JAMESON JOURNAL
How to pair Jameson Irish Whiskey and food
Long gone are the days when wines alone accompanied a meal. You might find it surprising that the subtle depth of taste in Jameson Irish Whiskey could enhance the flavours of your meal.
Move over wine and Champagne, the best new food and drink flavour partnership is whiskey.
Whether it be meat, pizza, fish or fruit salad even, discerning whiskey drinkers have been pairing their meals with whiskey for decades. Whether building a pairing menu at home, or ordering a whiskey cocktail next time you dine out, the most important consideration is that the food and drink have to complement each other. One taste should never overpower the other.
Here is a sample menu to give you some idea of what is possible:
STARTERS: Charcuterie board with cured meats, cherries and cheeses
Whiskey Pairing: Jameson Irish Whiskey
Flavour notes: The smooth, spicy, nutty and vanilla notes of Jameson works brilliantly with the gamey flavours of the cured meats. Soft and delicate cows’ cheeses also work well with the light, smoothness of Jameson, while a bite of a cherry will beautifully enhance the fragrant hints of sherry.
Cocktail suggestion: Try it with Jameson Irish Whiskey on the rocks
MAINS: Hawaiian pizza or Shisa Nyama
Whiskey Pairing: Jameson Caskmates IPA
Flavour notes: Options, options, options. Did we mention you have options? The bright floral, crisp, citrus tones of Jameson Caskmates IPA (Jameson matured in Irish Pale Ale-seasoned barrels) will make a lovely compliment to an Hawaiian pizza’s sweet pineapple and salty ham. Then, whiskey and braaied meat is a tried and tested combination. Steaks with a slightly higher fat content go well with the delicate spicy tones of the Jameson Caskmates IPA edition.
Cocktail suggestion: If you’re having spicy Shisa Nyama try it with an IPA Shandy.
Dessert: Chocolate Mousse
Whiskey Pairing: Jameson Select Reserve
Flavour notes: Jameson Select Reserve is finished in bourbon barrels which feature an additional charring, this adds to the whiskey’s richness and complexity (hyperlink to science of taste). Sip on neat measure of Jameson Select Reserve while indulging in a dark chocolate mouse, or fondant. Or even simply a block of high quality milk chocolate. The whiskey’s nutty undertones and smooth vanilla sweetness will come to the fore after each bite. Sip whiskey first, then have a piece of chocolate…
Cocktail suggestion: Alternatively, make Jameson your dessert, with an Irish Coffee, or classic Whiskey Sour.