Irish whiskey has lots of different and versatile aromas to offer. A complexity that can easily elevate a meal when matched thoughtfully. But which Irish whiskey goes with which food? We looked into the different kinds of whiskey and paired them with dishes so that they either complement or contrast the flavours on your plate. After all, balance is key! So, here’s your guide on how to pair Irish whiskey with food.
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Seafood & Light Starters
Seafood, for example salmon, oysters, or scallops, which you can also find in Ireland, always brings a certain freshness with it. This freshness is lifted even more by hints of citrus or apple in the whiskey. And if you want to enhance the delicate aromas of the seafood, opt for whiskeys with clean and slightly sweet notes.
Best Pairing: Light, floral Irish whiskey such as Jameson Original or Glendalough Double Barrel.
Cheese Boards
Delicious, creamy, or nutty cheeses, like Irish cheddar for example, need a bit more spice in their whiskey. A great choice is the full-bodied character of a pot still whiskey. The whiskey’s dried fruit and toffee notes echo the richness of aged cheeses, while its spice cuts through the creaminess.
Best Pairing: Single pot still whiskeys like Redbreast 12 Year Old.
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Roast Meats & Hearty Dishes
Depth is the keyword when it comes to slow-cooked beef, stew, or roast pork. Dishes like these benefit from the depth of whiskeys with dark fruit, raisin, and nutty flavours. Those can, for example, be found in whiskeys with sherry cask influence. They echo the hearty note of the meat, while a hint of spice keeps things balanced.
Best Pairing: Rich, sherry-finished whiskeys such as Bushmills 16 Year Old or a Single Pot Still with honey aromas like Powers John’s Lane.
Spicy & Exotic Cuisine
A lighter body and sweeter profile are often able to soften the heat of spicy food like Thai curry, barbecue, or Indian dishes. Opt for Irish whiskey with red berry or vanilla tones. Their easy style offers refreshment in contrast to the spicy foods, while heavier whiskies might overwhelm.
Best Pairing: Grain whiskeys like Teeling Single Grain.
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Chocolate & Desserts
Dark chocolate or other rich and indulgent desserts like toffee pudding or Irish coffee cake call for the honeyed sweetness and complexity of mature whiskeys. They enhance the dessert and make for a luxurious after-dinner pairing.
Best Pairing: Mature single malts such as Tullamore D.E.W. 18 Year Old or Knappogue Castle 14 Year Old.
Sweet Treats & Pastries
If you like your dessert a bit lighter or sweeter, or you like to add fruits, you can pair fruity or vanilla-flavoured whiskeys with buttery sweet pastries and cake. Just imagine the taste of a warm apple tart rounded off with a dram of fruity, rich Irish whiskey.
Best Pairing: Cask-finished expressions like Method and Madness Virgin Spanish Oak Finish.
Discover your perfect pairing of Irish whiskey and food
Pairing Irish whiskey with food is not about rigid rules. It’s more about the discovery of what you like as a combination. Start with balance: lighter whiskeys for lighter dishes, bolder whiskeys for richer ones. Whatever you choose and whatever you feel enriches your food – there’s certainly an Irish whiskey for every dish that can turn your dinner into a memorable experience.
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