The idea of matching whisky with something is not new. The last decade or so has seen many a whisky tasting that has paired our favourite spirit with all manner of things – chocolate, cheese, cigars, Michelin-starred food and so on. The concept has also inspired some more ‘out of the box’ approaches and seen whisky matched to mood, music, perfume and colour. But how do you go about it?
All About Balance
The most important thing to consider whenever matching whisky with anything, be it food based or otherwise, is to have balance. The whisky must not overpower the other component and vice versa. This balance is needed so that one compliments the flavours and aromas of the other.
Put simply – a robust cigar or strong blue cheese matched with a light fresh single malt would mask the subtle, vibrant notes in the whisky. Likewise, a very peaty whisky matched with a milder, creamier cigar or delicate goats’ cheese would dominate. The principal is the same whatever you are pairing with.
The Cigar Example
Most cigars tend to compliment ex-sherry cask matured whisky (as they have extra sweetness and fruitiness that can match the strength of the tobacco). A lightly peated whisky that exhibits a similar strength of lightly smoky flavour to the cigar can be a good fit. A more robust strong cigar would need a heavier, smokier or richer whisky to combat its higher levels of aromas and flavour. Considering these factors when buying whisky and cigars will help, as will the advice of the people in the stores where you choose to buy them.
Pairing Whisky with Food
Foods with lighter delicate flavours – seafood, goats cheese, vanilla ice-cream – will pair superbly with lighter whiskies, such as those with ex-bourbon barrel maturation or something finished in ex-white wine or ex-dessert wine casks, like a Sauternes or Tokaji. Food that is sweet and fruity would work well with an ex-sherry or ex-Port cask matured whisky – chocolate, rich desserts, dried fruits, nuts, figs – with bolder stronger flavours. Smoked whisky matches well with sweet or salty foods, but keep their flavours bold and strong – shellfish, mature or blue cheese, spicy food, chocolate pudding.
Try for Yourself
While ultimately there are no rules, creating balance works best for us, and finding pairings that suit your palate are a great place to start. Next time your pour a glass of your favourite whisky try it alongside your favourite food. A bit a mix and match will very quickly find your perfect combination.
