The best sweet’n’savoury snacks to serve with whisky

What snacks pair with whisky?

Snacks and scotch are a match made in heaven. You’ll struggle to go wrong. From pretzels and peanuts to chocolate and cheese; there’s plenty of great options to graze on with a glass of whisky.

But depending on how you enjoy your spirit, you might want to consider different flavours. For example, a rich blend like Ballantine’s 30 year old shouldn’t be outshone – pair it with plainer snacks such as crackers and mild cheddar. Whereas the vibrant profile of Ballantine’s Brazil can handle the harshness of salty, tangy titbits.  

You’ll also want to plan complimentary snacks for whisky tasting experiences at home; you’re the host after all. Pick out the flavour profile of each dram and pair with associated flavours. Getting notes of red apple? Cinnamon, pork and pear are a good bet. 

No matter your serve, here are some of the best snacks to enjoy with whisky. Our top tip? Chuck them all on one big grazing platter and nibble to your heart’s content.

Cheese

When isn’t cheese a good idea? Beats us, especially when it comes to the world of whisky. The reason these two exceptional things go together so well is their range of flavours and aged creation. So whether it’s nutty, hard, stinky or soft, most cheeses will pair pretty well. 

If you’re overwhelmed by which block to choose (we know the feeling), have a sip of your scotch and pick out the most pungent flavours. Is it smoky? Go for a sharp blue like a Stilton or Roquefort. Tasting hints of vanilla? Try a melty block of camembert, drizzled in honey and topped with fruit next to an open fire and a glass of hot toddy. Gosh that sounds good.

Meat

Whether on a platter, atop a cracker or shoved in a sandwich, meat is a great snack to enjoy with whisky. Cured cuts such as salami and chorizo go perfectly with Scottish single malts that mix sweet and savoury notes from start to finish. We love ours with Glentauchers 15 year old or a refreshing whisky tonic to quench your thirst after a salty bite.

The best way to serve meaty snacks with whisky is a grab and go charcuterie board. You can arrange a selection of your favourite cuts around other complimentary nibbles Instagram style, or just plop them all on a plate and get picking – no judgement here.

Crackers and crisps

Salty, meaty, cheesy, peppery… even prawn cocktail-y. Just like our range of whiskies, crackers and crisps come in all shapes and flavours, which means there’s plenty of packets that’ll compliment your drink.

Whether you’re planning a snack fest or looking to satisfy a hunger pang, these cupboard staples are an easy win. So what’ll it be? Classic salted pretzels? Cheesy puffs? Sweet chilli crackers? Whatever your go to, there’s a whisky to wash it down with. We love our crisps with a cocktail for a fancy Friday night in. Try yours with a Whisky Sour or sweet summer whisky pitcher next time you’re in the mood.

Chocolate

Got a sweet tooth? Same. Our whisky collection is beloved for its treasure trove of sugary notes from honey and vanilla to cherry and toffee apple. So knock yourself out with those chocolatey snacks next time you pour a glass. 

A bar of dark or milk is a fine accompaniment to Ballantine’s 7 Bourbon Barrel Finish with its layers of creamy caramel and vanilla apple. Or if you’re feeling extra boujee, pop in some chocolate truffles between sips of whisky on the rocks. Hint: bugsy the salted caramel, it’ll go down a storm.

Nuts

There’s a reason nuts are a bar snack staple. Salted, honey roasted or covered in chocolate, we can’t help but crave a bowl anytime a drink lands in our hands. Most nuts pair well with a glass of scotch but if you want to make a conscious choice, consider the flavours of your chosen blend.

Bitter brazils and walnuts bring out the sweet tones of a vanilla finish, whilst pistachios and pecans compliment a stronger whisky. And those salted mixes? They go well with anything. Go nuts with a spicy scotch with a twist or sweet whisky cider.

Fruits

Fruit is a healthy snack to serve with whisky if you’re looking for something less calorific. But it by no means has to be boring. Feel free to grab an apple from the fruit basket, but if you want to pimp up your snack bowl next time you pour a dram, there’s plenty of ways to go about it. 

Mix up a bowl of dried fruit with chocolate chips, nuts and anything that takes your fancy alongside an aromatic spiced sip of Ballantine’s 21 year old. Or head down the savoury route with fruity chutney and cheese or slices of apple. However you get your fruit on, keep it classic with a scotch old fashioned, our go-to cocktail for a sophisticated snackathon.

From sweet ‘n’ savoury to sweet and sour, if you’ve worked up an appetite or just looking for more whisky drinks to pair with your favourite snacks, we have all the information you need to help make those nights at home even better.