Pairing whisky with chocolate creates a rich sensory experience by balancing whisky's warmth and chocolate's sweetness. This guide explores seven whiskies, each offering unique flavours that pair beautifully with specific chocolates:
- GlenDronach 18 Year Old Allardice: Rich sherry notes and dried fruits pair well with 70% dark chocolate, especially with dried fruits and nuts.
- Nikka Yoichi Single Malt: Smoky peat and citrus flavours match perfectly with dark chocolate infused with naartjie zest.
- Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon: Double-barrelled richness complements milk chocolate with almonds or dark chocolate with sea salt.
- Aberlour A'bunadh: Bold, sherry-forward whisky pairs excellently with 70% dark chocolate with orange peel.
- Redbreast 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey: Smooth and fruity, it shines with milk chocolate or dark chocolate with a touch of sea salt.
- Laphroaig Quarter Cask: Intense peat smoke pairs best with 70% dark chocolate and salted caramel.
- Yamazaki 12 Year Old: Subtle honey and peach notes are enhanced by 70% dark chocolate.
Each whisky offers a distinct flavour profile that complements specific chocolate types, creating a harmonious tasting experience. Whether you prefer smoky, sweet, or fruity, there's a pairing here to suit your palate.
Quick Comparison Table
| Whisky | Key Flavours | Chocolate Pairing | Price Range | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GlenDronach 18 Year Old Allardice | Rich sherry, dried fruits | 70% dark chocolate with nuts/fruits | £120–£160 | Yes |
| Nikka Yoichi Single Malt | Smoky peat, citrus | Dark chocolate with naartjie zest | £65–£75 | Yes |
| Woodford Reserve Double Oaked | Vanilla, caramel, toasted oak | Milk chocolate with almonds | £45–£55 | Yes |
| Aberlour A'bunadh | Sherry, spices, dried fruits | 70% dark chocolate with orange peel | £75–£85 | Yes |
| Redbreast 12 Year Old | Honey, orchard fruits, spice | Milk or dark chocolate with sea salt | £50–£60 | Yes |
| Laphroaig Quarter Cask | Intense peat, vanilla, coconut | 70% dark chocolate with salted caramel | £40–£50 | Yes |
| Yamazaki 12 Year Old | Honey, white peach, oak | 70% dark chocolate | £139–£140 | Yes |
Start with your preferred chocolate and whisky combination for a delightful tasting experience. Visit The Really Good Whisky Company for availability.
1. GlenDronach 18 Year Old Allardice
Honouring James Allardice, the founder of the GlenDronach distillery, this Highland single malt is a shining example of sherry cask maturation done right. Aged exclusively in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks for 18 years, it develops a rich and intricate flavour profile that makes it a fantastic match for chocolate lovers. Let’s explore what makes this whisky such a standout choice for pairing with chocolate.
Tasting Notes
GlenDronach 18 Year Old Allardice offers a wonderfully layered experience. The nose greets you with bold aromas of dark chocolate and espresso, intertwined with dried fruits like raisins and figs - a richness that mirrors the bittersweet charm of fine dark chocolate. On the palate, you'll find indulgent notes of treacle, toffee, and warming spices, all wrapped in a luxuriously smooth texture. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering hints of stewed fruits and nuts that continue to evolve as you sip. Thanks to its deep sherry cask maturation, this whisky naturally complements the flavours of high-quality cocoa. It's no surprise that critics regularly score it between 90–93 points in major whisky competitions.
Best Chocolate Pairing
For the ultimate pairing, opt for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. The whisky’s sherried richness and the chocolate’s bittersweet intensity create a perfect balance. For an extra layer of indulgence, try chocolate that includes dried fruits and nuts, echoing the whisky’s complex flavours. If you’re feeling adventurous, a touch of candied orange peel in the chocolate can highlight the whisky’s subtle citrusy undertones. To enjoy this pairing at its best, ensure both the whisky and chocolate are at room temperature. Sip the whisky, let its flavours unfold, then savour a piece of chocolate before taking another sip - it’s a match made in heaven.
Available at The Really Good Whisky Company
You can find GlenDronach 18 Year Old Allardice as part of The Really Good Whisky Company's premium Highland single malt collection. Availability can vary, so it’s worth checking their website. In the UK, this exceptional bottle typically costs between £120–£160 for 70cl, making it a worthy choice for those looking to elevate their chocolate pairing experience.
2. Nikka Yoichi Single Malt
Nikka Yoichi Single Malt brings together the rich traditions of Scottish whisky-making and the meticulous craftsmanship of Japan. Hailing from Hokkaido's coastal distillery, founded by Masataka Taketsuru after his time studying in Scotland, this whisky has earned a reputation for its bold, peated profile and the distinct influence of its seaside location.
Tasting Notes
The aroma opens with a gentle wave of peat, mingling with salty sea air and citrus marmalade. Subtle hints of black liquorice and warming spices add depth. The coastal environment lends a touch of brine that enhances the whisky's complexity. On the palate, smoky peat and fresh fruit intertwine, with layers of nuts and a delicate trace of chocolate emerging naturally. The finish is a medley of ripe fruit, herbal and malty notes, a refreshing coastal breeze, and a whisper of spice and earthiness. These intricate flavours make it an ideal match for a thoughtful chocolate pairing.
Best Chocolate Pairing
For the perfect pairing, try 70% dark chocolate infused with naartjie zest. The dark chocolate's slight bitterness complements the whisky's smoky, peated character, while the naartjie zest highlights its candied citrus undertones. To fully enjoy this combination, take a sip of the whisky first, allowing its smoky and citrus notes to shine. Then, let a piece of dark chocolate melt on your tongue, enhancing the whisky's bright citrus flavours and creating a balanced, harmonious experience.
Available at The Really Good Whisky Company
You can find Nikka Yoichi Single Malt at The Really Good Whisky Company. Explore their carefully selected range of Nikka whiskies, including the Yoichi Single Malt, celebrated for its coastal and peated character. Check their website for the latest availability and pricing.
3. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a standout among Kentucky bourbons, thanks to its distinctive double-barrel ageing process. After its initial maturation, this bourbon is transferred to a second, toasted oak barrel, adding layers of depth and complexity. It's this extra step that makes it a perfect companion for chocolate.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, you'll notice inviting hints of vanilla and butterscotch, balanced by soft oak undertones. The palate showcases the magic of the double-barrel process, with bold chocolate and spice flavours intertwined with subtle oak notes. These elements create the ideal foundation for pairing with chocolate. The finish? Long, smooth, and velvety, leaving behind a lingering richness of creamy cocoa.
Best Chocolate Pairing
This bourbon's intricate flavour profile pairs beautifully with a variety of chocolates. Start with white chocolate to mellow the bourbon's intensity and highlight its aromatic notes. For something richer, milk chocolate with almonds accentuates the spice and oak undertones. If you're after a bold contrast, dark chocolate with sea salt enhances the bourbon's baking spice and natural sweetness.
Woodford Reserve even partnered with Compartés to create a limited-edition chocolate collection, designed to complement the bourbon’s luxurious flavours.
"My favourite bourbon to pair with chocolate is Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, as it's a rich and complex double-barrelled bourbon that has a long, velvety finish that will draw out the creamy cocoa butter finish in chocolate." - Adam Boots Brogan, Woodford Reserve San Francisco-based brand ambassador
Available at The Really Good Whisky Company
You can find Woodford Reserve Double Oaked on The Really Good Whisky Company. Their carefully selected range of American whiskies includes this award-winning bourbon. With worldwide shipping, whisky lovers everywhere can enjoy this exceptional bottle.
This bourbon’s unique ageing process offers a pairing experience that celebrates the harmony between whisky and chocolate.
4. Aberlour A'bunadh
Aberlour A'bunadh is a cask-strength Scotch whisky celebrated for its sherry maturation and dedication to traditional methods. The name "A'bunadh", meaning "the origin" in Scottish Gaelic, pays homage to the distillery's rich heritage. This whisky is matured exclusively in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks and bottled at its natural cask strength, typically between 59% and 61% ABV, without chill filtration. Its bold, full-bodied character makes it an ideal companion for chocolate, as the higher alcohol content enhances the interplay of flavours by dissolving cocoa butter.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, you'll find an inviting blend of rich sherry, dried fruits, and warming spices. Raisins and cherries take centre stage, supported by hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a whisper of orange peel. The palate offers a luxurious combination of dark chocolate and sherried oak, culminating in a long, warming finish laced with lingering spices and a gentle sweetness. This robust profile makes it perfect for a pairing that highlights its depth.
Best Chocolate Pairing
The intensity of A'bunadh calls for a chocolate with equally bold characteristics. Choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa, particularly those with notes of candied orange or subtle spices, to complement the whisky's dried fruit and spice undertones. Single-origin dark chocolates from regions like Ecuador or Madagascar, known for their complex flavours, are especially well-suited. For the best experience, serve both at room temperature: start with a piece of chocolate to prepare your palate, then let the whisky breathe for a few moments before sipping.
Available at The Really Good Whisky Company
Aberlour A'bunadh is part of the premium collection at The Really Good Whisky Company. With worldwide shipping and free delivery on UK orders over £150, it's a great opportunity for whisky lovers to get their hands on exceptional bottles like A'bunadh. Pair it with your favourite dark chocolate for an indulgent experience.
5. Redbreast 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey
Redbreast 12 Year Old is one of Ireland's most cherished single pot still whiskeys, crafted from a mix of malted and unmalted barley. It undergoes triple distillation in copper pot stills and is aged in a carefully chosen combination of bourbon and sherry casks. The result? A whiskey that captures the smooth, approachable essence Irish whiskey is known for, while delivering layers of complexity that make it a standout choice for pairing with chocolate.
Its triple distillation ensures a silky-smooth profile, while the distinctive pot still spice adds depth without overshadowing the delicate flavours of chocolate. Bottled at 40% ABV, it’s perfectly balanced for sipping alongside chocolate, holding its own without overpowering the pairing. Let’s dive into its tasting notes and explore the chocolate matches that bring out the best in this whiskey.
Tasting Notes
What makes Redbreast 12 Year Old such a perfect partner for chocolate? It starts with a nose full of honeyed sweetness, fresh orchard fruits, and a gentle hint of pot still spice. The influence of bourbon casks brings vanilla and toasted oak, while sherry casks add rich fruit cake undertones. On the palate, it’s creamy, with flavours of ripe pears, green apples, and a warm spice profile that includes cinnamon and white pepper. The finish lingers with dried fruits and a soft touch of spice - an ideal base for a variety of chocolate pairings. This intricate flavour profile complements the layered complexity found in fine chocolates, making the pairing a sensory delight.
Best Chocolate Pairing
Redbreast 12 Year Old pairs wonderfully with both milk and dark chocolate, each offering its own unique experience. For milk chocolate lovers, the whiskey’s smooth, sherried notes create an effortlessly harmonious match. As The Whiskey Reserve puts it:
Smooth, sherried, and creamy, a perfect match for soft, sweet milk chocolate.
For those who prefer dark chocolate, particularly varieties with 70–85% cocoa, the whiskey’s depth truly shines:
The dark chocolate intensifies the fruity notes of the Redbreast, such as dried apricot and fig, while the spice in the whiskey complements the bitter chocolate. The finish is long and satisfying, with a pleasant sweetness that lingers.
To elevate the experience further, try dark chocolate infused with orange zest or a touch of sea salt, which highlights the whiskey’s natural fruitiness and spice. Serve the whiskey at room temperature and savour small sips between bites of chocolate to fully enjoy how the flavours evolve.
Available at The Really Good Whisky Company
Although Redbreast 12 Year Old isn’t currently listed on The Really Good Whisky Company website, the company does offer a variety of premium Redbreast expressions. Known for their expertise in sourcing rare and exceptional Irish whiskeys, they’re an excellent resource for finding this bottle. Whether you prefer to reach out via phone, WhatsApp, WeChat, or email, The Really Good Whisky Company makes it easy to enquire about availability and discuss your specific needs.
sbb-itb-128d6c1
6. Laphroaig Quarter Cask
Laphroaig Quarter Cask is an Islay single malt whisky that has earned a loyal following among peat enthusiasts. What makes this whisky stand out is its unique maturation process. It starts ageing in traditional oak barrels before being transferred to smaller quarter casks. These compact casks allow for more contact between the whisky and the wood, intensifying the flavours and creating a bold, layered profile that's both smoky and rich.
Bottled at 48% ABV, it has an intensity that pairs beautifully with chocolate. The time spent in quarter casks adds creamy vanilla and coconut notes to its signature medicinal peat smoke. This creates a fascinating mix of earthy, smoky depth with sweeter, more approachable flavours that elevate the richness of chocolate. The result is a whisky that's perfect for pairing, as detailed below.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, Laphroaig Quarter Cask greets you with a wave of bold peat smoke, followed by hints of vanilla sweetness and coconut. There's also a touch of medicinal iodine and subtle oak. The palate continues the smoky intensity, with the quarter cask finish enhancing the creamy vanilla and sweet oak tones. The whisky has a rich, warming mouthfeel, and the 48% ABV gives it a satisfying weight. The finish lingers beautifully, leaving traces of peat, oak, and a gentle sweetness.
Best Chocolate Pairing
The strong personality of Laphroaig Quarter Cask demands an equally bold chocolate pairing. A 70% dark chocolate with salted caramel is an excellent choice. The chocolate's bitterness and richness hold their own against the whisky's intense peatiness, while its earthy undertones complement the smoky character. The salted caramel brings out the whisky's maritime notes and subtle sweetness, creating a harmonious balance.
For the best experience, serve both the whisky and chocolate at room temperature. Let the chocolate melt on your tongue before taking a sip of the whisky. This method allows the flavours to fully unfold, enhancing the pairing.
Available at The Really Good Whisky Company
You can find Laphroaig Quarter Cask at The Really Good Whisky Company, though it is currently listed as sold out. They frequently restock this expression and offer several ways to check availability, including phone, WhatsApp, WeChat, and email.
If you'd like to try this whisky before committing to a full bottle, consider the '21 Drams' tasting set. This set includes Laphroaig Quarter Cask alongside other premium whiskies, offering a chance to explore its flavour profile and how it pairs with chocolate before making a larger purchase.
7. Yamazaki 12 Year Old
Yamazaki 12 Year Old is a highly regarded Japanese single malt whisky, celebrated for its layered flavours and smooth finish. Its refined character makes it an ideal companion for chocolate, enhancing the tasting experience with its intricate flavour profile.
Tasting Notes
This whisky offers delicate hints of honey, white peach, and a touch of oak, all coming together in a clean, slightly fruity finish. These subtle yet distinctive notes create a sophisticated base, perfect for pairing with chocolate.
Best Chocolate Pairing
For the best experience, pair Yamazaki 12 Year Old with 70% dark chocolate. According to Smoke Signals Weekly (October 2024), the chocolate's slight bitterness enhances the whisky's fruity undertones, resulting in a beautifully balanced and elevated tasting experience. This pairing highlights Yamazaki's well-rounded flavour and aligns seamlessly with our carefully chosen recommendations.
Available at The Really Good Whisky Company
You can find Yamazaki 12 Year Old at The Really Good Whisky Company for around £139–£140. Its premium price reflects the expertise and quality behind this exceptional whisky.
Quick Comparison Table
This table is your go-to guide for finding the perfect whisky and chocolate pairing. Each whisky brings its own unique character, from the rich and smoky to the light and fruity, and pairs beautifully with specific chocolate styles. Whether you're into creamy milk chocolate or bold, bitter dark chocolate, there's a match waiting for you. Check out the summary below for a quick overview.
| Whisky | Key Tasting Notes | Recommended Chocolate Pairing | Price Range | Available at TRGWC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GlenDronach 18 Year Old Allardice | Rich sherry influence, dried fruits, Christmas spices, honeyed sweetness | 85% dark chocolate with dried fruits | £180-£200 | Yes |
| Nikka Yoichi Single Malt | Smoky peat, maritime salt, vanilla, citrus zest | Dark chocolate with sea salt | £65-£75 | Yes |
| Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon | Double-barrelled richness, vanilla, caramel, toasted oak | Milk chocolate with caramel or nuts | £45-£55 | Yes |
| Aberlour A'bunadh | Cask strength intensity, sherry sweetness, spiced fruit, warming finish | 70% dark chocolate with orange peel | £75-£85 | Yes |
| Redbreast 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey | Smooth pot still character, honey, vanilla, gentle spice | White chocolate with vanilla notes | £50-£60 | Yes |
| Laphroaig Quarter Cask | Intense peat smoke, medicinal notes, sweet vanilla undertones | 90% dark chocolate (bitter) | £40-£50 | Yes |
| Yamazaki 12 Year Old | Delicate honey, white peach, subtle oak, clean finish | 70% dark chocolate | £139-£140 | Yes |
As Neil Loomis, Vice President of Beverage at Fine Dining Restaurant Group, puts it:
"Pair lighter whiskeys with lower cacao content chocolate and more robust whiskies with higher cacao percentage chocolates."
This thoughtful approach highlights how whisky and chocolate can complement each other, creating a delightful sensory experience.
Why These Pairings Work
The table reveals some clear patterns in pairing. Smoky, peated whiskies like Laphroaig Quarter Cask shine when matched with intensely bitter chocolate (90% cacao or higher), as the bold flavours enhance each other without clashing. On the other hand, smoother options like Redbreast 12 Year Old pair wonderfully with creamy white chocolate, allowing the subtle spice and vanilla notes to balance the sweetness.
Price and Availability
With prices ranging from £40 for a bottle of Laphroaig Quarter Cask to around £140 for the premium Yamazaki 12 Year Old, there’s something for every budget. The magic of these pairings lies in the shared compounds between oak-aged whisky and chocolate, which naturally align to create harmonious flavour profiles. Use this guide to discover combinations that delight your taste buds and elevate your whisky experience.
Conclusion
Pairing whisky with chocolate transforms a simple tasting into a layered, sensory experience. From the smoky depth of Laphroaig Quarter Cask to the smooth elegance of Yamazaki 12 Year Old, the whiskies highlighted here show how matching flavour intensities brings out the best in both elements. Whether it's the sherry-rich GlenDronach 18 Year Old Allardice paired with 85% dark chocolate or the creamy combination of Redbreast 12 Year Old with white chocolate, the secret lies in creating harmony, not competition, between flavours.
To begin your own pairing journey, stick to the basics: lighter whiskies pair well with chocolate containing less cacao, while bolder whiskies shine with darker, higher-percentage options. Don’t forget to factor in the fat content - richer chocolates complement higher-proof whiskies, creating a luxurious balance that enhances both textures and flavours.
You can find all seven whiskies mentioned through The Really Good Whisky Company, offering options for every budget. From the approachable £40 Laphroaig Quarter Cask to the indulgent £140 Yamazaki 12 Year Old, there's something for every whisky lover to explore.
Using the tasting notes shared earlier, take time to experiment and discover your ideal pairing. Savour each sip and bite, allowing the flavours to unfold on your palate. Notice how the oak-aged elements in whisky align with chocolate’s intricate profile, creating a synergy that makes each tasting session unforgettable. Visit The Really Good Whisky Company to start crafting your own perfect pairings.
FAQs
How can I choose the perfect whisky and chocolate pairing to suit my tastes?
To discover the ideal whisky and chocolate pairing, start by focusing on the whisky's tasting notes and how they interact with various chocolate types. For example, if bold, smoky flavours are your go-to, a peaty Scotch like Ardbeg pairs wonderfully with rich, dark chocolate. The chocolate’s bitterness enhances the whisky’s smoky depth. On the other hand, if you lean towards sweeter, creamier options, a Speyside whisky is a fantastic choice. It pairs beautifully with milk chocolate or delicately flavoured dark chocolate. For those who enjoy nutty or fruity profiles, whiskies with similar characteristics work brilliantly with chocolates that include nuts or dried fruits.
The trick is to match the whisky’s intensity with the chocolate’s richness. Trying out different combinations can lead to some delightful surprises, so don’t hesitate to explore pairings that suit your taste.
Why does the cocoa percentage in chocolate matter when pairing it with whisky?
When it comes to pairing chocolate with whisky, the cocoa percentage is a game-changer. Dark chocolates with a cocoa content of 70% or higher are a fantastic match for bold, smoky, or peaty whiskies. The richness of the chocolate and the whisky’s layered flavours come together beautifully, enhancing the chocolate’s bitterness and the whisky’s depth for a truly memorable tasting experience.
On the other hand, lighter or sweeter whiskies shine when paired with chocolates that have a lower cocoa percentage or even milk chocolate. The creamy, sweet profile of these chocolates complements the whisky’s gentler, more delicate notes, striking a perfect balance.
What are the best tips for enjoying whisky and chocolate pairings?
To fully enjoy the pairing of whisky and chocolate, begin by tasting the chocolate. This lets you appreciate its texture and flavour profile on its own. Then, take a sip of whisky, allowing the flavours to blend together and create a rich, balanced experience.
Pay attention to the cacao percentage and the chocolate's richness. For instance, chocolates with higher fat content pair beautifully with full-bodied whiskies, as their richness enhances the whisky’s complexity. Let the whisky settle on your palate before tasting the chocolate again to truly savour how the flavours interact.
Take it slow and relish the process - it's all about discovering the combination that delights your taste buds.
Leave a comment