Have you ever had an amazing experience and afterwards thought, “Okay, I can die happy?” A multicourse dinner using the best bacon and bourbon in the world created a moment like that for me.

The evening of October 1, 2008, is seared into my memory.

Chef Joe Shaw and Joshua Smith, of The Standard, planned a multicourse menu that would use Benton’s bacon in each dish and pair them with Pappy Van Winkle bourbons.

The evening started with a meet and greet in the restaurant’s courtyard. People mingled and enjoyed a variety of hors d’oeuvres that featured Benton’s country ham and local melons, open faced BLT’s and bacon wrapped bacon.

They also offered a variety of bourbon cocktails including Mint Julep, old fashion, whiskey sour, and Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon poured neat and on the rocks.

In preparation for the main event, we were ushered to the front dining room. After settling in, Julian entertained us with stories before chef Joe came out to share details of the evening.

The menu was epic. Here are the courses that were served.

First Course
Alan Benton’s braised slab bacon on creamy country grits with house pickled okra served with Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Bourbon

Second Course
Foie Gras wrapped with Benton’s country bacon, bourbon pudding, fig puree, and arugula served with Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Bourbon

Third Course
Bacon larded buffalo eye of rib with sweet potato Swiss chard and bourbon and berry jam served with Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Bourbon

Fourth Course
Ginger snap with Pappy Van Winkle bourbon and Allen Benton’s bacon ice creams and Benton’s bacon and pecan brittle

After the event, and the crowd was gone, I was invited to join them in the courtyard for cigars and a little more Pappy. We talked for another hour or so before deciding it was time to head home. This entire experience is still my favorite, dining experience.

I was authorized to bring my video camera so I could shoot most of the evening. I had a blast doing it and I’m glad I could document it.

Click on the links below to see some of my videos from the night.