Pairing Caviar And Whisky: A Guide For Hosts Planning A Whisky Tasting
A caviar and whisky pairing is an exquisite offering for guests at a whisky tasting. An unusual coupling, the briny flavours and umami depth of caviar goes exceedingly well with the smoky and slightly spicy tasting notes of good quality whisky. Caviar also acts as an excellent flavour break between different kinds of whiskies, particularly at a tasting.
Generally, caviar is served cold on crushed ice to maintain its texture. A mother of pearl spoon is often used to eat caviar as touching it to steel cutlery might affect its taste and texture. Many times, unsalted buttered toast is paired with caviar to bring out its brininess. Such a delicate serving accompanied by whiskies would make for a luxurious tasting experience hosted at home.
Read on below to know more about how different types of whiskies can be suitably paired with caviar according to the their respective flavour profiles, for home hosting a whisky tasting experience:
Peated Whiskies
Recommended Pairing: Siberian Sturgeon Caviar
These whiskies contain the slightly peaty flavour and fragrance of the Highlands that would remind one of the kilns in which they are distilled. Peated whiskies have robust flavours which would go well with the Siberian Sturgeon caviar variation because its buttery notes will undercut some of the more potent smoky profiles in scotch whisky. This caviar has a slightly briny note too, playing into its smooth texture so that it can complement the similarly smooth finish of a good peated spirit.
Smoky Scotch Whiskies
Recommended Pairing: Beluga Caviar
Another pairing with a smoky Scotch whisky is beluga. The deep, complex and smoky notes of a premium Scotch whisky contrasts the seaweed-like touch of the beluga. In fact, beluga also has just a hint of vanilla and a slightly nutty note which counteracts some of the more pronounced smoky and tart notes in smoky Scotch whiskies. Serve the beluga with fresh herbs for a subtle aromatic lift.
Rich And Sherried Whiskies
Recommended Pairing: Baerii Caviar
Sherried whiskies have more of fruity and oaky flavours and rich profiles that go well with the Baerii, a variation of the Sturgeon caviar. These whiskies are aged in casks that once contained sherry and have slightly sweet profiles complemented by the nutty notes of the Baerii caviar. Such a caviar variation has a very mild briny flavour and lighter notes well-suited to match the fruity depth of a premium sherried whisky. Involved in this tasting experience are the umami notes of the caviar that become more pronounced as they are complemented by a mix of cherry-like, toffee notes in the whisky variation.
Floral Or Speyside Whiskies
Recommended Pairing: Kaluga Caviar
Kaluga caviar has a firmer texture and a slightly salty taste which makes it an excellent pairing with a floral whisky or a Speyside scotch. A kaluga and floral whisky pairing makes for an interesting balance of peaty and floral notes of the spirit with the briny and nutty elegance of a fine Kaluga caviar. A full-bodied pairing, kaluga and a floral whisky can be accompanied by some crispy potato chips for a contemporary pairing with classic combinations.
Bourbon Or Rye Whiskies
Recommended Pairing: Hackleback Caviar
An interesting whisky that can be offered at a tasting experience for exploring the full spectrum of this spirit is the nutty and fruity bourbon. This spirit can be paired with the American caviar variation, hackleback. The caramel-like, vanilla-ish, spicy finish of a good quality bourbon will nicely complement the hackleback’s mild salinity to offer a luxurious and well-rounded tasting.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
