Having a Scotch tasting party and at a loss for what type of appetizers to serve? Pairing whisky with food is not quite as easy as pairing wine with food, but the knowledgeable staff at Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits in Grand Cayman offers some suggestions for pairings that work beautifully together.
Supplies
To ensure a variety of different tastes at your single malt tasting, we recommend selecting Scotch from each of Scotland’s five whisky-producing regions (Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Campbeltown and Islay) whiskies:
Aberlour 10 Year Old: Pair this single malt Speyside Scotch whisky and its fine sherried spiciness with chocolate covered espresso beans. Other great choices include baby lamb chops, Manchego cheese, prosciutto skewers, dark chocolate desserts with fruit, or crème brûlée.
Clynelish 14 Year Old: This single malt coastal Highland Scotch whisky has an aroma of plums, grapes, plump barley and a hint of citrus. It pairs well with hearty English-style cheddar cheese and crackers as well as apple pie drizzled with caramel.
Glen Scotia 15 Year Old: With its fruity profile and notes of vanilla, ginger and cinnamon, this moderately peated single malt Campbeltown Scotch whisky goes well with hummus and pita chips.
Glenkinchie 12 Year Old: Pair this light, fruity single malt Lowland Scotch whisky with Kalamata and Niçoise olives, pepperoncini, tomato tapenade and roasted garlic.
Laphroaig 10 Year Old: Considered by many to be “Best Single Malt Whisky in the World,” this peaty single malt Islay Scotch whisky is wonderful when paired with stronger cheeses like Danish Bleu cheese, Roquefort or Gorgonzola. Other great options include oysters, smoked almonds, smoked salmon, sushi, and finger sandwiches made with toast and Brie.
Tips for Hosting Your Own Scotch Tasting
Shop at Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits
Jacques Scott has five convenient locations in George Town, West Bay, Seven Mile Beach, Savannah and East End to serve you, but the quickest to get everything you need is to order online.
Whether you live here or are just visiting, place an order for the wine(s) of your choice from our online store, and we’ll deliver FREE of charge, directly to your home, office, yacht, villa or hotel room. Order before 3:00pm, and we’ll deliver it on the same day (Monday to Saturday).
Glassware
There are sometimes dozens of aromas in a single malt Scotch. To appreciate them fully, choose a traditional tulip-shaped tumbler, also known as a “nosing glass” or “snifter.” The tulip-shaped glass can help guests to better identify and appreciate the flavors and aromas of the Scotch.
Pour Small
Pour each guest a small measure or “dram” (about one and a half ounces) of each single malt whisky. Downing half a dozen full pours of 90-proof liquor will hinder their ability to taste with accuracy and distinguish the flavor characteristics of each whisky.
For more information about Scotch tasting and appetizers, visit Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits! We have the largest liquor selection on Grand Cayman and will deliver it to you for free.
