We’re all familiar with the world of wine pairing. But did you know whiskey pairing is a fascinating world unto itself with home pairing dinners and on-premise events quickly on the rise? Let’s take a quick look at what you need to know to get on the whiskey-pairing bandwagon so you can put together the right beverage-to-bite combo your customers are sure to love!
Whiskey 101
Before exploring the ins and outs of pairing, it’s important to understand some whiskey basics. Whiskey is a broad category of spirits made from fermented grain mash, which can include barley, corn, rye, and wheat. The aging process, grain mixture, and production methods differ across regions and countries, and result in a diverse range of styles and flavor profiles.
Generally speaking, the most popular styles of whiskey are Scotch, Irish, American, Bourbon, Canadian, and more recently, Japanese. Here’s a quick look at each style:
Made exclusively in Scotland from malted barley.
Distinctive regional variations (e.g., Highland, Lowland, Islay) influencing flavor profiles.
Can be single malt (from one distillery) or blended (mixing different whiskies).
Traditionally triple-distilled for a smoother taste.
Uses a mix of malted and unmalted barley along with other grains.
Generally lighter and smoother compared to Scotch.
Includes Bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, and American Rye Whiskey.
Bourbon
A specific type of whiskey made primarily from corn mash (at least 51%).
Distinctive sweetness and flavors like vanilla, caramel, and oak.
Must be aged in new charred oak barrels, contributing to its color and taste profile.
Often associated with Kentucky, but can be made anywhere in the U.S.
Tennessee Whiskey
Primarily made from a mash bill of at least 51% corn, often with barley, rye, and sometimes wheat.
Distinctive for undergoing the Lincoln County Process, where it's filtered through charcoal made from sugar maple before aging.
Known for its smooth, slightly sweet, and mellow profile with hints of smokiness and caramel notes.
Must be produced in Tennessee, with brands like Jack Daniel's and George Dickel being prominent examples.
American Rye Whiskey
Made from a mash bill of at least 51% rye grain, contributing to its spicier and drier taste compared to other whiskies.
Typically not subjected to charcoal filtering, allowing the rye's natural flavors to prevail during aging.
Known for its peppery, spicy notes, often with hints of fruitiness and a distinct dryness.
Originating in North America, Rye has seen a resurgence in popularity with the rise of craft distilling and classic cocktails.
Reputation for excellently blending various grains like corn, rye, and barley for a smoother taste.
Can have a higher rye content, lending it a spicier, more robust flavor profile.
Typically aged longer in used barrels, fostering subtle wood flavors without overpowering oak notes.
Approachable to newcomers due to its milder taste and diverse flavor range.
Known for delicate, nuanced, and elegant flavor profiles. Meticulous blending techniques create balanced and complex whiskies.
Age rapidly due to Japan's varied climate, contributing to unique interactions with casks.
Renowned for makers’ willingness to experiment with cask finishes, aging, and unique grains.
Some expressions are highly sought after due to limited production and increasing global demand.
Fun fact: the spelling "whiskey" is commonly used in Ireland and the United States, while "whisky" is typical in Scotland, Canada, and Japan.
General Pairing Guidelines
Now that you’re armed with an understanding of common whiskey styles and their unique characteristics, let’s dig in on how to pair them with food.
Like wine, there are two pairing approaches you can take: complementary (aka contrasting) or congruent pairs.
In a complementary pairing, the whiskey serves to counterbalance the most prominent flavors of a dish, ultimately creating harmony between opposing ingredients. For example, contrasting a sweet bourbon with spicy cuisine creates a balanced taste experience.
Congruent pairings share the same or similar elements to enhance the flavor, such as matching a smoky, peaty Scotch with savory, grilled, or smoked meats.
Keep in mind the intensity of the whiskey to align with the intensity of the dish. Lighter styles tend to pair well with delicate flavors, while heartier, aged varieties can stand up to richer ingredients and stronger flavors.
Specific Pairing Suggestions
Because bringing theory into practice can be tricky, here are a few specific pairing suggestions to guide you in your menu planning or in-store recommendations to customers.
Cheese
Aged cheeses with sharp flavors, such as cheddar and blue, pair well with smoky Scotches. A smooth Irish whiskey, when teamed up with a soft, rich cheese like brie or camembert produces a sweet, creamy experience. Harder cheeses with crystalline texture, like Gouda or Parmigiano-Reggiano, are perfect alongside a spicy rye.
Fruit
Tangy and tart fruits can really bring out the complexities of whiskey. Apple and pear match well with Scotch while dried fruit such as figs and dates can complement a caramel-forward Tennessee whiskey or Bourbon. Just be sure to skip the citrus; the flavor and smell are too intense and will overpower the intricacies of any whiskey.
Meat
Pairing whiskey with meat could be a whole event in itself! Here are just a few options to consider:
Smoky Whiskey with Grilled Steak: Pair a smoky and peaty whiskey, like a Scotch or a peated bourbon, with a grilled ribeye or steak. The smokiness of the whiskey perfectly complements the charred flavors of the meat.
Bourbon with BBQ Ribs: A bold and slightly sweet bourbon pairs wonderfully with BBQ ribs. The caramel and vanilla notes in bourbon blend beautifully with the rich, tangy BBQ sauce.
Rye Whiskey with Spiced Pork: With its dry, peppery notes, Rye whiskey is an excellent choice to enhance the flavors of a well-seasoned, savory pork loin or chop.
High-proof Whiskey with Fatty Cuts of Meat: High-proof whiskeys are the way to go with fattier cuts of meat like brisket or pork belly. The higher alcohol content cuts through the richness of the meat, while the fat content tempers the alcohol burn, balancing the flavors.
Desserts
Don’t forget the dessert pairings! The sweet caramel notes of bourbon stand out alongside dark chocolate treats, like flourless chocolate cake or dark truffles. Rye whiskey elevates spiced desserts like apple pie or gingerbread. Lighter and fruitier whiskeys, like Irish or certain Highland Scotch whiskies, blend beautifully with fruit-based desserts like berry tarts or peach cobbler.
Putting it all Together
As with any pairing endeavor, personal preference and some experimentation are part of the fun! And your whiskey pairing recommendations don’t just have to be neat pours. A highball, Sazerac, or Manhattan well paired alongside a meal can be an equally exemplary flavor experience.
Whether you are recommending a specific bottle to a customer, planning an in-store tasting event, or building a suggested whiskey pairing menu as part of your everyday offering you’ll be more than ready to take your customers on a wonderful whiskey journey.
