How the Experts Pair Chocolate and Whiskey

Chocolate and whiskey may not a traditional pairing, but it's one well worth exploring. It can feel like a treat for a special occasion or a fancy indulgence after a long day. Ideally pairing the two allows both unique flavors to shine. We previously looked at how chocolatiers are making chocolate with whiskey, this time around we spoke to several whiskey and chocolate experts to weigh in on which whiskeys to drink with which chocolates.

Why Chocolate and Whiskey?

"Whiskey and chocolate have the unique ability to enhance your mood, excite the palate, and soothe your soul,” says Kristin Wenzinger, Bar Manager at Bistronomy by Nico in Charleston, SC. And the reason these two items work so well together is because of their flavors. “Some similarities between the two exist due to shared chemistry between the oak barrels used for resting bourbon and chocolate itself, while contrasting flavor notes can encourage a proper pairing.”

Jake Ireland, Founder & CEO of Off Hours Bourbon agrees, saying a pairing like this can help bring out not only flavors but the tasting notes from both that can be understated on their own. “The flavors also balance each other really well, he says. “When it’s done right, it makes both the chocolate and the bourbon taste even better.”

Whiskey and Chocolate Pairing Combinations

Bourbon and Milk Chocolate

Adam Boots Brogan, Woodford Reserve San Francisco-based brand ambassador likes to pair milk chocolate made that has caramel or nuts with bourbon to complement the charred oak barrel flavors of hazelnut, pecan, and walnut. “My favorite bourbon to pair with chocolate is Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, as it's a rich and complex double-barreled bourbon that has a long, velvety finish that will draw out the creamy cocoa butter finish in chocolate.” Our recommendation? Try it with the Omnom Milk Caramel bar.

Christi Lower, founder of Highline Spirits says the toasting process is a big deal in bourbon to help bring out different chemicals within the wood and therefore, provide a variety of flavors. However, she doesn’t think bourbon only pairs with milk chocolate. When a bourbon is on the sweeter side, with say, hints of marshmallow, it can also work well with a salted dark chocolate.

Scotch and Dark Chocolate

A smokey scotch, such as the Ardbeg Ten Years Old Single Malt pairs well with the bitterness of dark chocolate, according to Sam Penton, beverage director, Rosewood Miramar Beach. "It is bottled at a higher alcohol percentage than most at 46% and boasts notes of the sea with its salinity,” he explains. All of which to say, it has the ability to hold it’s own next to the intensity of dark chocolate.

The Glendronach 15 Year Revival paired with an intense dark chocolate with sea salt and almonds is a favorite for H. Joseph Ehrmann, owner of Elixir Saloon. “The nuts pair so well with the sherry influence,” he says, “While the dark, bitter chocolate balances the richness of the biscuity malt and salt makes it all pop.” Try the Taza Sea Salt & Almond 80% dark chocolate bar.

Rye Whiskey and Spiced Chocolate

When it comes to a rye whiskey and chocolate combo, sometimes more spice is nice. Rebecca Monday says a spicy rye can easily complement a chocolate with similar spice by “exciting the palate with its flavorful profile.”

However, Kristin Wenzinger says a rye is also nice with milk chocolate, especially when the spirit has both spice and sweetness to it, such as Willett Rye with its peppery notes and “bourbon-like sweetness,” that gives off a “velvety finish.” Try with the French Broad Chai Masala Milk.

Irish Whiskey and White Chocolate

Irish whiskey is smooth and can go down pretty easily, which means it’s great when paired with something sweet. Rebecca Monday says since an Irish whiskey, such as Jameson is gentle, it pairs well with white chocolate with its buttery flavors. Try it with Marou Vietnamese Vanilla 44%.

Japanese Whisky and Matcha Chocolate

Neil Loomis, Vice President of Beverage, Fine Dining Restaurant Group says Japanese whisky works well when paired with a mid-range cacao that “has a floral influence like rose to match the soft oak.” Rebecca Monday is also onboard with pairing a chocolate that has a “hint of herbal complexity” with something as balanced as Suntory Japanese Toki. Try the Quiet Botanist Matcha Rose bar.

Tennessee Whiskey & Chocolate Peanut Candy Bar

When it comes to Tennessee Whiskey, don’t knock the power of a good Snickers bar. “It seems simplistic, but it’s a smart pairing,” says Jaz’min Weaver, national brand ambassador for Bardstown Bourbon Company. “This pairing works because it is doubling down on the already apparent peanut flavors that are commonly found in Tennessee Whiskey.” Try George Dickel Tennessee Bottled in Bond.

Tips for Pairing

There are a few guidelines to follow when pairing whiskey and chocolate together to receive the best results. Rebecca Monday says it’s important to pay attention to the types of barrels whiskey are aged in since they influence its flavor, while Neil Loomis states it’s always a good idea to "Pair lighter whiskeys with lower cacao content chocolate and more robust whiskies with higher cacao percentage chocolates.”

Fat content is also something to take into consideration, especially with bonbons. Elizabeth Logan McDaniel, maitre chocolatier and owner of LaRue Fine Chocolate recommends pairing higher fat content chocolate with more full-proof whiskeys.

It all comes down to balance like any other flavor combination, says H. Joseph Ehrmann, such as sweet and fruity can harmonize well with sour and bitter. “Finding the right complementing pairing for one or the other is essential.”

Everyone has different tastes and it’s important to experiment and have fun with the flavor combinations—whichever pairing you choose. “When a pairing isn’t great, explore what it is that you weren’t enjoying,” says Jaz’min Weaver. “Being aware of what doesn’t work is just another tool to build your skills and repertoire.”