Whisky and Chocolate: The Ultimate Pairing Guide
Have you been looking for that perfect sweet treat to eat alongside a delicious glass of whisky? Let us introduce a unique but worthy pairing— whisky and chocolate.
While chocolate might not be the first thing your mind goes to when pairing food with whisky, it’s something you need to try before dismissing it. Trust us, you’ll never look back once you do.
Just imagine the rich, velvety notes of a fine whisky paired with a smooth piece of chocolate…
To help you out, we’ve created a list of our favourite and most loved whisky and chocolate pairings so that you can get the most out of the experience; it’s a sure way to improve your whisky tasting sessions or catch-ups with friends.
Match intensity first
Before you jump into it, it’s important to match the strength of the whisky with the chocolate.
You don’t want to underwhelm with a white chocolate truffle paired with a cask-strength sherry whisky, and you don’t want to drown out a delicate whisky with a rich chocolate high in cocoa content.
It’s all about balance. If you have rich, strong chocolate, your whisky must be able to compete. If your dram is subtle and smooth, go for chocolate that won’t overpower it.
1. Single malt scotch and dark chocolate (70% + Cocoa)
Known for its smoky, peaty taste, single malt Scotch is a drink with a lot of depth, so you need a chocolate that can match it.
For this, we recommend a dark chocolate high in cocoa, around 70%, for a bold and tasty pairing. An Islay Scotch, such as Ardbeg or Laphroaig, is a great choice, as the bitter taste of the chocolate evens out the earthy taste of the Scotch.
Keep this one in mind for your next whisky night!
2. Bourbon and milk chocolate
A classic drink, this smooth and nutty whisky is best paired with a smooth and creamy bar of milk chocolate.
With underlying tones of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice, bourbon pairs beautifully with a classic chocolate bar or toffee-flavoured chocolate. With every sip, you’ll be able to make the aftertaste that much sweeter with a bite of milk chocolate.
It’s perfect for making whisky tasting sessions that much more enjoyable.
3. Irish whiskey and white chocolate
Are you an Irish whisky lover? If so, let us put you onto something that you now won’t be able to go without.
If you drink Irish whisky often, then you probably love anything sweet and light— enter white chocolate. When paired with this type of whisky, the creamy, buttery taste complements the fruity notes well, creating a match made in heaven.
Just try it out for yourself! To add an extra touch, opt for white chocolate with strawberry or raspberry pieces.
4. Islay whisky and sea salt chocolate
If you’re looking for a combination that will linger long after the last bite, try sea salt chocolate with an Islay whisky.
Beloved for their smoky and bold character, Islay whiskies are perfectly balanced with a bite of salty chocolate. The sweet and bitter tastes balance each other out, creating an irresistibly moreish treat.
The salt in the chocolate opens up the taste buds, bringing out the flavours of the cocoa and whisky, adding a whole new level to the drinking experience. Plus, the dark chocolate brings out the hints of iodine, dried fruit, and brine.
5. Rye whisky and spiced chocolate
Rye whisky is full of character, so you need something to match its bold and complex taste. This is where spiced chocolate comes in.
Full of character, this pairing is ideal for someone who wants something fiery and impactful. The sharp and spicy taste of rye whiskies differs from the sweetness of bourbon, and when you pair this with chilli or cinnamon-infused chocolate, let’s just say it’s a game changer.
You may think this pairing would clash, but the heat in the chocolate only builds on the peppery kick of the whisky.
6. Highland whisky and fruit-infused chocolate
With a broad range of flavours, Highland whiskies come with honey and floral notes to peaty and maritime variations.
However, they all often feature notes of dried fruit and gentle cinnamon spice, which pair well with fruit-infused chocolate. This cuts through the richness of the whisky, adding a light and sweet aftertaste.
Pick sharp fruits like cherries, raspberries, and citrus for a truly remarkable combination.
7. Sherried whisky and dark cherry chocolate
Sherried whisky is decadent and bold and is deeply enjoyed at Christmas time. Packed with notes of spiced oak, toasted nuts, and dried fruit, it's often described as Black Forest cake in a glass.
Pair this with dark cherry chocolate, and you’ve got a power pairing that will wow all of your friends and family. This rich and sweet combination isn’t for people who prefer something soft and subtle; it’s moody and indulgent, perfect for a celebration.
If you’d prefer to counteract this whisky with something more relaxed, try some white milk chocolate instead.
8. Japanese whisky and matcha white chocolate
Luxurious and elegant, Japanese whisky paired with matcha white chocolate is the perfect, harmonious combination.
If you prefer something a little more relaxed and delicate, then you need to try this. The sweet, floral taste of Japanese whisky is mellow, which combines well with the bold, grassy, and bitter taste of matcha chocolate.
The flavours match each other well, and the matcha brings out the notes of toasted grain, vanilla, and orchard fruit in the whisky.
9. Blended scotch and coffee chocolate
Grain and malt whiskies combine to create a soft, smoky, and sweet drink with a hint of spice. For this reason, coffee-flavoured chocolate is a great pairing, as it brings a bold touch to this drinking experience without being too overpowering.
While the coffee flavour adds to the whisky's roasted, nutty, or spicy overtones, the fat from the cocoa butter distributes flavour evenly throughout the palate. Thus, the whisky adds depth while still letting the coffee flavour shine.
We suggest choosing a medium-to-dark roast coffee chocolate for lighter Scotch blends.
10. Smoky highland scotch and ginger chocolate
A palate-awakening pairing, smoky highland Scotch and ginger chocolate is bound to add a unique touch to your weekly whisky sessions.
Highland Scotch often features earthy and peaty notes of rich malt and spice— pair that with ginger-infused dark chocolate, and you’ll feel the smoky profile of this whisky come to life.
The chocolate brings out the oak, char, and barley undertones, shining a new light on this beloved whisky. For the best result, choose chocolate with 70% cocoa and avoid overly sweet variations.
Try chocolate and whisky pairings from home with our tasting kits
Are you looking to try out some new whiskies and experiment with different chocolate flavours without having to invest in large bottles?
If so, our luxurious whisky tasting kits are exactly what you need. With a variety of beautiful sets to choose from, you can spoil yourself or gift one to a friend with our birthday whisky sets and wedding whisky sets.
Each set includes keepsake whisky tasting cards, a tasting mat, and five tasty whiskies from around the world. It’s perfect for an occasion or a relaxed evening in.