What new bourbon are we pumped about? Which hiking trail are we exploring? Why is the next supercar so cool? The Manual is dedicated to helping men live a more engaged life. Each week, our editors and guests get together for a round-table discussion about what’s new, exciting, and unique in the men’s lifestyle world. So pop open your favorite brew, step into your man cave, and start streaming.
For this week’s episode of Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Manual Podcast, our round-table touches on a topic that is near and dear to many of our hearts: barbecue. Our cast of characters includes Editor-in-Chief Cator Sparks (who just returned from Morocco); our Food and Spirits Editor, Sam Slaughter; our Associate Editor, Chase McPeak; and the ever affable host, Greg Nibler.
The conversation begins with a rundown of the best places to find the barbecue wherein the entire team comes to the conclusion that the tastiest ‘cue is always in the smallest town at a joint where the chairs are foldable, the cutlery is plastic, and the plates are paper.
Up next, the guys talk about the difference styles of barbecue sauce, including the battle of the sauces in North Carolina, tomato- versus vinegar-based concoctions, and the culinary mystery that is Alabama White Barbecue Sauce.
Finally, the conversation turns toward what the panel was all waiting for: booze pairings. Slaughter suggests (and the guys all agreed) the best booze pairing for barbecue is a definitely a whisk(e)y with a smokey, peaty flavor. Scotch is possibly the most appropriate since it calls back to the smokiness of the meat. The group also touches on wine pairings, emphasizing that a bolder, heavier, red wine is best, such as a Zinfandel or a Napa Cabernet.
Further Reading
Store-Bought is Just Fine: The Best Bottled Barbecue Sauces: Making your own barbecue sauce is ideal, but sometimes a store-bought bottle will do. Here are some of the best that you can find at the market.
5 Smokey American Whiskeys To Drink with BBQ: Beer is great with barbecue, but sometimes you need something stronger, more fitting of the sacrifice that the cow or pig or whatever currently sitting on the grill gave you. Sometimes, you need whiskey.
The Best Red Wines for Grilling: The rich colors and wonderful flavors of red wine can transform any backyard barbecue or a night on the porch with family and friends into a great experience.
Shout out to Portland-based No Kind of Rider for our intro/exit music.
