2025 Military Edition NOW AVAILABLE

Tan arrow
  • Whiskies
  • Cocktails
  • About us
    • Our Story
    • Pendleton Posse
    • Whisky Hands
    • Our Partners
    • News & Stories
    • Whisky FAQ
  • SHOP
  • Military Edition
  • Whiskies
  • Cocktails
  • About us
    • Our Story
    • Pendleton Posse
    • Whisky Hands
    • Our Partners
    • News & Stories
    • Whisky FAQ
  • SHOP
  • Military Edition
Buy a Bottle
Grilling with Pendleton Whisky
  • 05/10/2024

The Ultimate Guide to Grilling with Whisky

Few traditions go together better than whisky and grilling.

The smooth, unparalleled complexity of Pendleton® Whisky is the perfect ingredient for your soon-to-be-famous barbeque sauce—and we’ve got a few tasty recipe ideas to help you pull it all together.

Pendleton® Whisky is the spirit of choice for gatherings with friends and family. Whether it’s the boldness of Pendleton® Whisky Midnight, the spicy, peppery flavor of Pendleton® 1910 Rye, or the uncommonly smooth complexity of Pendleton® Whisky Original, every sip is a celebration of the day’s hard-won victories.

Grilling is another American tradition and the perfect occasion to get together with friends and family over a meal. Whatever the day brings, Pendleton® Whisky is the ideal way to kick off a gathering and an essential ingredient for BBQ sauces, glazes, and marinades.

CAN YOU GRILL USING WHISKY?

You certainly can! Once you’ve experienced it for yourself, we’re sure you’ll discover that whisky is perfect for the smoky goodness of the grill. Let’s dig in!

For low and slow enthusiasts, there’s nothing like a whisky glaze to finish what comes out of your smoker.

Nexgrill is the perfect choice for grilling and smoking, and you can’t go wrong with the Nexgrill Oakford smoker. If you want to try something spectacular, this Cherry Bourbon Smoked Pork Tenderloin from Nexgrill is delicious, and it won’t take all day to prepare.

While you’re waiting, mix yourself up a Pendleton® Whisky Smoked Peach Cocktail — the time will go by so fast, you’ll be digging into tender, whisky-infused deliciousness in no time.

Whisky Grilling Techniques

Adding a touch of Pendleton® Whisky to your marinade infuses your meat with incredible flavor, imparting a tangy, savory spiciness that lifts the sweetness of your protein and elevates the overall flavor to new heights!

Whether you’re grilling ribs, chicken, or a big old T-bone steak, set aside enough time to marinate in advance. Ensure you have enough sauce for basting, and give the meat a final brush before it goes to the table. Taking your time, especially during the marinating phase, ensures the meat absorbs the flavors.

How to grill with whisky

Grilling Steak with Whisky

Whisky and steak go together like cowboys and cowgirls. Sometimes even better! It’s always a good idea to give your steak a good hot sear before it hits the grill. Heat a cast iron pan, pour in some Pendleton® Whisky, and sear your steak for 30 seconds per side. While searing, pour on a little more to lock in the flavors. In about a minute, it’s ready for the grill! Don’t forget to pour yourself a glass on the side—it’s only natural! Whisky is also an excellent drink to pair with your steak. The balanced and complex character of Pendleton® Whisky Original is an great compliment to the richness of a well-marbled steak.

Whisky Barbeque Sauce

Adding Pendleton® Whisky to your favorite barbeque sauce recipe is a surefire way to ramp up the flavor. Why reinvent the wheel when you can just tweak it a bit and take it over the top?

Whisky-infused barbeque sauces are some of the tastiest around. They’re great for any meat and can make a big old portobello mushroom taste like a juicy cowboy steak.

We might be biased, but our barbeque recipe is one of the best we’ve tried. It’s sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory in all the right ways, and it’s super-easy to make.

Check out the recipe here!

Whisky Marinades and Glazes: What’s the Difference?

Marinades are used to tenderize meat and infuse flavor before cooking, while a glaze goes on after cooking, brushed on as it comes off the grill to add texture, heat (if you like it), moisture, and an extra layer of flavor.

Some glazes are cooked to blend the flavors and dissolve any added sugar. Cooking also reduces the liquid and thickens the glaze so it sticks to the meat. 

The fundamental difference between a glaze and a marinade is that a marinade infuses the meat (or tofu, veggies, etc.) from the inside, while a glaze flavors the meat from the outside. Knowing that you can play around with your recipes a bit more. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

One thing is for sure—when there’s grilling involved, Pendleton® Whisky steals the show. Stock up on Pendleton® Whisky for your next outdoor grilling session!

More news & stories

  • 11/07/2025

Palette of the West: Forged in Silver

  • 10/22/2025

Label Details Every Whisky Enthusiast Should Know

Fill 1@1x

Be the first to know about limited edition drops, news, and exclusive discounts.

Thanks for signing up!

Links

  • Find Near You
  • Company Info
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Cookies Settings
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Drink Responsibly
  • FAQ
  • Find Near You
  • Company Info
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Cookies Settings
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Drink Responsibly
  • FAQ

Follow

  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Pinterest
Buy a Bottle

© 2025 Pendleton Distillers, proximospirits.com. Please drink responsibly. LET’ER BUCK and the bucking horse logo are registered trademarks of The Pendleton Round-Up Association. PENDLETON is a registered trademark of Pendleton Woolen Mills.

  • Whiskies
  • Cocktails
  • About us
    • Our Story
    • Pendleton Posse
    • Whisky Hands
    • Our Partners
    • News & Stories
    • Whisky FAQ
  • SHOP
  • Military Edition
  • Whiskies
  • Cocktails
  • About us
    • Our Story
    • Pendleton Posse
    • Whisky Hands
    • Our Partners
    • News & Stories
    • Whisky FAQ
  • SHOP
  • Military Edition
Buy a Bottle

NOW AVAILABLE

2025 Military
Edition

Salute our service members and veterans with this limited-edition bottle, redesigned each year to honor their courage and commitment.

Available now, while supplies last.

BUY A BOTTLE

live boldly, drink well, and taste the moment

ARE YOU OF LEGAL DRINKING AGE?

Yes
No

You must be of legal drinking age to enter this website. This website uses cookies. By entering this site, I agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.