When you’re in your favourite Irish pub, there’s not much that can make the taste of Irish whiskey better except the right food pairing! Whether you know your way around an Irish whiskey menu or are just starting to explore the smooth, unique flavours of world-famous spirits, choosing the right bites can make all the difference.
What Makes Irish Whiskey Special
The unique character of Irish whiskey — smooth and sweet, with a touch of woodiness — makes it such an excellent partner for different foods. The rule of thumb to remember? The smartest pairings max each element on the plate and in the glass, balancing and enhancing for a harmonious whole.
Rich and Smoky: Irish Whiskey with Smoked Salmon
You might be surprised by how well the taste of smoked salmon blended with Irish whiskey flavours. The slightly sweet character of the whiskey resonates nicely with the fatty, inimitably smoky salmon, their flavours contrasting even as they come into harmonious alignment.
Order a pour of a classic and common whiskey choice and savour it with some smoked salmon, fresh brown bread and lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze a little of the citrus on the salmon to cut through its richness. As you nibble, take a whiskey sip and notice how the subtly warming, spicy finish lingers on the tongue after you swallow.
Bold and Spicy: Irish Whiskey with Beef and Guinness Stew
For something a little more substantial. it’s hard to go past Irish whiskey and a bowl of beef and Guinness stew. Step up to this warm, savoury number. Take a mouthful of the whiskey, then a spoonful of the intensely flavoured, peppery beef and broth. Surely nothing could be more conducive to kicking on. Taste the alchemy separately with a mouthful of the whiskey and a spoonful of the beef-and-Guinness stew. Chew, swallow, sip and feel the warm, spicy flavours of the whiskey jostle with the food for prominence.
Sweet and Subtle: Irish Whiskey with Apple Tart
Irish whiskey is delicious. You want to get a good sense of the subtleties of this sweet, smooth-sipping liquor and how better to do that than with a classic Irish apple tart? The sweet buttery crust of the pie and tart apples are a nice balance to the soft, smooth nuances of their lighter Irish whiskey counterparts.
Try a honey and vanilla Irish whiskey with an apple tart. One of the best ways to enjoy this whiskey as a dessert complement is to take a bite of hot apple tart before sipping the drink. You’ll notice the pastry has a nice texture against the smoothness of the whiskey.
A Toast to Tradition: Irish Whiskey on Its Own
Of course, Irish whiskey is one of those flavours that doesn’t necessarily need anything to play off. You can enjoy the whiskey for what it is. Take in the light, triple distillation of a young Irish whiskey or the deeper cuts of an aged counterpart.
You can explore all the different flavours of Irish whiskey, from the entry-level sippers for newcomers to the advanced tastes for connoisseurs. Take a few slow whiffs before tasting, letting the aroma envelope you. Begin sipping, letting those Irish flavours pop around on your taste buds. Let it hit your palate and enjoy the “Irish finish” as you swallow.
