What Happens When You Pair Whisky with Food?

Most people enjoy whisky after a meal, not with it. However, this is a pity. Just like wine or beer, whisky can enhance, mellow or strikingly combine flavours. And that's exactly what we're going to talk about today.

Salty cheese can turn a smoky Islay into a smooth, almost creamy delight. A piece of dark chocolate brings out the fruity notes in a sherry cask. And with a cut of meat paired with a sweet sauce, a bourbon can claim its rightful place at the table as if it always belonged there.

Whisky might just be the most versatile beverage in terms of flavour. From iodine to honey, smoky campfire to stewed red fruit. This means there are many directions you can take when pairing this nectar of the gods with food.

Consider smoked salmon with a soft, young Highlander: the whisky makes the fish tender and refreshing. Or how about Stilton cheese with an aged cask strength whisky? The robust character of the cheese calls for a companion with spunk, and together they almost become a new dish. The fun part is that you can meticulously find out what works and experimenting pays off.

Of course, there's a pitfall. Too much flavour can be as bad as too little. If you pair a powerful whisky with an equally spicy dish, they could completely overwhelm each other. You then taste nothing. Then there's no harmony, but rather a battle in your mouth. Good pairing, therefore, is not about: “What do I find tasty?” but about “What adds value without clashing?” An elegant Lowlander paired with a delicate fish dish works better than a peat monster that wipes out all subtlety.

And remember, pairing is still personal. What appears to be a perfect marriage to one person may not be appetizing to another. Balance seems the keyword in this regard. Not just in the glass, but also on the plate. You will taste more, view things differently, and appreciate flavours you may have previously missed.

So, what happens when you pair whisky with food? Whisky becomes part of a bigger picture. The glass no longer signifies the end, but a pitstop. You don't begin only after the meal, but you take the taste of whisky along with you during the meal. And that can turn out surprisingly delicious. Trust us on this one.

In short: whisky is more than just a drink, especially at the table.

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