5 Epic Whisky and Chocolate Pairings

By Helena Nicklin

Whisky and chocolate is a match you might not immediately think of but once you try it, you will never go back! The warming alcohol cleanses the palate perfectly while the individual notes of each whisky, be it dried fruit, tar, seaweed or citrus, perfectly complement many types of chocolate, especially the really good, hand-made stuff. Here are some basic whisky and chocolate pairings that have been tried and tested, then tried and tested all over again - just for you, of course.

How to taste whisky with chocolate

The best way to get the most out of your whisky and chocolate pairing is to take a sip of whisky first and let the flavour expand in your mouth. Swallow and then take a small bit of chocolate, allowing it to melt slowly on your tongue, its flavours gradually mingling with those of the whisky. Follow up with another small sip and enjoy. Tip: Use high-quality chocolate where you can to make the most of the flavour matches. 

Five Epic Whisky and Chocolate Pairings 

MILK CHOCOLATE WITH FRUIT & NUT

Whisky style: Light, floral and fruity.

Fruity whiskies, especially lighter, aromatic ones with notes of orchard fruit, love nuts, be they hazelnut, almond or pecan. Neither the milk chocolate nor the whisky will overpower each other and the fruit and nut flavours combine to make an irresistible, elegant pairing. 

Try: Aberfeldy 12 year old
ABV: 46%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £42.50 // US $44.99

SALTED CARAMEL

Whisky style: Saline, maritime and complex.

Salted caramel everything has taken the world by storm these past few years and a complex, saline whisky with a subtle umami note will send your tastebuds bonkers with the juxtaposition of sweet caramel and salty flavours.

Try: Ardbeg Corryvreckan
ABV: 57.1%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £74.75 // US $139.99

DARK CHOCOLATE WITH DRIED FRUIT

Whisky style: Dark, rich and fruit-cakey.

If you’re into darker versions of fruit and nut, maybe even with the odd dried cherry, try an age statement whisky that’s seen a few different barrels including sherry casks. These whiskies are often described as tasting of ‘Christmas cake’. They’re a match made in heaven with so many flavours to play with. 

Try: The Dalmore 12 Year Old
ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £60.50 // US $76.99

ORANGE CHOCOLATE

Whisky style: Smooth, toffee and orange citrusy.

High quality orange chocolate begs for an equally smooth partner with bold notes of orange citrus fruit, honey and vanilla spice to elevate its flavours. Find a Bourbon with a splash of rye in the mash bill for pure indulgence and a spicy kick that will have you coming back for more.

Try: Woodford Reserve, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 43.2%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £27 // US $31.98

DARK MINT CHOCOLATE

Whisky style: Peated, medicinal and smoky.

Medicinal, peaty whiskies, such as those found on Islay can knock you for six with their power. Pairing them with a peppermint flavoured dark chocolate, however, creates a refreshing kind of menthol alchemy. It’s the perfect way to end a meal and will leave a memorable impression.

Try: Lagavulin 16 Year Old
ABV: 43%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £79.50 // US $119.99

Still looking for some chocolate-y goodness? Why not check out these Delicious Chocolate-themed Alcoholic Drinks?

*Prices last updated in March 2024.

Ardbeg's New Release: Fermutation

Words by Colin Hampden White

Every now and again Ardbeg releases a whisky just for members of their committee (anyone can join the committee) and this February saw the release of Fermutation.

Apparently this was the result of a lucky mistake. A fermentation was left to run for far too long by mistake, in fact it was the longest fermentation ever run at Ardbeg. Rather than ditch the mistake, Dr Bill decided to distil it and this 13 year old is the result.

This long fermentation was created in November 2007 by a broken boiler which couldn’t be fixed, and rather than stopping the fermentation running at the time, Dr Bill decided to experiment. He quickly told the distillery team to open up the washback lids exposing the contents to the air. This was the start of a three week fermentation. A normal fermentation at Ardbeg is around 72 hours.

One gets the feeling that the results were not just down to luck. Some quick thinking and a desire to experiment certainly helped. The resulting whisky is still smoky, but is more in harmony with the fruity flavours which are citrus forward and as Dr Bill put it “Zingy”.

Dr Bill is well known for experimentation, and he’s always wanted to experiment with longer fermentation, but he admits what an experiment of this length of time would never have happened without the faulty boiler.

It went on sale to the committee earlier this month, and sold quickly. It can be found at auction and some retailers have it at inflated prices. But the best way to even have a chance of bottles in the future, is to join the committee which any lover of Ardbeg can do here on-line.

ABV: 49.4%
Size: 700ml
Price £150 (on release), expect £250 and upwards at auction or future retail.

Best Whiskies To Invest In - October Whisky Investment Index

Springbank leaps forward.

Last month was all about Springbank. At auction, this distillery has excelled and pushed its way to the top of the board. Macallan is still up their but seems to be slowing down at the moment, Brora is still strong as is Bowmore, and the rest of the table stays pretty much as it was.

Springbank is a relatively small distillery in comparison to many, and really only produces about as much as the Springbank fans can consume. This leaves collectors and speculators picking up Springbank at auction and keeping the prices rising. Releases of Springbank sell out extremely quickly, like the “local barley” expression for example, and are then traded for a lot more than the retail value at auction. Even after they are picked up at auction the prices will still steadily rise.

Springbank 2%
Macallan 1%
Karuizawa 1.0%
Brora 2%
Bowmore 1.5%
The Dalmore 2%
Clynelish 2%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 1%
Ardbeg 1%
Glen Grant

Bottles to Watch

I recently highlighted Springbank bottles, and there are a few more I have found here. But with the rarity of Springbank at retail, it is really about keeping a keen eye on the auction sites and picking up bottles when they seem good value to you.

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength

This expression sells out pretty quickly as Springbank at cask strength is well sought after. A good option for anyone starting out in collecting Springbank

ABV: 53.8%
Size: 750ml 
Find here: $159.99

Springbank 16 Year Old Local Barley

Another cask strength offering and this being the local barley expression, means that this is rare and will do very well in the future. There is very little of this expression produced as there is very little local barely to make the whisky.

ABV: 54.3%
Size: 750ml  

Springbank 19 Year Old Rechar Sherry

Cask strength with an unusual cask make up using casks which have been de-charred and then re-charred giving them one more use and they have a spicier flavour profile. With this expression being a little older, the price is higher, but then so might be the returns.

ABV: 58.6%
Size: 750ml

The next couple of expressions are very rare as they are older expressions from years ago.

Springbank 25 Year Old Millennium Collection

Released some time ago, this expression of Springbank has been steadily rising in value over the years. Hard to find even at auction, these bottles will always be wanted.

ABV: 46%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £3495

Longrow 1973 Natural Strength

Longrow is a peated expression distilled at the Springbank distillery. This one has been bottled by famous Italian independent bottler Samaroli. This bottler holds a great deal of respect, especially with older offerings like this one.

ABV: 53%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £6995

These are a few examples and always everything written in this article is just advice, but overall with Springbank, the annual releases which have an age statement and unusual cask maturation will do well, especially if they are at cask strength. Try and seek them out at retail when they first come on the market, otherwise, happy hunting at auction.

To catch up on the past couple of months of whisky investment advice and to see how it all started click on the following links: September, August, July, the beginning.

Best Whiskies To Invest In - September Whisky Investment Index

By Colin Hampden-White

Macallan does it again.

Macallan has not only managed to stay at the top of the table, but it has also extended its lead. This could be down to a few things. Mainly, it’s because there has been a lot of Macallan at auction recently. Also there have been a few lower-level limited editions come to market over the last year or so and they are finding their way onto the secondary market. Examples of this would be the Concept series, which has had its final release recently, and the editions series. These I believe still have potential to grow even if bought on the secondary market at today’s prices. And it looks like a lot of other people feel the same as these series are doing well at auction.

High value Karuizawa bottles are still coming to auction giving this Japanese closed distillery a strong place on the table and with the recent releases of Brora, the most well known being the Tryptic, Brora continues to do well.

There is little change in the table this month, but the percentages have changed. They have become closer together. This makes it difficult to pick clear winners, but it is also a good sign that one shouldn’t do badly by choosing any of the brands or distilleries below as an investment. As long as one sticks to the rule of buying limited editions, single casks and good independent bottles.

Macallan 2%
Bowmore 1%
Karuizawa 1.0%
Springbank 1.5%
The Dalmore 2%
Brora 2%
Clynelish 2%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 1%
Ardbeg 1%
Glen Grant

With no clear winner other than Macallan, I have chosen a few different brands rather than sticking to one. As any good investment portfolio should have variation.

Bottles to Watch

Ardbeg Drum

Released a few years ago, this has already had some time in the marketplace and is still a great one to keep your eyes open for.

ABV: 46%
Size: 750ml
Find here: $279.99 

From the committee release, this can still be found in the UK.

Ardbeg Drum Committee Release

ABV: 52%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £295

From the middle of the table I’d look for Clynelish

Clynelish Game of Thrones

This is a good low-level bottle at well under £50. It is high strength, and although not very limited, it is limited and will run out. A longer prospect, but still worth it.

ABV: 51.2%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £40.95 // US $178.49

Clynelish 1995 25 year old

With only 340 bottles of this single cask, cask strength bottle produced, from a well known independent bottler. I think this will do well.

ABV: 51%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £313.15

And from the very top of the table.

The Macallan Edition No.6

The last in the edition series, these are already collectable. And although not as expensive as earlier editions, it will still rise in value.

ABV: 48.6%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £299.99 // US $179.99

The Macallan Rare Cask 2021 edition

When customers are only allowed to buy one, it’s a clear indication that these will sell out fast and be in high demand. An annual release, also shows it’s only going to be created in limited numbers.

ABV: 43%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £249.95

And there we have it. A few suggestions for bottles which I think will do well in the future. As always, they are only suggestions, and I don’t profess to be the fountain of all knowledge, but these ideas might give you a helping hand in choosing bottles to invest in.

To see how this whisky investment index was created, follow this link and if you want to check out August and July’s recommended bottles then click here: August / July.

Which Whisky Should I Invest in?

Words by Colin Hampden-White

The summer months are normally a little slower for auctions. This year has been a bit different. With few traveling on holiday and little opportunity to spend, alternative investments tend to do very well and this seems to be the case for Scotch.

This month sees the king has fallen and Macallan has taken the top place again. Macallan is always dominant in Asia and this month even more so taking it above all others. The mid table has been very steady with only minor changes. At the bottom, Ardbeg is still rising, and Glen Grant has taken the place of Bunnahabhain.

With little volatility, there doesn’t seem to be a bad bet in the top ten at the moment, although buying a bottle from the middle of the table would seem the safest thing to do.

Like last month I would still look at Springbank, and add Clynelish to your watch list. Below are a few bottles of the latter I’d be interested in.

Macallan 1%
Bowmore 1%
The Dalmore 2%
Springbank 1%
Clynelish 5%
Karuizawa 1.0%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 1%
Ardbeg 2%
Yamazaki 1%
Glen Grant

Bottles to Watch

Clynelish 1996 21 Year Old - Mission Gold Single Malt Whisky (Murry McDavid)

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find here: £344.94

Clynelish 1995 22 Year Old - Cask Strength Collection Single Malt Whisky

Size: 700ml
ABV: 55.4%
Find here: £344.94

Clynelish 1995 24 years old Wemyss Malts

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £260.35

Clynelish 1995 25 Year Old - Cask Strength Collection Signatory

Size: 700ml
ABV: 51%
Find here: £313.15

When buying single cask bottles which seem cheaper than others, have a look at the abv. The price might be lower because the abv is also lower and therefore hasn’t been bottled at cask strength. Cask strength bottles will be more desirable, but also more expensive. Of the above four my pick would be the last one. Decent abv, good age, and less expensive than the first two.

Clynelish is never bottled by the distillery as a single cask. Diageo release a limited amount each year within the special releases, so the best way to invest in Clynelish is by buying independent bottles. These usually sell out quickly, so if you find one at the right price, don’t delay! Happy hunting.

As with March, April , May and June’s Whisky Investment Indexes, any bottles mentioned are just suggestions, I don’t pretend to have a crystal ball, but it will point you in the right direction to do your own research and start you on your journey in whisky investment.

Which Whiskies To Invest In - May Whisky Investment Index

Words by Colin Hampden-White

The king lives on, as Dalmore stays at the top for whisky investors, or, very wealthy drinkers were buying at auction last month! Closing the gap from last month and now in second place is Bowmore with old bottles of Bowmore doing very well.

There were a good amount of Karuizawa bottles at auction, notably a bottle of Five Decades sold for charity which was donated by Marcin Miller and David Croll raising £9800 for the Worshipful Company of Distillers Charities.

The usual suspects are still in the top ten with Macallan, Springbank and Clynelish, and they are joined by Ardbeg, which, because of the rarity of old bottles dips in and out of the top ten, and with the release of Ardbeg 25, Scorch and a very notable single cask 20 year old, Ardbeg may well move further up in the coming months.

So, my top tip for bottles to watch this month would be Ardbeg as I feel there will be plenty on the market in the coming month and it will go up the top ten. Avoid the first bottles on the market from new releases as they tend to spike in price before settling down after a month or so. It might even be worth looking back at bottles released a year ago. I’ve listed a few below.

The Dalmore 6%
Bowmore 3%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 2%
Karuizawa 1.5%
Clynelish 5%
Macallan 1%
Springbank 1%
Yamazaki 0.5%
Bunnahabhain 1.5%
Ardbeg

Bottles to Watch

Ardbeg Arrrrrrrdbeg! Committee Release 

A one-off release to celebrate the career of distillery manager Micky Heads. We had the fortune of meeting Micky on our trip to Islay and he spoke about another brilliant expression called Galileo. Another Ardbeg well worth investing in if you can find it!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 58.8%
Find here: US from 179.49

Ardbeg Blaaack

Before Scorch there was Blaaack. This special release for the 20th anniversary of the committee was released over six months ago now means the initial spike in prices are over and are back to a good level to buy at auction, or if like this one you can find it at its original release price, then that’s a great option.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: US from $139.99

Ardbeg 19 1st release

This Ardbeg was a new release at the end of 2019, and they are now onto their second batch with a 3rd to follow soon. If you can find the original first release, these are now being found at auction and increasing in price steadily.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 46.2%
Find here: US from $322.70

In the UK there are a few very special bottles on sale. Along with a distillery bottling from 2002, independent bottles are also well worth looking at. With the rarity of Ardbeg official bottles, these independent bottles will also increase over time.

Ardbeg Committee Reserve (bottled 2002)

Size: 700ml
ABV: 55.3%
Find here: £1,195

Ardbeg 28 Year Old Hunter Laing

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50.1%
Find here: £1012.22

Ardbeg 24 Year Old

Size: 500ml
ABV: 46.8%
Find here: £1034.95

All the brands in the top ten should do well over time. Like any of my suggestions, they are suggestions and I don’t pretend to have a crystal ball, but it will point you in the right direction to do your own research and introduce you to the possibilities of investing in whisky.

If you want to take a look at past whisky investment indexes then click here for April and here for March.

We Ranked Every Ardbeg Day Special Release By Its Smokiness

Every year since Ardbeg’s iconic Alligator was created for Ardbeg Day, there has been an annual release. Mickey Heads, the distillery manager at Ardbeg, has been there for every single one but he has now announced his retirement. He will still be there for this year’s Ardbeg day release and we wait with anticipation to see what it is. In the meantime, we rank all of the non committee releases so far in reverse order with classic smoky Ardbeg in mind, so from subtle to smoke bomb.

Ardbeg is smoky by nature, so on a 1 to 20 scale of smoky whiskies Ardbeg starts at 10.

First of all, here is the list in order of release:

2011 – Alligator
2012 – Day
2013 – Ardbog
2014 – Auriverdes
2015 – Perpetuum
2016 - Dark Cove
2017 – Kelpie
2018 – Grooves
2019 – Drum 

The Ranking

 No.9 Auriverdes

Released in time for the football World Cup in Brazil. Auriverdes means gold and green, which are the colours of the Brazilian flag. Tasting Note: A lighter style of Ardbeg. Easy going sweet vanilla and lemons. There is still smoke, but it is not immediately identifiable as Ardbeg. Muscovado sugar and chocolate appear later in the palate.

ABV: 49.9%
Smoke rating: 10/20 
Buy now for £193

No.8 Drum

In the tradition of Ardbeg being an innovator, this whisky is firstly matured in ex bourbon casks, and extra matured in rum casks. Tasting note: Bonfire wood mixed with lots of ripe bananas and pineapples. Spices on the palate with ginger, liquorice and vanilla.

ABV: 46%
Smoke rating: 12/20
Last auction Price: £70

No.7 Perpetuum

Created for the 200th anniversary of Ardbeg distillery, this whisky is a mixture of many cask types intended to give great complexity and harmony. Fresh citrus, toffee and figs head up a smoky background. There is a creamy mouthfeel and lots of dark chocolate.

ABV: 47.4%
Smoke rating: 13/20
But it now for £143

No.6 Grooves

Grooves is so named as the casks used were very well charred ex red wine casks which resulted in deep groves on the inside of the cask resulting in a greater surface area for the spirit to interact with. Tasting note: lots of American oak flavours of vanilla, toffee and popcorn. Salty savoury bacon with chilli, tempered with toffee apples. Old leather-bound books linger in the background.

ABV: 46%
Smoke rating: 14/20
Buy now for £250

No.5 Day

Using sherry casks in the maturation gives waves of flavour through waves of smoke and peat. Still balanced, this whisky is made for peat heads who also love sherried whisky. Huge mouth feel, big and rich whisky, waves of peat and sherry wash over the palate. This whisky is full, rounded and luscious.

ABV: 56.7%
Smoke rating: 15/20
Buy now for £525

No.4 Kelpie

This whisky is named after the mythical animals of legend around Islay. Kelpies were shape shifting spirits which usually appeared as horses or ponies. But they were maleficent creatures, and although seeming tame, and particulary friendly to children, once mounted the rider would not be able to dismount and would be dragged to the bottom on the ocean or river and eaten.

ABV: 46%
Smoke rating: 16/20
Buy it now for £190

No.3 Ardbog

Matured in Manzanilla sherry casks, this whisky has a big smoky punch, but is sweetened by the extra maturation in sherry casks. Undeniably Ardbeg, big and smoky and very dry. Sweetness coming from raisins and there is an underlying rich nutty flavour.

ABV: 52.1%
Smoke rating: 16.5/20
Buy it now for £315

No.2 Dark Cove

This is the darkest Ardbeg day release and is a bit of a beast. You’ll either love it or hate it as the smoke is full on and the rich oily iodine nature of the whisky is very in your face. Underlying all that power are  lots of dried fruits such as raisins and dates. Smouldering charcoal and spice with beeswax bring you to smoked meats and salty seaweed.

ABV: 46.5%
Smoke rating: 17/20
But now for £262

No.1 Alligator

At first this expression split the whisky community. It has all the hallmarks of a classic Ardbeg but is also much more. The heavy char of the casks brings the peaty smoke right to the fore with the charred nature of the cask adding even more smokiness. But there is huge complexity too with lots of citrus in the form of grapefruit and lemon, with ginger and orange zest backing that up. There is also sweetness with ginger biscuits and icing sugar and cocoa in the background. Intense smoke runs throughout the dram.

ABV: 51.2%
Smoke rating: 18/20
Buy it now for £472

So why didn’t we go up to 20/20 you ask? Because there are even smokier whiskies than Ardbeg for example Octomore from Bruichladdich distillery, which, depending on the batch is more like a 30/20!