Pairing Whisky and Food

Planning on holding a tasting in your store or bar this World Whisky Day? Just like wine and beer, whisky can also be enjoyed with food. Rich, fatty foods such a cheese and chocolate are best matched with whisky, as they coat the mouth and cut through the flavour.

We've put together some whisky and food pairings for you to recommend or try with your customers.

Lagavulin 16 Year Old Scotch Whisky

Country of Origin: Scotland
Type: Single malt
ABV: 43%
About: Lagavulin was one of the first legal distilleries on the island of Islay, built by local farmer John Johnston in 1816. The 16 Year Old is the distillery’s best-known whisky.
Tasting note: Deep amber in colour. Intense, peat smoke nose with hints of iodine and seaweed. Peat smoke fills the palate with a gentle but strong sweetness, followed by sea salt and subtle wood. Long, elegant finish.
Food pairing: Cashel Irish Blue Cheese or a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup for an alternate pairing.

Talisker 10 Year Old Scotch Whisky

Country of Origin: Scotland
Type: Single malt
ABV: 45.8%
About: Talisker is one of Scotland’s most remote distilleries, located on the shores of the Isle of Skye. This whisky won Best Single Malt Scotch at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Tasting note: Bright gold in colour. Powerful peat smoke and a hint of sea water with citrus sweetness on the nose. Flavours of rich dried fruit sweetness, smoke, barley malt and spice. Long, warming finish.
Food pairing: Stilton jaffle and fresh seafood.

 
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Scotch Whisky

Country of Origin: Scotland
Type: Blended
ABV: 40%
About: Johnnie Walker is the most famous name in whisky and began almost 200 years ago in 1820. Gold label showcases the blender’s art, featuring whiskies from Speyside, the Highland area and West Coast.
Tasting note: Golden amber in colour. Maple syrup, spices and malt on the nose. Creamy smoothness, gentle smokiness, sweet fruits, vanilla and honey on the palate. Smoke and oakiness on the finish.
Food pairing: Dark chocolate coated honeycomb.


Cragganmore 12 Year Old Speyside Scotch Whisky

Country of Origin: Scotland
Type: Single malt
ABV: 40%
About: Cragganmore is located in the Speyside region of Scotland and its 12 Year Old has been said to have “the most complex aroma of any malt,” by whisky writer Michael Jackson.
Tasting note: Gold in colour. Sweet, floral nose with hints of riverside herbs and flowers. Strong, distinctly malty flavour with hints of sweet wood smoke and sandalwood. Long, malt-driven finish with light smoke and sweetness.
Food pairing: Quality jamon like the nutty and buttery ibérico hams of Spain.

 
Highland Park 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky

Country of Origin: Scotland
Type: Single malt
ABV: 40%
About: Highland Park was established in 1798. This was the first expression made by the distillery and is still at the core of its range.
Tasting note: Bright amber in colour. Heather-honey sweetness and peaty smokiness on the nose. Rounded smoky sweetness and rich malt flavours. A long, sweet finish with heathery notes and subtle smoke.
Food pairing: Salted dark chocolate (at least 70 per cent cacao) or quality beef jerky.

 
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Country of Origin: America
Type: Bourbon
ABV: 40%
About: Woodford Reserve is one of Kentucky's oldest bourbon makers, founded in 1812. This is its most popular whiskey and has more than 200 detectable flavours.
Tasting note: Honey amber in colour. Rich dried fruit, hints of mint, vanilla, tobacco spice, orange and cocoa on the nose. Complex citrus, cinnamon, cocoa, caramel and spice flavours. A smooth and creamy finish.
Food pairing: Aged parmesan cheese, dark chocolate and toasted hazelnuts.