1. The Glenrothes Single Malt Scotch with pumpkin pie
This scotch is "laden" with "vanilla and hints of spice," making it the ideal counterpart to a luscious pumpkin pie.
2. Ardmore Traditional Cask Scotch with lamb stew
Because Ardmore's "tang of peat" can't be beat, especially when digging into a steaming plate of lamby goodness.
3. Ardbeg Scotch with sushi
The "salty, sea brine" accents of Ardbeg are the perfect accompaniment to that plate of nigiri.
4. Benromach 10-Year-Old Scotch with orange-flavored chocolate
The citrus notes in the Scotch will bring out the orange in the chocolate.
5. The Macallan Sherry Oak 18-Year-Old Scotch with a dark chocolate soufflé
"Dried fruit, spice and chocolate orange" notes make this scotch almost a dessert unto itself.
6. Lagavulin Scotch with blue cheese
A strong cheese needs an equally strong, Ron Swanson-approved scotch.
7. Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon with grilled chicken
This bourbon's "smoke and oak" flavor brings out the best in the grilled chicken, the same way Ginger Rogers brought out the best in Fred Astaire.
8. Basil Hayden Bourbon with smoked salmon
The "high rye content" makes this pairing awesome since it gives the bourbon a spicy, fruity taste that cuts through the smokey fattiness of the salmon.
9. Woodford Reserve Bourbon with thin-sliced country ham
Also known as "the perfect midnight snack" due to the saltiness of the ham matched with the flavors of cinnamon and walnut in the bourbon.
10. Booker's Bourbon with apple pie
"Brown sugar and caramel flavors"? I'm talking about the bourbon, of course.
11. Tyrconnell 10-Year-Old Single Malt Madeira Irish Whiskey with crème brûlée
A "mellow" whiskey pairs well with a dessert that can be just as mellow-seeming but deceivingly complex.
12. Any whiskey and steak
This is based on a very scientific study where I eat steak and drink whiskey while watching The Wire. This is an ongoing study, but the results so far are life affirming.