What pairs well with whisky?

Whisky lovers know that finding the perfect pairing can elevate the experience.

Single malts, blends, and more offer endless possibilities for exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting your whisky journey, discovering what pairs with whisky can enhance its flavours and enrich your enjoyment.

You can mix and match whisky with all kinds of foods and drinks. But why stop there? Pair whisky with great music, match your dram to the weather outside, and most importantly, with worthy company. 

This guide will blend traditional and unexpected whisky pairings, helping you discover new ways to savour your dram. Let’s make every sip bring a little more to the table. Check out our Matches Made in Heaven series for more curious combinations.

How to pair whisky and food

Whisky and food is a most marvellous marriage. Pair the flavour of the food with the profile of whisky by either finding commonality or by creating interesting contrasts. Our Sam Smith once delved deep into the den of whisky and snacks, it’s certainly worth a read. Here are some common whisky and food pairings:

Cheese – Arguably the most common food pairing for whisky, you should consider swapping the wine for whisky at your next cheeseboard sitting. Strong cheeses like blue cheese balance well with bold smoky Islay whisky, while creamier, milder cheeses like brie or goat’s cheese work with lighter whiskies, such as a delicate Speyside single malt.

Chocolate – Another whisky pairing classic. Who would ever turn down the opportunity to add chocolate to a feast of the senses? Dark chocolate complements rich, smoky whiskies, while milk chocolate works with lighter, fruitier whiskies.

Smoked Meats – Whisky with smoky or peaty notes heightens the character of smoked or grilled meats, but lighter, sweeter malts can create a nice contrast. Bourbon is also bold enough to stand up to those big flavours. 

Nuts – Salted or roasted nuts can enhance whisky’s flavours, especially with a sweet or spicy dram. Wasabi Peas are also a great whisky pairing. The spicy kick contrasts with the whisky’s warmth and brings out its savoury qualities, especially in whiskies with a more earthy profile.

Fruits – Dried fruits like sultanas, figs, or dates complement the fruity or sherried notes of some whiskies perfectly. While fresh pineapple or grilled stone fruits like peaches or plums add a juicy, acidic balance to sweeter or bourbon cask-matured whiskies.

Seafood – Light, crisp whiskies pair beautifully with smoked salmon or oysters. Talikser recommends eating an oyster and then drinking whisky out of the shell. How good does that sound? Or why not enjoy a lighter, delicate Japanese whisky with the fresh and clean flavours of sushi? Raw fish x umami-rich soy sauce x whisky = good. That’s just maths. 

Spicy Foods – Spicy cuisine, like Indian or Mexican, pairs well with whisky’s warmth and complexity. Salt Bar in London specialises in the art of mixing Indian food and whisky and once you’ve experienced it, you’ll wonder where that combo has been all your life. 

Popcorn – A lightly salted or buttered popcorn can bring out the subtle sweetness and caramel notes in whisky, making for a casual yet intriguing pairing.

Liquorice – I’m not a liquorice guy personally, but I have it on good authority that lovers of bold flavours, peated or smoky whiskies like Laphroaig or Ardbeg can create an interesting interplay with the strong, bittersweet taste of liquorice.

Pickled Vegetables – Unexpected but effective, the tanginess of pickled cucumbers, onions, or even kimchi can cut through rich, smoky whiskies and highlight their complexity.

How to pair whisky and drinks

Pairing whisky with other drinks opens up a world of creative possibilities, allowing you to explore and enhance the dram in exciting new ways.

Beer – The Boilermaker remains undefeated. Whisky and beer have a long tradition of being enjoyed together. This doesn’t have to be a boozy mess, however, of shooting whisky and slamming back pints. Take things to a sophisticated nadir by bringing together stout or porter with a smoky whisky like Lagavulin or Ardbeg to allow those dark, rich flavours to sing in harmony. An IPA with its hoppy bitterness contrasts well with a sweet bourbon or a whisky finished in rum or wine casks, providing balance. A nice Saison or a wheat beer with a light, citrusy whisky can make for a refreshing and bright pairing too.

Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cider work a treat too. Highlight the fruity notes in the whisky like nice sweet Scotch with apple or pear characteristics to blend with the crisp, sweet cider. A hot apple cider with a splash of whisky (like in a Hot Toddy) also makes for a comforting cold-weather combination.

Coffee – Whisky and coffee work well together, both with and without mixing. An Irish coffee-style drink with your preferred whisky makes for a warm, comforting pairing. But you can do a side-by-side as well. Try an espresso with a bold bourbon or rye, where the sweetness and spice balance the bitterness of the coffee.

Tea – Tea offers a wide range of pairing opportunities. Chai tea with its spices and creamy texture goes well with peated or spicy whiskies, highlighting the warming qualities of both. Green tea works well with light, floral whiskies, especially from Japan, accentuating fresh, grassy flavours. Earl Grey with its citrus notes can pair well with fruit-forward whiskies like those finished in sherry or port casks.

Wine  – Yes, whisky and wine can complement each other. I’m increasingly of the opinion that Champagne and whisky might be the most underrated match around, while bold red wines like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec with a rich, spicy whisky like a rye can do wonders. Most of all, you should be pairing sherry or Port wine with a sherry-cask or Port-cask finished whisky to truly understand the depth of flavour they bring and celebrate these glorious harmonies. 

Sake – Japanese whisky and sake sounds right, doesn’t it? But any light, floral whiskies will go well with the delicate, rice-driven flavours of sake, making for an elegant pairing.

Cocktails – An obvious suggestion, but some people are still ardently against the whisky cocktail. The Whisky Sour, Old Fashioned, Highball, and Manhattan are a fantastic four just waiting to change your mind, doubters. 

Hot Chocolate – Whisky with rich dark hot chocolate is a winter warmer you should try. Particularly if you’re making homemade French-style hot chocolate. Beautiful. A peated whisky adds a smoky contrast to the chocolate’s sweetness, while a sweeter whisky, like a bourbon, can create a dessert-like experience. You can mix the whisky directly into the hot chocolate for an indulgent treat or have it on the side. The world is your oyster.

Mixers – We know whisky with soda water is a winner, just ask Japan, the Highball masters. Tonic water is also a potent pairing, while ginger ale or ginger beer with whisky creates a spicy, zesty pairing, especially with bold bourbons or sweet Irish whiskeys. For a tropical twist, coconut water pairs surprisingly well with a whisky that has tropical fruit or vanilla notes, such as a whisky finished in rum casks or one with a sweet bourbon character. Lemonade or iced tea offers a refreshing contrast to whisky, particularly in warm weather, balancing sweetness with the whisky’s boldness.

Non-Alcoholic Options – Whisky can also be paired with non-alcoholic drinks for those looking for a more mindful match. Kombucha adds an element of complexity and acidity, making for an intriguing match with whisky’s depth. 

Whisky and cigars

A true classic pairing. The rich and smoky aroma of cigars can complement robust whiskies like Islay malts or heavily sherried expressions. The slow pace of smoking a cigar has long been used to enhance the contemplative nature of whisky sipping. We can’t actually recommend this pairing for obvious health reasons, but you’re adults. Drink responsibly and no cigars until you finish your supper.

Whisky and music, books, and film

Whisky doesn’t just have to be paired with other consumable goods. Pairing whisky with music, books, film, and art takes the experience beyond the palate and into a sensory journey that can enhance your appreciation of both the whisky and the medium. Take a multisensory appreciation of whisky.

Music  – The right soundtrack can amplify the mood of your whisky session. You could even create a playlist for you and your friends, share new tunes and swap new drams for a superb session. Maybe you think smoky, peaty whisky suits deep, brooding blues or jazz. Or perhaps you hear Celtic acoustic folk when you close your eyes with a mouth full of Islay. Let the tempo and emotion of the music complement the characteristics of the whisky.

Books – Pairing whisky with a book can bring a new level of atmosphere to your reading experience. A famous whisky lover like novelist Haruki Murakami would approve we’re sure. Just imagine getting engrossed in a thriller and then sipping on something sublime. A feast for the senses. 

Film – I won’t lie, I’ve snuck drams into the cinema several times. And why not? It’s not as disruptive as the rustling of crisps and sweets and once again elevates the experience by bringing together two rewarding cultural products. Whisky is so often good in film (see above), so why not whisky and film?

Whisky and weather

Yes, the environment plays a big role in how whisky is perceived. Think about it. How many cold, winter nights call out for a whisky wrapped in a blanket of hearty, warming flavours? Or sunny afternoons that just scream Highballs and lighter, citrusy whisky, enjoyed on a terrace or in nature. 

I find a dram of whisky wonderful in a peaceful moment of reflection or mindfulness. A quiet moment of meditation paired with taking in the aromas and flavours of the whisky with just the sound of the rain outside is a dreamy ideal that’s easy to make happen.

Whisky and good company

Of course, nothing pairs better with a good glass of whisky than someone to share it with. Whisky isn’t whisky until it’s shared, some say, and anyone who has known the joy of clinking glasses with a like-minded loved one who also appreciates a good dram knows this all too well. Open a bottle, toast each other, and let the good times roll (responsibly). Sláinte!

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