How to pair single malt whisky with food

There’s nothing quite like a single-malt Scotch paired with the right meal. Whisky, in general, is a great pairing beverage for multiple foods, but if paired incorrectly, it might not be as pleasing. The goal with whisky pairings is to pair it with something that’ll compliment its distinct single malt flavour and visa versa. To do this, you need to know what foods work with Scotch Whisky and which don’t. Luckily, we’ll give you a few pointers on where to start. 

What do you need to know when it comes to single-malt whisky and food?

With any food or drink pairing, there comes a set of guidelines, such as do’s and don’ts, that are there to improve your experience. To make a point, remember that whisky is there for you to enjoy and pairing it with the right food simply makes the experience more enjoyable. For those who prefer a whisky with something else, that’s your preference. Here are some things you should know about pairing whisky with food:

• When you have a strong whisky, it’ll pair better with sweeter nuts, but the opposite applies to weaker whiskies
• Fish dishes are generally an allrounder when it comes to pairing them with whiskies., however, sushi isn’t the easiest to pair with single malts
• Avoid citrus when pairing dried or fresh fruits with whisky
• Fatty foods also pair well with most Scotch whiskies
• Foods that have strong garlic flavours or that are over-spicy tend to reduce the impact of the flavour in most whiskies, so if you want to enjoy your whisky, it would be best to avoid these dishes or ingredients
• Should you prefer to dilute the whisky because it is too strong to pair with food, consider having it on the rocks as the ice will melt and dilute the whisky without weakening it too much

How to pair Scotch Whisky

A few key pairings tend to work well with a single malt whisky; it just takes a bit of testing and experimenting to find which one fits your palate the best. But hey, we all need a place to start. Before we look at some pairings, remember the basic rule: heavier whiskies usually go better with foods with stronger flavours. Likewise, lighter and smoother whiskies will pair better with weaker foods. So, here are some pairings for you to start with:

1. Pairings for fruity single malts

Fruitier single malts are quite versatile and pair well with many foods. These whiskies typically feature flavours you would expect from tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, banana or certain orchid fruits like raisins, figs, apricots, or citrus fruits. Some pairing ideas for these whiskies include bread or snacks like rosemary and focaccia bread or roasted nuts. Additionally, dark chocolate or ginger biscuits work well for dessert; cheeses like camembert, cream cheese, or goat cheese also work well. Finally, a smoked fish can bring out those fruity flavours and perfectly complement your whisky. 

2. Pairings for full-bodied whiskies

Whiskies with a more robust flavour and burn can be wonderfully paired with healthier foods that complement their complexity and bold flavours. For example, meats like venison or beef with an array of root vegetables are a great pairing for a main meal. Then, you can end the meal with coffee-infused desserts like Tiramisu or dark chocolate. 

3. Spicy and dry Scotch

Dry Scotches or spicy scotches often pair well with meat dishes, which balance out the characteristics of the spices. If you have a spicier whisky, consider pairing it with a meat dish made with beef, lamb, or venison, and end the meal with dark chocolate, which complements the heat and depth of spicy whiskies.

4. Smokey Whiskies

Finally, many Scotch Whiskies have a peaty flavour and vary in intensity from an earthy to a stronger sweet barbecue flavour. You may want to pair this type of whisky with food that balances out these characteristics, such as foods with bold smokey flavours like Barbecued beef or venison. Consider the other aspects of this whisky before pairing it. It may pair well with some of the other options above. 

Experiment with new pairings

The only reason we know what pairings work is because we’ve learnt from others and gotten adventurous ourselves. So, try out different pairings and share what you find with others. The more meals we have to pair with our favourite single malt, the better, wouldn’t you say?

Final Thoughts

Picture it: dark chocolate and an array of cheeses served with a glass of single malt whisky. We’re building up an appetite just thinking about it. Remember, fruity whiskeys pair better with lighter foods and fruits, while heavier whiskeys are better with foods like beef venison or dark chocolate. Everyone has their preferences, so try your whisky out with a few foods and see what works for you. Ultimately, the best food pairing is ultimately the one you enjoy.