Whisky and Food Pairing: What food goes well with whisky?

August 02, 2024

When it comes to enjoying whisky, there's more to it than just sipping it neat or on the rocks. Whisky, with its diverse range of flavours, can be a fantastic companion to a variety of dishes. Whisky and food pairing is an art that, when mastered, can elevate your culinary experience to new heights.

There are no strict rules when it comes to these different combinations, just take your favourite whisky and pick something that complements it. The only thing to do is avoid overpowering the taste of good quality malt whisky.

In this blog post, we'll explore the wonderful world of whisky and food pairing and help you discover the perfect flavour combinations. Don't forget our range of whisky hampers includes some with snacks you might see mentioned below!

Why Pair Whisky with Food?

Pairing whisky with food isn't just about indulgence; it's about enhancing the overall tasting experience. When done right, whisky can complement, contrast, or even elevate the flavours of your meal. The complex aromas and tastes found in whisky can interact with the ingredients in your dish, creating a harmonious symphony of flavours on your palate.

The Basics of Whisky and Food Pairing

Before we dive into specific pairings, let's cover some fundamental principles to keep in mind:

Match Intensity: Consider the intensity of both the whisky and the dish. Lighter whiskies, such as Irish or Lowland Scotch, pair well with lighter dishes, while bold, peaty Scotch or rich bourbons are better suited for heartier fare.
Complement or Contrast: You can either complement flavours (similar profiles in both the whisky and the dish) or contrast them (opposing flavours) to create interesting pairings.
Consider Regional Matches: Certain whiskies from specific regions have traditional pairings. For instance, try pairing Islay Scotch with smoked seafood or Highland Scotch with game meats.

Whisky and Food Pairing Suggestions

Let's explore some whisky and food pairing suggestions to get your taste buds tingling:

Bourbon and BBQ

The sweetness and caramel notes in bourbon make it a fantastic match for smoky and tangy barbecue dishes. Think pulled pork, ribs, or even BBQ chicken.

Scotch Whisky and Seafood

Opt for a light, delicate Scotch like a Speyside or a Lowland Scotch when enjoying seafood. Pair it with fresh oysters, grilled or smoked salmon, or scallops for a delightful experience as these bring out the peppery and smoky notes.

Rye Whiskey and Spicy Fare

The spicy whisky varieties complements spicy dishes exceptionally well. Try it with Mexican, Thai, or Indian cuisine for a fiery flavour fusion.

Irish Whiskey and Dark Chocolate

The smoothness of Irish whiskey harmonises beautifully with the richness of chocolate. Experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, truffles, or even chocolate fondue.

Japanese Whiskey and Sushi

Japanese whisky's balanced and subtle flavours make it an ideal partner for sushi and sashimi. The whisky pairs delicate notes won't overpower the delicate flavours of the fish.

Peaty whisky Scotch and Blue Cheese

If you're a fan of smoky, peaty Scotch, pair it with sharp, creamy cheeses like blue cheese or aged cheddar. The bold flavours of both complement each other perfectly.

Rye Whisky and Apple Pie

For a classic American pairing, savour the spicy notes of rye whisky alongside a slice of warm apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream. For a Tennessee Whiskey, this will elevate the cinnamon and vanilla notes.

Whiskey Cocktails (Whiskey Sour)

Pairing food with whiskey cocktails like a Whiskey Sour can enhance the drinking experience by complementing and balancing the flavours. Cured meats and aged cheese like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo can complement the rich and complex flavours of the whiskey.

Here are seven specific whisky brands, along with a brief description for each, to pair with the whisky and food suggestions mentioned above:

Bourbon for BBQ: Maker's Mark
- About Maker's Mark: Maker's Mark is a renowned American bourbon whiskey known for its smooth, sweet flavour profile. It's made using red winter wheat instead of rye, which gives it a distinctively mellow taste. This bourbon is an excellent choice for pairing with smoky and tangy BBQ dishes.
Speyside Scotch for Seafood: Glenlivet 12 Year Old
- About Glenlivet: Glenlivet is a well-respected Scotch whisky distillery, and their 12 Year Old expression is a classic Speyside single malt. It boasts fruity and floral notes, making it an ideal complement to seafood dishes like oysters and grilled salmon.
Rye Whisky for Spicy Fare: Bulleit Rye
- About Bulleit Rye: Bulleit Rye is a popular American rye whiskey with a high rye content, resulting in a spicy and peppery flavour profile. Its bold character pairs wonderfully with spicy cuisines such as Mexican, Thai, or Indian dishes.
Irish Whiskey for Chocolate: Jameson Irish Whiskey
- About Jameson: Jameson is one of Ireland's most iconic whiskey brands, known for its smooth and approachable taste. Pair it with chocolate desserts like dark chocolate truffles or a decadent chocolate fondue for a delightful contrast of flavours.