This sublime pairing makes a lot of sense, especially because both chocolate and whisky are prepared utilising a simple set of ingredients, and which when combined, give rise to a wide array of flavours, both diverse and complex.

When you are serving multiple whiskies, it is recommended that you start with the lightest one and then gradually move up to the stronger ones.

It is also recommended to our patrons that they conduct the paring with neat whiskey in order to experience the best of both chocolate and whiskey. However, a few drops of water will certainly do no harm and also will help in avoiding a harsh and uncomfortable burn.

Now let us talk about pairings. There are basically two types of pairings:

Congruent paring - A congruent pairing creates balance by amplifying shared flavour compounds.

Complementary paring - A complementary pairing creates balance by contrasting tastes and flavours.

Now, when you are trying out different combinations of chocolate & whiskey, it is recommended that you first take a sip of the beverage of your choice and swirl it around inside your mouth. Next take a bite of the chocolate, let it melt inside your mouth and consequently, allow its flavours to fully coat the innards of your mouth. Do remember to keep breathing, for this will help the air inside your mouth in bringing out all the flavours.

A valuable advice: when you are pairing whiskey with chocolate, you would want to look out for flavours that complement each other. Flavours that overpower each other will defeat the entire purpose.

Our patrons are also encouraged to experiment and find out what suits their inclination best. One way to do so would be by inviting friends and family. You could then intermingle different flavour notes of the chocolates with their whiskey counterparts and find out the combinations you like the most.

For example, say you tried a piece of chocolate and followed it up with a particular whiskey, and it left a bad taste in your mouth. You would not be wrong in inferring that it was not a right match. You will know it is the right match, when the flavour will blend smoothly in your mouth and leave a wonderful trail of taste that you cannot help but relish.

 Most of the recommended parings are done as per the Congruent method.

Name of chocolate cocoa % Recommended whiskey for paring.

Name of Chocolate (Cocoa %)	Recommended Whiskey for Paring	Flavour Bridges
Single Origin South American Dark Chocolate (71%)	LINLITHGOW 30 YEAR OLD GLENLIVET 21 YEAR OLD (GEORGE & J.G. SMITH’S) THE GLENROTHES ROBUR RESERVE THE BALVENEI 12 YEARS OLD DOUBLEWOOD SCOTCH WHISKEY DALWHINNIE 15 YEARS MONKEY SHOULDER BATCH 27	Fruity notes with mild bitter finish
Signature Blend Dark Chocolate (55%)	TALISKER 25 YEAR OLD NATURAL CASK STRENGTH LAPHROAIG 10 YEARS ISLAY SINGLE MALT LAGAVULIN 16 YEARS ISLAY SINGLE MALT BOWMORE 12 YEARS ISLAY SINGLE MALT JOHNNIE WALKER - BLUE LABEL BOWMORE 15 YEAR DARKEST	Smokey & earthy with a burst of spice & a bitter finish.