Category

Local and Specialty

Bourbon Barrel Foods: Distinctive Flavors, One Ingredient at a Time

By | Asian, Gourmet, Local, Local and Specialty, What Chefs Want

Imagine a world where every bite is a flavorful adventure, where craftsmanship meets culinary creativity. That’s the essence of Bourbon Barrel Foods. In this blog, we’ll dive into a variety of artisanal products that have become kitchen essentials for chefs and food enthusiasts. From their unique soy sauce with a smoky twist to hand-harvested paprika with a fiery kick, each ingredient is an invitation to savor quality and authenticity. Join us as we uncover the delicious journey of Bourbon Barrel Foods, led by its founder, Matt Jamie, where passion and dedication are the secret ingredients to every culinary masterpiece.

Can you start by sharing your origin story and what led you to found Bourbon Barrel Foods?

Matt Jamie: I dropped out of graduate school in Florida. Up until that point, cooking was just a hobby that I enjoyed, so once I dropped out, I got a job in a kitchen. It was then that I realized that this hobby was actually a passion and that I was good at it.

I wanted to stay in the food industry but knew I wouldn’t be a career chef. I knew I wanted to create something unique and craft-inspired. In the early 2000s there was a movement in the industry to bring things back to a more artisanal approach. People wanted to know where their food comes from, who’s making it, how it’s made and that it’s crafted with care. I wanted to be a part of that.

I thought of making soy sauce, but I wasn’t sure if anyone had done it before. After researching and finding no one was making small-batch soy sauce in the US, I decided to go for it. I taught myself how and started making soy sauce in my basement.

Where did the bourbon component come in?

I saw the parallels between brewing soy sauce and making bourbon, both in process and history, and knew it was a great idea, especially with the growing interest in bourbon in the state of Kentucky. Everything just aligned and I knew right away that we could become the gourmet foods component of the bourbon experience.

How has What Chefs Want been a part of your journey?

One of the very first conversations I had about creating soy sauce was in the old Creation Gardens down on Washington Street. I talked to some of the guys there and they loved the idea. And it just, you know, was just one of those moments that I remember in the development of the product where I could tell that chefs would really embrace it. Your team has been great about coming in and learning about my products. You’ve helped me tell my story and the story of these products in different parts of the country where you’re now distributing products and in doing so, you help us to grow.

How important is sourcing local ingredients to and how does that align with your commitment to quality?

There is a lot of effort that goes into the sourcing of our ingredients, because I think, now more than ever, it’s important to people to know where my raw materials are coming from, and how they’re grown. That goes into the story that we like to tell about each and every product.

For example, our Bourbon Barrel Smoked Paprika, the paprika is harvested by hand in New Mexico. One time we had a chef ask us specifically where our paprika came from, and our distributer at the time couldn’t even pinpoint the country it came from, and that wasn’t good enough for us. Now I can tell you exactly the family-owned farm that it comes from, and how it was hand-picked, dried and shipped to me. I can tell you that our sea salt is domestically harvested and solar-evaporated from the Pacific Northwest, and I’ve visited both.

I’ve been working with the same grower for 15 years on our Bourbon Barrel Aged Pure Cane Sorghum. It’s grown in Eastern Kentucky in Menifee County by a fifth-generation farmer. It is harvested by hand and processed on the farm.

I know exactly where the soybeans, the wheat, and the water that go into our Bluegrass Soy Sauce come from. I have a relationship with the farmer. We use only Kentucky-grown, non-GMO soybeans, soft red winter wheat, and the purest limestone filtered Kentucky spring water for our soy sauce.


And Matt does focus on the stories and sources behind each of his craft products! If you visit the website, each product description features the details that make each of these products so special.

Bourbon Barrel Foods Bluegrass Soy Sauce has been featured on Bizarre Foods America, America’s Heartland and How It’s Made. It has also been featured in The New York Times, Southern Living, Food & Dining and Garden & Gun.

What Chefs Want is delivering these Bourbon Barrel Foods favorites to your door. Order here.

Blue Grass Soy Sauce (item #96153)- Bourbon Barrel’s soy sauce is microbrewed in small batches using only whole Kentucky grown Non-GMO soybeans, soft red winter wheat, and the purest limestone filtered Kentucky spring water. They ferment and age the soy bean mash in re-purposed bourbon barrels. It’s smoky and brothy with hints of oak and a mild sweetness reminiscent of fine Kentucky bourbon.

Kentuckyaki (item #22650)- Kentuckyaki is teriyaki sauce made Kentucky-Style. That’s right, we’ve added a splash of Kentucky Bourbon for extra flavor! This all-natural sauce is sweetened with Kentucky-grown sorghum and flavored with fresh garlic and ginger. It’s rich, robust and packed with umami, adding complex flavors to anything it touches. Use Kentuckyaki as a marinade on salmon, beef, and chicken, add to stir-fry, or use it as a dipping sauce!

Small Batch Bourbon Ponzu (item #97118)- Small Batch Bourbon Ponzu is a combination of Bluegrass Soy Sauce, all natural fresh lemon juice, rice wine vinegar, and a hint of Kentucky bourbon. With the perfect balance of salty and sweet this vibrant sauce adds citrus elements perfect for dumplings and sushi. The clean and refreshing flavors are great for making salad dressings, seasoning fresh vegetables, or marinating fish, pork, poultry, and beef.

Worcestershire Sauce (item #96121)- Bourbon Barrel Aged Worcestershire Sauce is a unique take on the traditional all-purpose sauce. Bourbon Barrel Aged Worcestershire is sweetened with sorghum, blended with pure Kentucky limestone spring water, and mellowed in bourbon barrels that were used to age some of the Bluegrass State’s finest Bourbons. It is all-natural and vegetarian, as it does not contain anchovies. Try our Worcestershire Sauce on eggs, in a Bloody Mary and especially in a burger!

Bourbon Smoked Paprika (item #97082)- Bourbon Smoked Paprika is domestically harvested and handpicked from a family owned farm in New Mexico. Slow smoked all by hand in small batches, using bourbon barrel staves, this mild paprika is vibrant in color and flavor. It’s unique, smoky flavor and aroma will bring your dishes to life! Sprinkle with poultry, fish, and vegetables, add to soups, sauces, and marinades! Its a staff favorite on popcorn and a summer staple for corn on the cob!

Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt (item #96002)- Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt is pure, solar-evaporated and domestically harvested from the Pacific Ocean. The large crystals are slow smoked in small batches by hand, using repurposed bourbon barrel staves.  Our all-natural Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt is very versatile, adding rich, smoky flavor to a wide variety of foods.  It’s an ideal choice for everything from burgers and red meat to poultry and vegetables.

Bourbon Smoked Pepper (item #97093)- Bourbon Smoked Pepper is a quarter cracked Malabar pepper that is slow-smoked using barrel staves that once held some of Kentucky’s finest bourbon. Packed with smoky flavor and aroma, our Bourbon Smoked Pepper is pungent and biting. Season on a burger, steak or any vegetable of your choice!

Bourbon Smoked Sesame Seeds (item #44553)- Bourbon Smoked Sesame Seeds are smoked low and slow using the oak from bourbon barrel staves. The slow smoking process boasts a rich earthy, nutty flavor, with delicate oak undertones that make Bourbon Smoked Sesame Seeds delicious on salads, bread, and seasonings on meat and seafood.

Bourbon Smoked Togarashi (item #90127) – A traditional Japanese seven-spice blend with an added “bourbon barrel” twist! We begin with a foundation of Bourbon Smoked Pepper and add Bourbon Smoked Sesame Seeds along with nori, mustard, and poppy seeds to create an exotic flavor experience with a hint of subtle smokiness! Bourbon Smoked Togarashi is delicious on all meats, seafood, and vegetables. Check out our “Recipes” tab to try some of our favorite and creative ways to use this peppery blend, including our beloved Togarashi Caramel Corn!

Bourbon Smoked Sugar (item #97222)- Bourbon Smoked Sugar is raw demerara sugar that is slow-smoked with repurposed bourbon barrel staves. It has sweet caramel flavors and the richness of smoked oak. Bourbon Smoked Sugar is perfect mixed in a spice rub or barbecue sauce and thrown on the grill, or use it with the sweet stuff – fruit crisps, pies, cookies and cocktails.

Bourbon Smoked Cacao & Barrel Aged Coffee Bean Dark Chocolate (item #93511)- This dark chocolate bar is blended with 100% Bourbon Barrel Aged Arabica coffee beans and Bourbon Smoked Cacao Nibs. Each bite is both bitter and sweet and full of the subtle notes of the bourbon barrel from the Bourbon Barrel Aged Coffee Beans and Bourbon Smoked Cacao Nibs.

Pure Cane Sorghum (item #93535)- Sorghum Syrup was a staple in southern households in the days before refined sugar became available. Our Bourbon Barrel Aged Pure Cane (“Sweet”) Sorghum is estate grown by a fifth-generation farmer in Eastern Kentucky. It is harvested by hand and then aged in a bourbon barrel to draw out the intensity of flavors. This all-natural sweetener is a favorite of chefs and adds an earthiness and hint of spice that other sweeteners cannot provide. We love adding a drizzle of Bourbon Barrel Aged Sorghum with a sprinkle of pepper over local goat cheese or serving as a condiment to an artisan cheese tray.


With so much remarkable growth, how has your facility evolved?

It’s been a luxury that we’ve been able to grow at the same address for 15 years of the 17 years we’ve been in business. We are in the Butchertown area of Louisville, which is full of character and charm.

I started in this building at 900 square feet, and we’re 47,000 square feet now. We’ve just gone through renovations the last three years. We have separate areas now for brewing the soy sauce, smoking and packaging and fulfillment. And now we have an event space that I’m in the process of finishing. It should be done by the middle of this month and will be part of our tour experience. There’s a lot of unique visitors coming to the city who want the bourbon experience and this will be a unique part of that.

As an entrepreneur, what would you say to other entrepreneurs who are about to take a leap into something like this?

Ultimately, if you have a passion for what it is that you are doing, you’ve got to take that step. Sometimes you get caught up in the inability to make a decision for whatever reason, you know, you’re a little hesitant, a little afraid, but you need to take that step.

I had a blind passion, and I think that if you have that, then all those other things go away. But you’ve got to just start doing it. A true entrepreneur doesn’t see things as problems. They see things as obstacles, and you can surmount an obstacle. You can go through it, over it, around it, and I think that’s kind of the fun for me. There is no reason to stress about something happening. Its more about ‘how am I going to navigate this.’


In the world of Bourbon Barrel Foods, flavors come to life in every bite. As we wrap up our chat with Matt Jamie, the brains behind this culinary journey, it’s clear that sourcing is the heartbeat of their delicious creations. From New Mexico’s hand-harvested paprika to the Pacific Northwest’s sun-soaked sea salt, every ingredient tells a tale of quality and authenticity. Bourbon Barrel Foods isn’t just about making gourmet products; it’s about celebrating the roots and relationships that infuse every bite with flavor. Whether you’re a chef looking to up your game or a food lover on a taste adventure, Bourbon Barrel Foods invites you to explore their delectable offerings. Because when it comes to crafting exceptional flavors, it’s all about passion and dedication.

Fall into Flavor: Inspiring Autumn Recipes with What Chefs Want

By | Gourmet, Local, Local and Specialty, Meats, Produce, Vegetables, What Chefs Want

As the scorching summer sun continues to blaze, it’s hard not to daydream about cooler days ahead. While we’re still reaching for iced beverages and sunscreen, our minds are already drifting to the comforts of fall: football games, our favorite sweaters, and, of course, those irresistible fall flavors that define the season. Though the weather might be hot, our anticipation for the culinary delights that autumn brings is even hotter. So, grab a glass of iced tea, kick back in the shade, and let’s explore the mouthwatering fall recipes to inspire your menus and warm our hearts.

Freedom Run Farm Lamb Chili with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans and Poblanos

From Freedom Run Farm

Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 pound ground American lamb (item #62538)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder seasoning
  • 2 1/2 cups lamb stock, such as Saffron Road, or low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 large sweet potato (about 12 ounces), peeled and cut into 1/3-inch cubes
  • 2 (14-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
  • optional toppings: chopped cilantro leaves, lime wedges, diced avocado, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and broken tortilla chips

Directions:

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Add the lamb and break it up into chunks. Stir in the onion, poblano, and garlic and sauté until the excess water evaporates, the lamb is browned, and the vegetables are very soft and begin to brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the chile powder and cook about 30 seconds. Stir in the stock, tomatoes and their juices, 2 teaspoons of salt, and a big pinch of pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, partially cover the pot, and cook for 30 minutes at a gentle simmer.

Uncover the pot and stir in the sweet potatoes and beans. Continue simmering until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors come together, about 30 minutes more. For a thick chili, leave the pot uncovered at this point, or partially cover for a soupier consistency.

Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve the chili topped with any of the optional garnishes.


Alfresco Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter Sauce

Inspired by Alfresco Artisan Pastas

Ingredients:

  • Alfresco Butternut Squash Ravioli (item #95698)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, minced
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan
  • coarse salt
  • fresh ground black pepper
  • 3-4 extra fresh sage leaves for garnish if desired

Directions:

Butternut Squash Ravioli

While cooking ravioli, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently and swirling the pot to ensure even cooking. After about 5 minutes, the butter will start to foam up. Add the minced sage and continue stirring the pot. Golden brown flecks, milk solids, should start to form on the bottom of the pan. Continue stirring to make sure these don’t stick and burn. When the butter is nutty in aroma and golden brown in color with plenty of flecks, about 2 more minutes, remove from heat and cool for 2 minutes. Slowly pour the broth and whisk frequently, as the butter will foam up, until completely incorporated. Repeat this process with the cream.

Add the lemon juice and parmesan cheese, whisking until completely combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Gently stir in the cooked ravioli. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese.


Bourbon Smoked Curry Roasted Carrots

From Bourbon Barrel Foods

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds small/medium carrots, peeled and sliced down the middle
  • 3 tablespoons, olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Bourbon Smoked Curry Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt, more to taste (item #96026)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Bourbon Smoked Pepper (item #97165)
  • 1 tablespoon of Bourbon Barrel Aged Sorghum (item #93514)
  • parsley or seasonal herbs for garnish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Toss carrots with olive oil, Bourbon Smoked Curry Powder, Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt and Bourbon Smoked Pepper in a large bowl until fully coated.

Spread evenly on baking sheet.

Place in the oven to roast, stirring with a rubber spatula a few times to prevent sticking and burning, until desired tenderness, 30-35 minutes. Remove carrots from oven and drizzle with sorghum or maple syrup directly on the baking sheet.

Taste and add more salt, pepper if desired and garnish with fresh herbs.


Soy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

From Cin Soy Foods

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds chicken wings
  • 1/4 cup corn starch
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • Black pepper
  • Soy sauce salt
  • Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup CinSoy soy sauce (item #26702)
  • 6 cloves garlic – minced
  • 1 inch ginger – minced
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp Sesame seeds

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and pat chicken wings dry.

Mix the dry ingredients in a small bowl. Toss the chicken wings in the spice mixture. Lay out on a foil lined baking sheet topped with a rack.

Bake for about 45 minutes (flipping halfway) – or until wings are golden brown and fully cooked.

Meanwhile – in a small saucepan – cook ginger and garlic in butter. Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a simmer. Allow to simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes.

Remove wings from the oven and toss in the sauce. Put back in the oven for 5-7 minutes. Enjoy!


Remember chefs, when it comes to crafting your fall menus, What Chefs Want has you covered. From farm-fresh, local ingredients to artisanal delights, we’ve got everything you need to make your autumn culinary creations truly spectacular. So, as we bid adieu to summer’s heat, let’s welcome fall’s delicious chill (and chili!) with open arms and open kitchens. Click here to place your order!

Item of the Day: Salmon Bratwurst

By | Chef's Feed, Gourmet, Grilling Essentials, Item of the Day, Local, Local and Specialty, Meats, Products, Seafood, What Chefs Want

Salmon Bratwurst

From Shuckman’s Fish Co. & Smokery – “Since we began in 1919, we have taken great pride in the high quality of the products we offer, and we prepare our gourmet smoked fish and caviar to the level of quality our customers have come to expect.”

Ingredients: salmon, sugar, salt, spices, rice flour.

Links are 5 per lb.

Item 95045 – 8-9LB Case

Springer Mountain Farms Chicken

By | Chef's Feed, Farm To Table, Local and Specialty, Meats, Southern Foods, What Chefs Want

Springer Mountain Farms is a family-owned business nestled in the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with over 50 years experience in raising chickens. We exercise great care in all that we do, and our dedication to providing our chickens with a quality of life and healthy diet results in a healthier, more delicious chicken for our customers.


All Springer Mountain Farms chickens are responsibly raised on a high quality diet of pesticide-free, American-grown grains, without antibiotics, hormones, steroids or animal by-products -EVER! We are certified by the American Humane Association as being the most humane possible with verified regular, independent audits of all farms and facilities.

Search Springer on our website or app to see available Springer Mountain Farms Chicken products.

For more information about Springer Mountain Farms check out their website here.

Fresh Catches from Bluefin Seafoods and Boat Direct!

By | Chef's Feed, Farm To Table, Local and Specialty, Seafood, Smart Catch, Southern Foods, What Chefs Want

Wild Rock Shrimp, White Creek Farms Rainbow Trout, Texas Redfish and more!

Rock Shrimp

Mexico – Wild / Peeled & Deveined

Item 48669 – 5 lb. frozen


Redfish

Texas – Farmed

Item 48074 – Whole 4-6 lb. each

Item 48072- Fillet per lb.


Rainbow Trout

White Creek Farm of Indiana – Farmed

Item 48143 – Whole 1.5 lb. avg.


For seafood questions please call 502-587-1505

Fresh Catches from Bluefin Seafoods and Boat Direct!

By | Chef's Feed, Farm To Table, Local and Specialty, Seafood, Smart Catch, Southern Foods, What Chefs Want

Wild Swordfish, Farmed Texas Redfish, Carolina Catfish and more!

Swordfish

Costa Rica – Wild

Item 48180 – Whole H&G 60-120 lb. avg.

Item 48126 – Loins per lb.


Redfish

Texas – Farmed

Item 48074 – Whole 4-6 lb. each

Item 48072- Fillet per lb.


Flounder

Virginia – Wild

Item 48948 – Whole 4-6 lb. avg.

Item 48033 – Fillet per lb.


Fresh Catfish Fillets

North Carolina – Farmed

Item 48912 – 10 lb. case


For seafood questions please call 502-587-1505

Krey’s Corner: Local and Seasonal produce now available.

By | Chef's Feed, Farm To Table, Fruit, Local, Local and Specialty, Produce, Products, Vegetables, What Chefs Want

Fall is here! We’ve got a great selection of fall favorites like plump pie pumpkins, crisp and delicious apple cider from Huber’s Orchard, decorative dried Indian corn, and much more!

Pie Pumpkins

Item 20643 – each


Apple Cider

From Huber’s Orchard & Winery, Starlight, Indiana

Item 93701 – 1 gallon


Mini Decorative Gourds & Pumpkins

Item 20637 – 1/2 bushel case


Large Pumpkins

Item 20641 – each


Honeynut Squash

Item 11016 – 1/2 bushel case


Dried Indian Corn

Item 20082 – 12 bunch case


Quince

Item 10983 – 42 count case


Item of the Day: Gifford’s Hickory Smoked Sliced Coffee Bacon

By | Bacon, Chef's Feed, Farm To Table, Gourmet, Ham, Item of the Day, Local, Local and Specialty, Meats, Products, What Chefs Want

Gifford’s Smoked and Sliced Coffee Bacon

Since its beginning, Gifford’s has focused on getting it right.  Always dry-cured and hickory smoked, Gifford’s bacon has just the right amount of flavor. Smoked in the heart of Music City, Gifford’s has become known as the bacon of Nashville – a place that definitely knows its bacon. This bacon is life changin’! 


What started as a passion project for Nathan Gifford has grown into a cult following of this special bacon. With his wife Nicole, Nathan began to cure and smoke meats for chefs, friends, and family. Today, Gifford’s bacon can be found on the menus at top restaurants throughout Nashville.

Item 24244 – 10 lb. case / 5/8″ cut, 12-14 slices per lb.

Item of the Day: North Country Applewood Smoked Sliced Bacon

By | Bacon, Chef's Feed, Farm To Table, Gourmet, Ham, Item of the Day, Local, Local and Specialty, Meats, Products, What Chefs Want

North Country Applewood Smoked Bacon

The slabs are marinated for days in dark maple syrup brine and double smoked to create hearty, thick-cut bacon that’s more boldly flavorful than you’d expect. We applewood or cob smoke our bacons at low temperatures lazily. As a featured ingredient in a savory signature dish or crisply seared on its own, our bacon is some of the best you’ll ever try.

Item 00778 – 10 lb. case / 16-18 ct. sliced per lb.

Eat More Bacon!

By | Bacon, Berkshire Pork, Chef's Feed, Farm To Table, Gourmet, Local, Local and Specialty, Meats, Pork, Products, What Chefs Want

Check out our selection of bacon!

Gifford’s Bacon

Nashville, Tennessee

Always dry-cured and hickory smoked, Gifford’s bacon has just the right amount of flavor.

Sliced – Item 18569 10 lb. case

Slab – Item 18519 10 lb. case

Ends & Pieces – Item 19273


North Country Charcuterie’s Coffee Bacon

Columbus, Ohio

With hints of coffee and a mouthwatering sweetness, no breakfast is complete without this signature bacon, seasoned with ground coffee, brown sugar, salt & pepper.

Sliced Coffee Bacon – Item 00459 3 lb. case


Benton’s Bacon

Madisonville, Tennessee

Hickory smoked in their smokehouse using an old-fashioned wood stove, each slice of Benton’s bacon has a distinctive , full, country flavor.

Sliced – Item 95022 1 lb. pack

Sliced – Item 95005 8 lb. pack

Slab – Item 95027 12 lb. pack


Broadbent’s Bacon

Kuttawa, Kentucky

A pleasingly sweet, yet milder smoked bacon for an unforgettable flavor. This country bacon is dry cured and applewood smoked.

Sliced – Item 95032 5 lb. pack

Slab – Item 95080 5 lb. slab


North Country Smokehouse’s Bacon

Claremont, New Hampshire

The slabs are marinated for days in dark maple syrup brine and double smoked to create hearty, thick-cut bacon that’s more boldly flavorful than you’d expect.

Sliced – Item 00778 10 lb. case

Search bacon on our app or website to see all of our available options.