About Us

Bigdawg and BBQ

Welcome to Perfect Southern BBQ and Bourbon! We started this journey to share and celebrate our love for both BBQ and Bourbon and to highlight the fantastic BBQ shacks and dishes we’ve discovered over the years.

Our story begins in the Midwest, where our passion for food was nurtured by a family deeply rooted in the restaurant and grocery business. Both sides of our family played a significant role in shaping our culinary journey.

On my mom’s side, my great grandmother worked in the kitchens of several Central Illinois restaurants and cafes. She trained numerous chefs, from small mom-and-pop diners to upscale steakhouses. Her skills were passed down to my grandmother, who cooked many meals for me during my childhood.

My dad’s side of the family was immersed in the grocery business and owned a small cafe restaurant. As a teenager, I gained hands-on experience in both grocery and restaurant settings, learning about food products, quality, variety, and different cooking styles.

In the 80s, our family relocated to Central Florida. My grandfather, known as the “Ribman” for his expertise in ribs and BBQ recipes, continued in the food wholesale business. We often visited restaurants that featured his ribs and recipes, which sparked our enduring love for BBQ.

Later, we discovered Bourbon and realized, much like BBQ, that crafting great Bourbon requires high-quality ingredients. Our adventures on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, visits to numerous distilleries, and sampling Bourbons from across the country have deepened our appreciation for this fine spirit.

In 2020, we purchased a Big Green Egg, which allowed us to grill and smoke meats, experimenting with family BBQ recipes and recreating flavors we’ve enjoyed over the years. There’s nothing better than savoring BBQ and Bourbon right in our own backyard.

Whether we’re cooking at home or hitting the road in search of BBQ and Bourbon, you can follow our adventures here at Perfect Southern BBQ and Bourbon. We’ll keep you updated on the hidden gems we discover and the bottles we enjoy.

Bigdawg