The world has a deep-rooted love for whisky, and this affection only grows stronger when they venture to Scotland, the birthplace of this revered spirit. Among the many Scottish cities, Edinburgh stands out as a top destination for whisky enthusiasts. This historic city is teeming with opportunities to indulge in numerous whisky tastings, each offering a unique experience.

One of the most delightful pairings you can enjoy in Edinburgh is whisky with chocolate. This combination has gained immense popularity, and for good reason. The rich, complex flavours of whisky complement and contrast beautifully with the varied nuances of chocolate. During a pairing session, the food element—be it chocolate or otherwise—is carefully selected to either contrast with or complement the whisky, but it never overshadows the spirit itself. This delicate balance ensures that each tasting is an exquisite experience, allowing the whisky’s character to shine through.

In Edinburgh, you’ll find a plethora of venues, from cosy pubs to sophisticated tasting rooms, each offering their own take on whisky and food pairings. There are very few good ones however and I highly recommend the Tipsy Midgie Whisky Bar (Whisky Bar of the Year 2023 and 2024) and The Glasshouse Hotel, who have just recently started collaborating with whisky brands and certainly know how to deliver a great whisky and chocolate pairing event.

REVIEW OF CHOCOLATE AND WHISKY PAIRING EVENING AT THE GLASSHOUSE, EDINBURGH

Each month, The Glasshouse partners with a distinctive whisky brand, offering patrons a unique and enriching experience. Visitors can indulge in the 'Whisky of the Month' or savour a 'Whisky Cocktail' in their cosy Snug Lounge relaxing on large comfortable sofas around their circular fire. The venue boasts a specially curated whisky menu, allowing guests to select the perfect dram that suits their palate.

For those who enjoy pairing whisky with food, The Glasshouse also hosts a monthly Chocolate and Whisky Pairing event. Here, attendees can explore the delightful interplay between rich, luxurious chocolates and the complex flavours of premium whiskies.

I attended their The Dalmore Chocolate and whisky pairing recently. Let me tell you more.

The event takes place in their opulent and exquisitely decorated Brasserie room, providing a luxurious ambiance for all attendees. Each event is hosted by a whisky brand ambassador alongside the renowned Ignacio Sans, General Manager, ensuring an engaging and informative experience.

The Dalmore tasting was presented by Mateo Ortiz Lima, the Whisky Ambassador at Whyte and Mackay, the esteemed owners of The Dalmore, Fettercairn, and Jura whiskies. Mateo's expert knowledge and passion for whisky, combined with the elegant setting, create an unforgettable evening of indulgence and learning.

The chocolate is courtesy of Scottish Aromatherapist Gail Bryden from Just Be Botanicals. JustBe offers a natural range of products for the face, body, and home, including spa treatments, herbal teas, and chocolates, and although not a chocolate maker as such, Gail’s chocolate’s are all about how you want to feel and include well being ingredients such as spearmint, bergamot, clove oil and cardamom.

Allow me to guide you through our pairings.

Starting with The Dalmore 12 Year Old, this whisky was matched with JustBe's Milk Chocolate infused with fresh spearmint and a hint of warming clove oil. The Dalmore 12yo is meticulously matured in ex-Bourbon casks and finished in rare and aged oloroso sherry casks, imbuing it with a delightful sweetness. Expect an array of flavours including vibrant oranges, luscious honey, and creamy vanilla.

I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed the JustBe Milk Chocolate on its own—the refreshing spearmint and the warm clove oil harmonise beautifully. However, when paired with The Dalmore 12yo, I found that the clove's intensity slightly overshadowed the whisky, imparting a mild bitterness that detracted from the whisky's natural sweetness.

Despite this, the pairing offers an exploration of flavours, showcasing how different elements can interact in unexpected ways. It's an experience that highlights both the strengths of the whisky and the unique characteristics of the chocolate, inviting you to appreciate the intricate dance of tastes.

Our second pairing featured The Dalmore 15 Year Old, expertly matched with the JustBe Kind Dark Chocolate. This particular chocolate is infused with uplifting bergamot and mandarin, and sprinkled with Himalayan salt. The Dalmore 15yo is a true representation of the distillery's distinctive style, having been finished in an array of aged sherry casks, including Apostoles, Amoroso, and Matusalem Oloroso.

The pairing was a resounding success. The whisky's vibrant notes of mandarin, vanilla, and ginger harmoniously complemented the mandarin flavours in the dark chocolate. The addition of Himalayan salt to the chocolate not only enhanced the sweetness but also brought out the intricate flavours of the whisky. This delightful combination provided a rich and memorable tasting, demonstrating how the right pairing can elevate both the whisky and the chocolate to new heights.

Finally, we indulged in The Dalmore Cigar Malt, paired with JustBe Tranquil White Chocolate infused with soothing lavender and topped with raspberries. The whisky is matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, Cabernet Sauvignon barriques, and Matusalem Oloroso sherry casks, each exclusively available to the skilled whisky makers of The Dalmore. This careful maturation process imbues the whisky with a rich tapestry of flavours.

The Dalmore Cigar Malt boasts an impressive array of tasting notes, featuring tropical fruits like banana and mango, accompanied by toffee and vanilla undertones. At first, the combination of white chocolate and lavender harmonises well with the whisky, providing a delightful initial taste. However, as you progress, the pairing begins to contend with the whisky's finishing notes of orange zest and dark chocolate, creating a complex medley of flavours.

This pairing offers a multifaceted experience, with each element vying for attention on your palate. It's a dynamic and intriguing combination that showcases the depth and character of both the whisky and the chocolate.

Every individual's journey through chocolate and whisky pairings is unique, and there is absolutely no harm in finding a pairing that doesn't quite hit the mark for you. The essence of this experience lies in the exploration of flavours, allowing you to uncover and expand your whisky palate.

Each tasting session is an opportunity to discover new and intriguing combinations, even if not all of them become personal favourites. It's a chance to educate your senses, develop a deeper appreciation for the complexity of whiskies, and refine your flavour preferences. This journey is about more than just the perfect match; it's about the adventure of trying new things and the joy of finding unexpected delights along the way.

So, embrace the process, savour each tasting, and let your palate guide you through the rich tapestry of whisky flavours. These Chocolate and Whisky Pairings will not only enhance your knowledge but also deepen your enjoyment of whisky in all its diverse forms.

Slainte!

The Glasshouse Hotel, 2 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA. www.theglasshousehotel.co.uk