March 01, 2022

How to Pair Whisky and Chocolate

We are probably biased, but we think the best way to drink whisky is to enjoy it with one of our delicious chocolate bonbons. In a perfect pairing, both the whisky and the chocolate should be considered better together rather than apart.

All whiskey is spirit made from fermented grain and then aged in barrels, but what's the difference between whiskey and whisky and scotch? It all comes down to where it's made. In the United States and Ireland, it’s spelled “whiskey”; in Scotland, Canada, and Japan, it’s “whisky" (no "e"). And, by law, a whisky can only be called Scotch if it is distilled in Scotland according to a set of specific rules. But single malt whiskey can be distilled anywhere. Bourbon whiskey is made using at least 51% corn.

Scotch tasting with chocolate

Pictured in our blog is Eau Claire Distillery’s Single Malt Whisky, batch 003.
This lovely drink is produced in Alberta and was aged in new European oak barrels and ex-bourbon barrels. On the nose you'll smell oak, vanilla, caramel; on the palate you'll taste rich oak, apple, vanilla.

We think you'll enjoy these chocolate pairings with single malt whisky:

Scotch Malt Whisky Lovers collection 

  1. Apricot Lavender
  2. Cinnamon Ginger
  3. Coffee Caramel
  4. Earl Grey Tea
  5. Mango Peppercorn
  6. Peanut Butter and Jelly 

Sea Salt Caramel Collection - particularly the:

  1. Sea Salt Caramel in Milk Chocolate
  2. Sea Salt Caramel in Dark Chocolate
  3. Sea Salt Thai Ginger Chocolate Caramel in Dark Chocolate

Individual chocolates from our Chocolate Case - all chocolates can be bought individually in our retail stores

  1. Mango Peppercorn
  2. Apricot Jelly & Lavender
  3. Honey chocolate
  4. Solid Dark Chocolate Caraque
  5. Chocolate covered Orange Peel
  6. Honey Anise

Curated chocolates for pairing with Vine Styles and Velvet Cap Irish Whiskey

Velvet Cap Irish Whiskey is a small batch blend of malt and grain whiskies sourced from some of Ireland’s finest distilleries. After blending, the whiskey rests in a selection of bourbon, port and stouted rye casks to let the flavours marry.

On the nose expect candied banana, honey, dark stone fruit & almond leading way to a luscious mouthfeel with flavours of vanilla, plum, and agave. These chocolates will create wonderful comparative pairings with Velvet Cap:

  1. Apricot Jelly & Lavender
  2. Dark Chocolate Covered Ginger
  3. Earl Grey Tea
  4. Mango Peppercorn
  5. Peanut Butter and Jelly
  6. Sea Salt Caramel in Milk Chocolate
Comparative Tastings

When we've held whisky/scotch and chocolate tastings at Cococo events, we've had a lot of fun doing "comparative tastings". A comparative tasting involves comparing two separate flavour experiences; mindfully trying one chocolate with one whisky at a time and paying attention to how the flavours and experience differs between pairings.

Try these two comparative pairings from our Chocolate Case:
Mango Peppercorn and Apricot Jelly & Lavender - they've been a hit at our tasting events.

Mango Peppercorn: The Single Malt Whisky will accentuate the peppercorn in the chocolate, and the chocolate with amplify the oak and spice characteristics of whisky. If you do like scotch, then you will probably really enjoy this pairing because it accentuates the whisky's flavours.

Apricot Jelly & Lavender: The Single Malt Whisky will accentuate the fruit and floral characteristics of the chocolate. The chocolate will downplay the oak characteristics of the whisky. If you don’t like scotch, then you will probably really enjoy this pairing because it makes the whisky more palatable.

Try doing this simple technique to fully enjoy a whisky and chocolate pairing:

  1. Sip the liquor first to fill the palate with its flavours.
  2. Take a small bite of the chocolate (half or less) and let the warmth of your mouth melt the chocolate. Combine the liquor and the chocolate in your mouth.
  3. Note the initial flavours and aroma in the various parts of your mouth and nose – tongue (front, back, sides) cheeks, nose, back of mouth.
  4. Take a a second sip of the liquor and / or second bite of the chocolate. Let the flavours combine.
  5. Finish – wait . . . where in your mouth does the flavour linger? What are the flavours that linger? Did the pairing make both the whisky and the chocolate better together?

One last thing — whisky and scotch aren't just for drinking. You can make delicious truffles too! Enjoy this super easy recipe from Scotch Truffles recipe.

Cheers!

Do you have any favourite chocolate and whisky pairings? Let us know!

 

 

 

Written by Cococo Chocolatiers