With summer in full swing, you might already be planning a cookout or backyard barbecue. The question is, what should you be pouring into your custom whiskey glasses to drink with your summer dinners? From smoked meat to seafood, cheese to fruits, there are pairings you can try on your back patio to help take your meals to the next level. Here’s everything you need to know.
How to Match Styles
First, you need to know how to match styles of food and whiskey together. This is relatively similar to pairing wine with food. Sweeter whiskeys go better with spicy fair, for example. A smooth, aged bourbon is better for lean grilled beef, while a peaty Scotch goes well with the bold smokiness of dry-aged beef or duck. Fresh stone fruits such as peaches or apricots are perfect for adding sweetness to your whiskey. Your main goal is achieving that perfect culinary balance.
Highballs or Whiskey Sours for Lighter Fare
For lighter fare and starter courses, choose a light whiskey drink. A highball is a great way to lighten a whiskey and wake up your palate, bringing other flavors to life. A highball or whiskey sour is perfect for meals such as pasta or roasted chicken, and you might consider a flight of whiskey drinks to show how the flavors play off each other.
Smoked Meat and Rye or Bourbon
For smoked meats and fatty cuts of beef, such as a ribeye, you will want to fill your personalized whiskey decanter with plenty of rye whiskey. Ryes tend to be assertive and spicy, which can stand up to low, slow-smoked pork or brisket. However, if you love slathering on your favorite barbecue sauce or using a spice rub, you’ll want to choose a sweeter drink. With that said, in most cases, your high-rye bourbon is perfect for complementing your smoky meat without overpowering it.
Peaty Scotch with Citrus and Spice
Do you have a dish with tasty citrus notes? From chicken piccata to lemon pepper pork chops, you will want a peated Scotch. The smoky saltiness of the Scotch is perfect for these types of dishes. A single malt from the Isle of Skye or Islay with tropical notes is ideal for well-seasoned dishes such as a General Tso’s chicken dish, helping the flavors meld together.
Scotch and Seafood
Scotch also has a saline note, making it a perfect pairing for briny dishes such as raw oysters. For a fun dish you can enjoy with friends, offer a few drops of Scotch directly on top of the oyster, or use an empty shell as a shot glass for a chaser. You want a whisky that has a clean finish and delicate character because a peaty option will overpower the oyster.
Single Malts and Cheese
Are you serving a cheese board? You will want to pair cheese with American single malts or Scotch. Look for expressions that have been held dry or fortified in wine barrels. Try to find whisky with fruity and rich, nutty notes. However, if you are using soft, mild cheeses, you don’t want to overpower your palate. Use an Irish whiskey that is easier to drink. If you are going with a mild cheddar, you want something that complements the cheese, such as a bourbon.
About Crystal Imagery
The seeds of Crystal Imagery were planted when Eric Schuchart started a side project of crafting personalized engraved glasses for his friends and family back in 2001. His glassware was met with rave reviews. In 2013, noted interior designer to the stars Sherri Blum joined Eric, and the two officially launched Crystal Imagery together. The custom deep etching technique Crystal Imagery uses produces a depth and shadow that laser and rotary surface etching methods simply can’t match. Crystal Imagery offers personalized whiskey glasses, crystal ice buckets, decanters, customized beer glasses, flasks, travel coffee tumblers, and many other drinkware options. Add a touch of elegance to your home bar with Crystal Imagery’s deeply engraved customized glassware.
Get the glassware you need for whiskey drinks this summer at https://crystalimagery.com/
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