 4–6 years = balanced; 8+ years = deeper oak, tannins, dried fruit
• Barrel Char Level: Heavy char = smoky, caramelized notes
• Warehouse Location: Upper floors = more heat exposure = stronger oak influence

Common flavor categories in bourbon include:

• Caramel & Vanilla: From the charred oak and corn base
• Spice: Black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg — often from rye
• Fruit: Dried cherry, raisin, orange peel — from aging and esters
• Smoke & Char: From barrel toasting
• Butter & Cream: From wheat-heavy mash bills

When pairing, match dominant flavors. A dish with smoked trout? Look for bourbon with smoke or char. A dish with maple and brown sugar? Seek out vanilla-forward, lower-proof bourbons.

Step 3: Match Bourbon to Milktooth’s Signature Dishes

Here’s a detailed pairing guide based on Milktooth’s most popular offerings:

Dish: Duck Confit Hash

Why it works: The fat and saltiness of duck require a bourbon with enough body and spice to cut through. The caramelized onions and potatoes benefit from sweetness, while the vinaigrette needs acidity to balance.

Recommended Bourbon: Wild Turkey 101 (101 proof, 75% corn, 13% rye). Its bold rye spice cuts the fat, while the caramel and vanilla harmonize with the sweet onions. The high proof also wakes up the palate between bites.

Dish: Sweet Potato Pancakes with Bourbon Maple Syrup

Why it works: The dish already contains bourbon in the syrup — so your glass should be a complementary echo. You want softness, warmth, and a touch of spice without overpowering.

Recommended Bourbon: Old Forester 86 Proof (78% corn, 12% rye, 10% malted barley). Its gentle oak, vanilla, and baked apple notes mirror the syrup’s sweetness without competing. Low enough proof to sip slowly alongside breakfast.

Dish: Smoked Trout Crostini with Crème Fraîche and Dill

Why it works: Smoked fish brings umami and brine. The creaminess of crème fraîche needs a bourbon with buttery depth and a clean finish.

Recommended Bourbon: W.L. Weller 12 Year (wheat bourbon, 70%+ wheat). The softness of wheat bourbon mirrors the creaminess, while the 12-year aging adds dried fig and dark cherry notes that echo the smokiness of the trout.

Dish: Chicken & Waffles with Chili Maple Glaze

Why it works: The interplay of sweet, spicy, and fried textures demands a bourbon with both sweetness and heat. A bourbon with baking spice and a long finish will tie it together.

Recommended Bourbon: Four Roses Single Barrel (60% corn, 35% rye). Its complex spice profile (cinnamon, clove) and fruit-forward finish (apricot, orange zest) complement the chili-maple without overwhelming the chicken.

Dish: Ricotta Toast with Honey, Lemon, and Thyme

Why it works: Light, bright, and herbal — this dish needs a bourbon that’s not too heavy. You want citrus and floral notes to lift the honey and thyme.

Recommended Bourbon: Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond (50% corn, 37% rye, 13% malt). Despite its higher proof, it has surprising brightness — notes of lemon zest and green apple that dance with the citrus and herbs.

Step 4: Consider Temperature and Glassware

Temperature dramatically affects flavor perception. Bourbon served too cold dulls its aromas; too warm exaggerates alcohol burn. The ideal serving temperature is 60–65°F (15–18°C) — slightly below room temperature.

Use a Glencairn glass or a small tumbler with a wide bowl. This allows you to swirl the bourbon, releasing its bouquet, and bring your nose close to inhale the aromas before sipping. Avoid oversized rocks glasses — they dilute the spirit too quickly with ice.

If you prefer ice, use one large, dense cube (like from a silicone mold) rather than small cubes that melt fast. Slow dilution opens up the bourbon’s flavors gradually, making it ideal for long brunches.

Step 5: Taste in Sequence

Never pair blindly. Follow this tasting protocol:

1. Smell the bourbon first. Note the top, middle, and base notes.
2. Sip slowly. Let it coat your tongue. Note the initial taste, mid-palate, and finish.
3. Take a bite of the dish. Chew slowly. Notice texture and dominant flavors.
4. Sip the bourbon again. Does it enhance the food? Does the food soften the bourbon’s edge?
5. Repeat. Adjust your next sip based on what you learned.

Many guests make the mistake of drinking bourbon first, then eating. This reverses the synergy. Always let the food lead — the bourbon should elevate it, not dominate.

Step 6: Experiment with Local Indiana Bourbons

Indianapolis and surrounding areas are home to a growing number of craft distilleries producing small-batch bourbon. Supporting local producers not only enhances your experience but deepens your connection to the region.

• Indiana Bourbon Co. (Bloomington): Their “Copper Still Reserve” has a high corn mash bill with toasted oak and notes of toasted marshmallow — perfect with Milktooth’s pancakes.
• St. Elmo Spirits (Indianapolis): A small-batch rye-forward bourbon with black pepper and dark chocolate. Ideal for duck hash or chili-glazed chicken.
• Brothers Distilling (Fort Wayne): Their “Bourbon Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup” is a direct pairing partner for the pancakes — try sipping it neat alongside.

Visit these distilleries on weekends for tastings. Many offer guided pairings with local chefs — a perfect way to deepen your understanding.

Best Practices

1. Start with Lower Proof for Breakfast Pairings

Brunch is a leisurely meal. High-proof bourbons (110+ proof) can overwhelm delicate morning dishes. Stick to 80–90 proof for pancakes, toast, and eggs. Save the higher proofs for dinner pairings or after-dinner sipping.

2. Avoid Overly Sweet Bourbons with Savory Dishes

Bourbons labeled “sweet,” “caramel-forward,” or “dessert-style” (like some bonded expressions or flavored variants) can clash with savory, salty, or umami-rich dishes. They may taste cloying or artificial. Always read the tasting notes — look for “balanced,” “complex,” or “spice-driven” instead.

3. Let the Food Guide the Spirit — Not the Other Way Around

Too often, people choose a bourbon first and then try to find a dish that matches. Reverse that. Order your food, then select a bourbon that complements its dominant flavor profile. This approach leads to more authentic, memorable pairings.

4. Cleanse Your Palate Between Tastes

Between bites and sips, drink sparkling water or eat a small piece of unsalted bread. This resets your palate and ensures each pairing is experienced with clarity.

5. Keep a Tasting Journal

Record what you tried, what you tasted, and how the pairing made you feel. Note the bourbon’s proof, age, and distillery. Over time, you’ll build a personal flavor map — a reference guide for future visits to Milktooth or any other restaurant.

6. Don’t Fear Experimentation

There are no hard rules — only guidelines. If you love a bourbon that others say doesn’t “work” with duck hash, try it anyway. Your palate is unique. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s discovery.

7. Consider the Time of Year

Seasonality matters. In winter, lean into rich, oaky, high-rye bourbons that feel warming. In summer, opt for lighter, fruit-forward, or wheat-based bourbons that feel refreshing. Milktooth’s menu changes with the seasons — your bourbon should too.

8. Engage the Staff

Milktooth’s servers are trained in food and beverage pairings. Ask them what bourbons they’ve enjoyed with a particular dish. Many have personal favorites — and they’re eager to share. This turns a meal into a conversation.

Tools and Resources

1. Bourbon Tasting Wheel

Download or print the Bourbon Tasting Wheel from the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. It visually maps flavor categories from “grain” to “smoke” to “fruit,” helping you articulate what you’re tasting. Use it during your next visit to Milktooth to describe your experience with precision.

2. Apps for Bourbon Discovery

• Whiskybase — Search for specific bottles, read reviews, and track your collection.
• Barrel & Bottle — A curated app for Indiana distilleries, including tasting notes and locations.
• Untappd — While known for beer, its community features bourbon reviews and user-generated pairings.

3. Books for Deeper Learning

• Bourbon: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of an American Spirit by Jeffery T. Hirsch — Historical context for Indiana’s role in bourbon’s evolution.
• The Bourbon Tasting Book by Fred Minnick — A practical guide to flavor profiling and pairing.
• Food Pairing for Whiskey by David Wondrich — Includes chapters on American whiskey and brunch dishes.

4. Local Resources in Indianapolis

• Indiana Bourbon Trail — A self-guided tour of 10+ distilleries across the state. Many offer brunch pairings.
• Indianapolis Distilling Co. — Offers monthly “Bourbon & Brunch” events at their downtown tasting room.
• The Whiskey Room at The Alexander — A speakeasy-style bar with 200+ bourbons, including rare Indiana bottlings. Their staff can curate a custom Milktooth-style pairing.

5. Online Retailers for Hard-to-Find Bottles

If you want to bring a bottle home or try something not available locally:

• Master of Malt — Ships internationally, includes detailed tasting notes.
• Drizly — Local delivery in Indianapolis; filters by proof, age, and flavor profile.
• ReserveBar — Offers curated “Brunch Bourbon” bundles with tasting cards.

6. Join a Bourbon Tasting Group

Look for local meetups on Meetup.com or Facebook groups like “Indiana Bourbon Enthusiasts.” Many host quarterly brunch pairings at Milktooth or other local spots. It’s a great way to learn from others and expand your palate.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Sunday Brunch Duo

On a crisp Sunday morning, Sarah, a local graphic designer, visits Milktooth with her partner. She orders the Smoked Trout Crostini and asks the server for a bourbon recommendation. The server suggests W.L. Weller 12 Year — a wheat bourbon known for its creaminess. Sarah sips slowly. The bourbon’s buttery texture mirrors the crème fraîche, while the dried cherry notes echo the smokiness of the trout. She notices how the finish lingers with a hint of vanilla — the same vanilla that’s subtly present in the honey drizzle on her partner’s pancakes. She leaves with a new appreciation for how a single bourbon can tie together multiple dishes on the same menu.

Example 2: The Bourbon Explorer

Mark, a visiting architect from Chicago, comes to Indianapolis for a weekend. He books a table at Milktooth and asks for a “surprise pairing.” The chef sends out a tasting flight: Wild Turkey 101 with duck hash, Old Forester 86 with pancakes, and Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond with ricotta toast. Mark takes notes. He realizes each bourbon highlights a different part of the meal — spice, sweetness, brightness. He buys a bottle of each to take home. He later hosts a bourbon brunch for friends, using Milktooth’s menu as his template.

Example 3: The Local Distillery Visit

After a visit to Milktooth, James, a retired teacher, decides to tour Indiana Bourbon Trail. He stops at St. Elmo Spirits, where the master distiller offers a guided tasting of their new “Heritage Rye Bourbon.” He learns how the distillery sources its rye from a farm just 30 miles outside Indianapolis. He returns to Milktooth a week later and orders the chicken & waffles — this time, with the St. Elmo bourbon. The black pepper and dark chocolate notes in the spirit amplify the chili-maple glaze. He writes a blog post about the experience, titled: “How a Glass of Indiana Bourbon Turned My Brunch Into a Story.”

Example 4: The Unexpected Match

At a weekend tasting event, a guest pairs Milktooth’s Avocado Toast with Pickled Radish with Maker’s Mark 46 — a bourbon known for its extra oak staves. The result? The oak’s charred notes echo the toast’s sear, while the vanilla softens the radish’s bite. The guest had never thought to pair a “breakfast dish” with a “dinner bourbon.” But the combination worked. The event’s host later adds this pairing to their official guide.

FAQs

Can I pair bourbon with any dish at Milktooth?

Yes — but not all pairings are equally successful. The key is matching intensity and flavor profile. A light, citrusy bourbon won’t stand up to duck confit. A heavy, oaky bourbon may overpower ricotta toast. Use the flavor-matching principles in this guide to make informed choices.

Do I need to spend a lot of money on bourbon to pair well?

No. Many affordable bourbons (under $40) offer excellent balance and flavor. Old Forester 86, Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond, and Four Roses Yellow Label are all under $25 and pair beautifully with Milktooth’s menu. Expensive doesn’t mean better — complexity does.

Is it okay to drink bourbon with breakfast?

Absolutely. Bourbon has been consumed at breakfast in the American South for over a century. The key is moderation and intention. A small pour (1–1.5 oz) with a meal is not excessive — it’s an enhancement.

What if I don’t like bourbon?

Try a wheat bourbon — they’re softer and sweeter, closer to a light whiskey or even a rum. Or try a bourbon cocktail: a Boulevardier (bourbon, sweet vermouth, Campari) or a simple bourbon lemonade can be more approachable. Milktooth’s bar often offers non-traditional bourbon cocktails that bridge the gap.

Can I pair bourbon with vegetarian dishes at Milktooth?

Definitely. The ricotta toast, sweet potato pancakes, and roasted beet salad all respond beautifully to bourbon. Look for bourbons with honey, vanilla, and stone fruit notes. They complement plant-based sweetness without needing meaty umami.

How many bourbons should I try during one visit?

One to two is ideal. Trying too many overwhelms the palate. Focus on pairing one bourbon with your main dish. If you’re curious, order a second pour to compare — but savor it slowly.

Does Milktooth offer bourbon flights?

As of 2024, Milktooth does not offer a formal bourbon flight, but they’re happy to curate a custom tasting upon request. Just ask your server or bartender. Many locations now offer seasonal bourbon pairings — check their website or Instagram for updates.

Where can I buy the bourbons mentioned in this guide in Indianapolis?

Local liquor stores like BevMo!, Market Square Liquor, and The Whiskey Shop carry most of these bottles. For limited releases, visit distilleries directly or check Drizly for same-day delivery.

Conclusion

Pairing bourbon with Milktooth in Indianapolis isn’t a gimmick — it’s a celebration of place, craft, and intention. It’s about honoring the slow fermentation of grain, the careful charring of oak, the hand-picked herbs, and the thoughtful plating that turns a meal into an experience. This guide has walked you through the science, the art, and the soul of this pairing — from understanding flavor profiles to selecting the right glass, from local distilleries to your own tasting journal.

As you return to Milktooth again and again, you’ll find that each visit becomes more than a meal. It becomes a ritual — a quiet conversation between the land, the distiller, the chef, and you. The bourbon doesn’t just accompany the food; it completes it. And in that completion, you discover something deeper: the rhythm of Indiana’s culinary soul.

So the next time you sit down at Milktooth, don’t just order a drink. Choose a companion. Sip slowly. Taste with curiosity. And let the bourbon tell you a story — one that begins in a Kentucky barrel, travels through an Indiana kitchen, and ends with you, savoring the moment.