Between September 2024 and August 2025 London averaged 953,270 searches for chocolate and whisky a month.
Confection specialists Geraldo’s of Largs have revealed their secrets to the best whisky and chocolate combinations.
“There’s a science to pairing chocolate and whisky that’s equal to the way people treat wine and cheese’ says Toni Dawson, owner of Geraldo’s. “The right pairing can elevate both, turning a simple pleasure into a luxury”.
Toni has a few simple rules when it comes to pairing chocolate with different types of whisky.
“Sweet whiskies need creamy chocolate, smoky or heavy peat requires a bitter dark or salted chocolate, a spiced whisky needs matching heat, and more delicate flavours should be matched with high sweetness white chocolates or fruity varieties.”
Speyside
“Speyside whisky is a personal favourite of mine”, said Toni “, the honey and fruity flavours in Speyside’s commonly work well with a straightforward milk chocolate. Suppose you prefer your chocolate on the darker side. In that case, however, you can substitute the creaminess of a milk chocolate for a dark chocolate infused with a citrus flavour such as orange, which will complement those flavours in the whisky.”
Highland Malts
“Highland malts are often rich and complex, so you need something that matches those qualities, such as a 60-70% cocoa dark chocolate.”
“If you really want to make it a special match, however, hazelnut or almond pralines have the depth of flavour and the warmth to pair perfectly with a highland without either overwhelming the other.”
Islay Malts
“peaty, smoky and strong, a strong dark chocolate, something in the region of 70-85% cocoa, but we think that the perfect compliment for an Islay whisky is a salted dark chocolate to enhance the smoke flavours of the whisky itself.
Lowland Whisky
“Lowland whiskies are light, often citrusy and floral and paired with the right chocolate can make an elegant match”
“The key for a Lowland variety is not to go too heavy on cocoa where possible. A white chocolate or, if you prefer milk, then something with berries or a light fruit will provide the sweetness to work with the delicate flavours Lowlands can offer.”
Campbeltown Whisky
“Campbeltown whiskies have a distinct flavour profile, with some describing them as having a ‘maritime’ taste.”
“A chocolate with sea salt or salted caramel works well with Campbeltown’s unique taste, but if you’d rather bring out the natural bitterness of the whisky itself, then an espresso-infused chocolate is key to unlocking Campbeltown’s full character.”
