Irish Whisky And Cheese: 5 Essential Pairings For A Whisky Tasting Experience
At an exquisite Irish whisky tasting event, good quality cheeses would not only introduce a flavour break while understanding the profile of two different spirits but will also introduce a creamier and nutty effect into the experience. The flavours of Irish whisky complete with spicy, light and rich notes are excellent pairings with a wide variety of cheeses whose flavours compliment the complexity of the spirits.
It is no wonder then that at a gathering featuring Irish whisky, a cheese platter can often be found for pairing the spirit with an elegant culinary offering. These essential couplings can become stand out combinations at the next home hosting endeavour one plans to organise comprising quality Irish whiskies.
Here are some of the recommended Irish whisky and cheese pairings that can be put together for hosting an exquisite and elegantly executed whisky tasting experience at home:
Irish Blended Whisky
Recommended Pairing: Mild Cheddar Or Wensleydale
Of the different kinds of whisky variations, the one which stands out for its smooth texture and biscuity mouthfeel is the quintessential Irish blended whisky produced in many of Ireland’s famed distilleries. This is a light whisky with a crisp profile which makes for an interesting flavour pairing with the classic English cheese, Wensleydale. Creamy and mellow, this cheese is quite a contrast to the smooth flavours of a citrusy Irish spirit. Such an Irish whisky also goes well with a mild cheddar that undercuts some of the liquor’s tart notes.
Full Bodied Irish Whisky
Recommended Pairing: Aged Gouda
A full bodied Irish whisky has robust flavours and a deep golden, almost brownish hue which reflects this completely caramelised and smoky effect. This whisky is often aged in sherry casks and comprises nutty and fruity undertones which build into its intricate flavour profile. One of the cheeses that goes well with such a fully flavoured spirit is an aged gouda whose nutty, sweet qualities compliment the sherried feel of the blended Irish whisky. Served with fig jam, aged gouda becomes a favoured alternative at a tasting featuring such a full bodied spirit.
Crisp Green Apple Whisky
Recommended Pairing: Goats Cheese
Irish whisky making processes are known for introducing multiple fruity and vanilla-like notes into the making of this classic spirit. One such drink is a crisp liquor made in a single pot still, complete with the flavours of green apple, honey and spices. This fruity, lightly citrusy whisky can be paired with fresh or aged goat cheese which balances out some of the fruity sharpness and spicy undertones that are inherent to this spirit. Drizzling a bit of honey on top of aged goat cheese can lend it a sweeter touch that in turn undercuts the crisp mouthfeel of a green apple Irish whisky.
Small Batch Irish Whisky
Recommended Pairing: Blue Cheese/Gorgonzola
Many Irish master distillers continue to age whisky in small batches, distilling only limited blended and malt whiskies at a time to work more on imbuing them with complex flavours. Such small batch Irish whiskies are often aged in rum casks and have a tropical finish with hints of coffee and spices. These robust whiskies can go well with gorgonzola or blue cheese whose sharp flavours and distinct aromas cut through the more pronounced tart and deep profiles of the spirit, crafting a fine flavour balance.
Single Malt Irish Whisky
Recommended Pairing: Parmigiano-Reggiano
Single malts are premium spirits distilled at just one distillery, produced using nothing but malted barley. An Irish whisky of this variation carries potent flavour notes of dark chocolate, dried fruits and roasted spices which lend it a very earthy effect. Pair a single malt Irish whisky with a classic parmigiano-reggiano whose salty, crystalline flavour will bring out the whisky’s rich and exquisite character.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
