Pairing drinks with food is always a great way to elevate the tasting experience, and winter foods offer a wonderful opportunity to experiment with rich flavors and comforting textures. Here are some winter food pairings:
Bushmills The Original Irish Whiskey
Bushmills is a smooth triple distilled whiskey that has a strong malt characteristic. It is an approachable whiskey that has been matured in both bourbon and sherry casks, giving notes of fresh fruits and vanilla.
Food Pairings:
– Irish Soda Bread with Butter: A classic match, the dense, slightly sweet bread works well with the mild sweetness and subtle spices of the whiskey.
– Dark Chocolate Cake or Caramel Pudding: Bushmills’ sweetness makes it an excellent match for desserts, particularly those with caramel or dark chocolate flavors.
– Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup: A cozy pairing that highlights the whiskey’s smooth texture and the richness of the cheese.
Lucifer’s Gold
Lucifer’s Gold is a blend of Scotch Whisky and Kentucky Bourbon showing fruity and spice characteristics that one expects from Scotch, balanced with the vanilla and charred oak notes from bourbon, to deliver a beautiful balance of sweetness, richness, depth and smoothness.
Food Pairings:
-Mushroom Risotto: The earthy, umami flavors of a creamy mushroom risotto contrast beautifully with the whisky’s fruity and spice characteristics. The risotto’s richness and the whisky’s smoothness complement each other for a balanced experience.
– Braised Short Ribs: Slow-braised short ribs in a rich red wine sauce or with a sweet glaze (such as balsamic or bourbon-infused) would pair wonderfully with the depth and smoothness of the whisky. The caramelized flavors from the slow cooking process mirror the vanilla and charred oak notes of Lucifer’s Gold.
– Pumpkin Soup or Butternut Squash Soup: A velvety butternut or pumpkin soup with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg can complement the spiced undertones of the whisky. A dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream adds richness to the dish, mirroring the smoothness of Lucifer’s Gold.
– Apple and Pear Tarte Tatin: For dessert, a warm, caramelized apple and pear tarte tatin offers the perfect balance of sweetness and richness to complement the whisky’s depth. The caramel notes of the dessert echo the vanilla and oak flavors of the whisky.
1800 Tequila Anejo
1800 Tequila Añejo is aged in French Oak barrels for a minimum of 14 months. Its finish is described as spicy and well rounded with flavours of toasted oak, vanilla and butterscotch.
Food Pairings:
– Braised Lamb or Barbacoa: The deep, savory flavors of slow-cooked lamb pair beautifully with the earthy, agave-forward notes of 1800 Tequila.
– Tacos al Pastor: The sweet, spicy pork tacos match well with the smoothness of 1800, especially when paired with a slice of pineapple.
– Mole Chicken: The rich, complex flavors of mole sauce pair well with the caramel notes of the tequila, making for an indulgent winter dish.
– Grilled Shrimp with Chili-Lime Butter: The agave-forward sweetness of 1800 Tequila is a natural fit with the citrusy spice of grilled shrimp.
Viva El Ron Rum
A fresh and smooth rum, with a complex bouquet of scents and flavours that reminds you the product is from Cuba.
Food Pairings:
– Spicy Jerk Chicken: The rum’s sweet and spicy notes enhance the flavors of jerk seasoning and the heat from the dish.
– Roasted Root Vegetables: A hearty dish of root vegetables, like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, will complement the deep sweetness of the rum.
– Pecan Pie or Rum Cake: The richness of a rum-soaked cake or pecan pie complements the smooth vanilla and caramel notes of the rum.
Jose Cuervo Reposado
The World’s highest selling and favourite tequila since 1795. It is a blended tequila with sweet agave, oak & vanilla flavors.
Food Pairings:
– Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce: The bold flavors of grilled steak and the herbal, tangy chimichurri are balanced by the smooth caramel and vanilla notes of the tequila.
– Chili con Carne: The deep, warming heat of chili pairs well with the subtle smokiness and caramel notes of aged tequila.
– Chocolate Mole Poblano: This rich and complex Mexican dish, often made with dark chocolate and spices, pairs beautifully with Jose Cuervo’s aged tequila.
These pairings are designed to elevate the winter dining experience, with each drink enhancing the flavors of the dishes while adding warmth and comfort to cold nights. Enjoy!
