The unique combination of Whisky and chocolate is a dream come true for many. Determining the Whisky and chocolate pairings is more art than science. Whisky and chocolate pairing works pleasantly because of the digestive qualities of scotch. It’s ideally consumed after a meal and aids in digestion. A small portion of fine chocolate paired with the scotch heightens this experience. In a perfect pairing, both the scotch and chocolate should be considered better together rather than enjoyed individually.
Take a small sip of the scotch and swirl it around the inside of your mouth and swallow. Try a piece of chocolate while you still have the taste of the Whisky in your mouth and see what happens. Ideally, you’ll taste an enjoyable combination of the scotch and chocolate that will leave you wanting a little bit more of each.
Single malt scotch whiskies have very distinctive and particular flavour profiles based on where they’re from in Scotland. They can be herbal, grassy, fruity or smoky. Single-origin chocolates are the same in that they take their character from their terroir and microclimate, giving them a true sense of place. For an ideal chocolate and scotch pairing experience, the aroma and flavour profiles of both products should be complemented and augmented.
Overall, in case of dark chocolates, smooth, sweet Whiskies pair best with this kind of chocolate’s bittersweet flavour. Jameson Irish Whiskey goes very well with dark chocolates. For white chocolates, smokey Whiskies pair best with this chocolate’s sweet flavour like the Hakushu Single Malt Whisky 12 Year. Hibiki Harmony NAS 43% pairs well with pralines having caramel ganache, caramelised hazelnuts or toasted almonds or a smooth, rich creamy single origin Javanese cocao milk chocolate.
Try chocolates with honey and hazelnut match with the spirit. Sweetness of honey matches well with the honey flavor in Black Dog Centenary Scotch Whisky also known as Black Dog 8 Year Old Scotch.
So next time you have a special occasion, do try pairing your Whisky with chocolates. Individually these are delicious. Together, they’re outstanding.
