SPREADING THE LOVE // WHISKEY & FOOD PAIRINGS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

Once again, Amanda Schuster, editor of alcoholprofessor.com and member of Distiller’s Tasting Table provides us with a bit of knowledge at the perfect moment. Today, it’s a selection of whiskey & food pairings perfect for Valentine’s Day.

One of the hardest nights of the year to hit the town is undoubtedly Valentine’s Day. It’s not only disheartening for single people who have to witness couples at every turn, but it’s also the night many venues mandate a prix fixe “romantic” menu, often including food and drink pairings, but rarely including whiskey!

For shame. Seasoned whiskey lovers know there’s pretty much a whiskey for every food, and when a delicious dram meets its edible match, it will absolutely stir your passions.

We’ve put together a sampling of just a few more popular Valentine’s Day foods, and the perfect whiskey accompaniment. If you’re planning your holiday and want to crank the romance dial to 11, we’d opt for skipping the stressful restaurant reservation and instead have a cozy night in. But should you find yourself adrift in a sea of pink and red tackiness, order the right whiskey and your partner might love you even more for it!

Oysters: Whether or not you believe the romantic mystique surrounding oysters, they are undoubtedly well paired with a whiskey aged alongside (or at) sea. Enjoyed plain or with your favorite topping, you could also go for this trick - add a couple of drops of your whiskey to the oyster and let the smoky, briny goodness melt together in unison. Mind. Blown.

Top Five whiskey Pairings for Oysters:
// Bowmore 12 Year
// Laphroaig 10 Year
// Highland Park 12 Year
// Old Pulteney 12 Year
// Jefferson’s Ocean

Cheese: People have a real love affair with cheese of all varieties, and many are well suited to certain types of whiskeys. Cheese and whiskey pairings could warrant an entire series on their own, but here’s an abridged version to get your Valentine’s started:

Tangy, harder cheeses (think aged Cheddars and the like) love Bourbons:
// Woodford Reserve
// Four Roses Small Batch
// Wild Turkey Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
// Noah’s Mill
// Blanton’s

Soft, creamy, mild cheeses such as brie call for expressions with nutty undertones, or perhaps a wine or sherry cask finish:
// George Dickel Barrel Select
// Macallan 10 Year Sherry Oak
// Bunnahabhain 12 Year
// Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask
// Dalmore 12 Year

More ‘aromatic’ cheese (this is only for couples who truly share a love of the odiferous variety - not for the faint of heart.) You’ll need something strong and flavorful, but not too smoky or rich:
// Hibiki 12
// Redbreast 12 Year Cask Strength
// Bushmill’s 16 Year
// Nikka Coffey Grain
// Glen Garioch Founder’s Reserve

Steak: A well prepared steak for two with a fine whiskey to linger over can definitely get your Valentine’s going! This is a job for a whiskey that’s meaty and chewy, maybe a little spicy, or even one with a brawny proof or solid wood finish.

Share a dram of any of these whiskeys alongside your favorite cut:
// Wild Turkey Rare Breed
// W.L. Weller Special Reserve
// Willett Family Estate Bottled Rye
// Compass Box Hedonism
// Auchtentoshan Three Wood

Chocolate: Why not skip the sugary cocktail and simplify things? Perhaps some fine chocolate with a perfectly paired whiskey on the side?

Milk chocolate warrants a more malty selection: 
// Sonoma Rye
// Michter’s US*1 American Whiskey
// Glenrothes Select Reserve
// Ancnoc 12
// Garrison Brothers Texas Straight Bourbon

Dark Chocolate wants depth and richness:
// Highland Park 18
// Yamazaki 18
// Elmer T. Lee Bourbon
// Glenfiddich 15 Year
// Balvenie Single Barrel 15

Going all out with a molten chocolate cake with berries and whipped or ice cream?
// Larceny Bourbon
// High West A Midwinter Night’s Dram
// Glenmorangie Nectar D’or
// Johnnie Walker Gold Label
// Brenne French Single Malt

Alright, you whiskey lovebirds! Go do your thing.

Looking for a different bottle for the weekend, but not quite sure what you need? Download Distiller today and get a whiskey recommendation all your own!