You Asked, We Tried: 4 Unexpected Food Pairings With Whisky
Modern whisky connoisseurs are reimagining the dram in ways that explore its potential in blending intricate, tasteful cocktails. And if that’s not enough, your favourite type of whisky is also an excellent accompaniment with rather unexpected and creative food pairings that complement the spirit’s flavour profile.
Whisky can in fact take a lot in terms of layered tasting notes and some experiments with the dram and complementary food pairings can produce rather interesting results that explore these many creative possibilities. Think of it as a ‘bar meets the kitchen’ experiment where different types of whisky come together with a selection of quirky, gourmet culinary bites in an imaginative dive into flavour combinations that surprisingly work.
Classic Whisky x Dark Chocolate
While one might declare this to be a slightly overworn pairing, it is a bit more complicated than that. This is a dram served by itself, in a rocks glass, that is coupled with a chocolate which is over 70 percent dark. The bitterness of the chocolate cuts through the richness and density of the whisky in a classic combination that also tapers the robust flavours of the spirit. Whisky can be served with little slivers of dark chocolate that dissolve onto the palate. A coming together of the chocolate’s pronounced notes with the slightly fruity and nutty qualities of whisky, this is a flavour pairing that can never go wrong.
Peated Whisky x Salted Popcorn
The crunch of fresh, warm salted popcorn mingles with the smoky notes of a peated whisky in this unexpected flavour combination. What’s interesting is the way in which the saltiness of the popcorn balances out the robust, smoky flavours of the whisky to deliver a small bite and spirit pairing that appears to be quite lively and vibrant. In fact, this coupling is testament to what such thoughtful additions can do to the whisky tasting experience. Pairing a good quality peated whisky, with its singularly fascinating smoky notes and deep flavours, with a snack as light as salted popcorn suddenly brings the old-fashioned dram into a newer, more contemporary avatar.
Bourbon x Vanilla Ice Cream
A classic, sweet bourbon coupled with vanilla ice cream, either separately or as an ice cream float will produce a combination that is rich, luxurious and which basically resembles an exquisite dessert. Bourbon is known for its smooth, caramel-like, vanilla and toffee notes: the perfect flavours for pairing with a creamy ice cream laced with the aromas of good quality vanilla. Serve the drink and dessert in a bowl or in a rocks glass, either way, what you would have is a very luxe and densely flavoured sweet treat. Prepare the bourbon float during a gathering, a home hosting event or an evening spent with intimate friends to experiment with a pairing that always promises to be in vogue.
Whisky Highball x Fried Chicken
A crispy, audibly crunchy and succulent piece of fried chicken promises to be the kind of small bite that brings an oomph into any party. Pair it with a whisky cocktail whose zesty vibrancy cuts through the greasy portions of the fried chicken to leave the palate feeling fresh and light. The highball can be prepared by bringing together a classic blended whisky with soda, cola or even some ginger ale as more diverse flavour options. Each one will bring its own zing into the cocktail that becomes more pronounced when the drink is garnished with an expressed lime wheel. Alongside fried chicken, the highball becomes the perfect cocktail to serve at an evening gathering hosted for a close group.
All cocktails listed use 30 ml liquor measurements for single serves. Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
