Irish whiskey is not just a drink; it is an experience. The unique flavour profile and smooth nature of the whiskey are something to be appreciated. That admiration can be taken to the next level by pairing and enjoying whiskey with the right kind of food. Today we are going to walk you through the wonderful world of whiskey pairings. The difference between light and robust Irish whiskies and the kind of foods that they go well with. Let’s explore and get to tasting.
The Spectrum of Irish Whiskey: Light vs Robust
Before we dive into food pairings how about we quickly go over light and robust Irish whiskies this will set you up to combine your pairings.
Light Irish Whiskeys
Light Irish whiskies are known for their floral sweet taste. They are easy to drink and very accessible. Great to pair for foods to get you started are:Â
- Jameson: The classic. A light sweet whiskey with vanilla and spicy taste.
- Bushmills Original: A smooth whiskey with a light honey-sweet and fruity taste.
Robust Irish Whiskeys
Robust whiskies are a more complex expression of all things Irish whiskey. They are often higher in alcohol and pack more of a punch when it comes to the depth of Irish whiskey. Here are 2 strong Irish whiskies to get you started:
- Redbreast 12-Year-Old: Rich and complex. This full-bodied whiskey has an expression of dried fruit, spice, and a powerful delivery.
- Green Spot: Tastes like apples and toasted oak and pair well with rich foods that need some depth
Irish Whiskey Food Pairings to Die For
1. Irish Cheeses
Pairing Suggestion: Light Irish Whiskey Â
Dubliner or Irish Brie are delicious, creamy cheeses with light flavors. Their fruity sweetness calls for light, sweet Irish whiskeys to complement them. A sip of a Jameson or a Bushmills Original will really enhance that creamy texture and accentuate the hint of nuts that you taste in the cheese.
2. Meat
Pairing Suggestion: Robust Irish Whiskey Â
A combo of whiskey and meat will greatly benefit from a strong fiery whiskey. Pour a drop of Redbreast 12-Year-Old with your lamb or beef and revel in the rich, grilled taste of the meat and compound that further with any smoked meat. The smokiness and spices will sing with the whiskey.
3. Seafood and Shellfish
Pairing Suggestion: Light Irish Whiskey Â
Seafood calls for delicate whiskeys. To taste your grilled fish or oysters at their absolute best, eat them with a light Jameson. Its mellow, fruity sweetness will simply clear the taste of your mouth after every bit and it will naturally elevate the taste of your food, so you can enjoy a sophisticated and elegant meal.
4. Dessert and Chocolate
Pairing Suggestion: Robust Irish Whiskey Â
To those that love their desserts, I mean, who doesn’t, dessert becomes even more decadent when paired with whiskey. You just haven’t lived until you have had a proper chocolate and whiskey pairing! The rich flavour of a glass of Green Spot mixed in with the full flavor of dark chocolate is a combination that you are sure to keep returning to. There’s simply no better way to round off a meal.
Final Thoughts: Unleash the Magic of Irish Whiskey!
Wine tends to be the universally accepted alcoholic beverage of choice to accompany a delicious meal. While wine is great whiskey–especially Irish whiskey–is better! So why not take advantage of the rich flavours and depth of Irish whiskey to bring the best out of your meals? From delicious juicy meat to the sweetness of dessert let Irish whiskey elevate your meals and tantalise your senses!
