The Perfect Pairings: Food that Goes with Irish Whiskey

Of all the whiskies, there is something special about Irish whiskey. Known for its smooth, approachable profile, it is an easy-to-drink spirit that works well both neat or in cocktail form. But so much versatility can be both a blessing and a curse. If you are looking to properly sync your drink and food, then we have some good news: You can pair various foods with your Irish whiskey. Whether you are having a small tasting party, trying to class up your dinner or just want to know what snack pairs best, here’s a guide to pairing your Irish whiskey with food.

Cheese and Irish Whiskey: A Classic Match

Aged Irish cheddar is an obvious choice. With its nutty, bold flavour, it can stand up to what Irish whisky brings to the table. In short, these two partners are perfect for one another.

If you’re looking for something more daring than your average cheddar, try blue cheese. With its rich, creamy, tangy notes, it pairs perfectly with the rich, malt flavour of the whiskey.  How about something lighter to go with that whiskey?  Goat cheese might just be your best bet. The light, fresh cheese with its creamy texture and slightly tangy notes plays nicely in the background with the silky-smooth whiskey.

Meats and Whiskey: Bringing Out the Bold Flavours

If you are opting for a more robust meal, meat is the way to go. Meat and whiskey go hand in hand. The rich, savoury flavours of meats can help in elevating the flavour profile of a whiskey with a savoury note. And because the whiskey has a smooth finish, it still helps break up the richness of the dish.

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

Chocolate and Irish Whiskey: A Sweet Affair

If you have a sweet tooth, then Irish Whiskey with chocolate is a food pairing made in heaven, but the trick is balancing the richness of the chocolate and the whiskey so that neither overpowers the other. Keep this in mind.

Fruits and Whiskey: A Fresh and Fruity Match

A piece of fruit can be a nice giveaway when mixed with your whiskey. Whether it’s apples or pears with their refreshing fruity, sweet and juicy notes. They are light and crisp. They work beautifully with the mild flavours of blended Irish whiskey.

Nuts and Whiskey: The Crunchy Companion

Chewy and crunchy: Both styles work really great as Irish whiskey pairing options. And there’s just no better way to enjoy whiskey, than casually sipping with friends and having some finger food to go with it!

Levelling Up Your Taste with Irish Whiskey

The fun thing about trying all these foods with Irish whiskey is that the right flavour combination can enhance and unlock a lot of potential in the spirit you’re drinking. These are just a few examples of what flavours may work and they all depend on exactly what you’re sipping on and even your personal preference. Whether you happen to be having some finger food or a full-course meal of meats and chocolates, there’s a whiskey pairing for every single taste in your dram. So, drink up, sláinte! We hope this gives you a new challenge and a nice new goal to work towards when you try Irish whiskey. It also gives you an exceedingly fun social experiment to do with your friends!

Drink responsibly. visit drinkaware.ie