Whisky is a timeless drink that sparks images of eclectic bars, precious time spent with friends and colourful memories of both landmark celebrations and nights spent at the home bar.
Similarly, oysters are an iconic food. They allude to luxury and good taste; they’re a food to be eaten during special times and get togethers with loved ones somewhere stunning.
It’s a combination that probably won’t have crossed your mind before, but oysters and whisky make a perfect pair. Still on the fence? Keep reading to find out more about this whisky food pairing.
The parallels between whisky and oysters
Let’s start by talking about the uncanny similarities between oysters and whisky.
Scotland is widely considered to be the home of whisky, and it’s certainly been our home at The Glenlivet ever since our origins back in 1822. Scots call whisky the water of life, and enjoying a dram is second nature to many. You could say that whisky is native to Scotland, and interestingly, oysters are native to Scotland, too.
Scottish oysters are mainly found on the west and north coast, not all that far from wonderful Speyside, otherwise known as Whisky Country. And just like good whisky, it can take years for oysters to mature and reach their full flavour potential.
We like to think of the parallel between a juicy oyster maturing on the seabed, taking in the scent and flavour of the water, and Scotch maturing in an oak cask, its flavour deepening every day.
The wood from casks has a crucial influence on the character of its whisky, and Scotch has to be aged for at least three years for it to be classed as such. Read more about how our Scotch is made.
Oysters are unique in that their taste is heavily influenced by their environment too, which is why they’re often said to be the very flavour of the sea itself. If you’re tucking into Scottish oysters, you’re actually tasting the unique maritime environment of Scotland.
And just as the quality of an oyster depends on the quality of its water, this can also apply to whisky. The Glenlivet is made from crystal-clear Scottish mountain streams, and this undoubtedly helps us to create the best Scotch.
Why do oysters and whisky work together?
Whisky has a sweet flavour profile, with The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve being full of creamy sweetness with a hint of toffee apples, for example. Oysters on the other hand are decidedly salty, just like the sea.
Sweet and salty is a quintessential flavour pairing that will always have a place in palates and cuisines all over the world. Salted caramel, sweet and salty popcorn, bacon and maple syrup – there’s just something about a salt and salty flavour pairing that is incredibly moreish and satisfying, with each flavour profile somehow accentuated by its opponent. (And if you’re a fan of salted caramel, try our salted caramel whisky cocktail.)
Therefore it shouldn’t be all that surprising that rich sweet whisky pairs well with saline-y oysters. We recommend that you enjoy your favourite bottle over the rocks alongside fresh oysters, preferably while overlooking a stunning coastline while in the company of your nearest and dearest.
Remember to chew your oyster a couple of times to release every ounce of flavour and juice, and to intensify this one of a kind sensory experience.
Try drinking whisky straight from the oyster shell
Speaking of the juice, some people aren’t big fans of an oyster’s liquid.
Oftentimes when we’re put off by a particular food, it’s all in our heads rather than a genuine dislike. Have you ever found that a certain texture can make you dislike a food, even if you enjoy the flavour?
We suggest adding a shot of whisky straight to the shell to make oyster juices more palatable.
Experiment with different bottles such as The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve with its bold tropical flavour, and The Glenlivet Captain’s Reserve with its rich fruity notes, and see which oyster and whisky flavour pairing you like best.
The fire of whisky with the freshness of oysters
A classic way to eat oysters is with fresh lemon and tabasco. The gentle heat of tabasco sauce can be replaced with the subtle fire of any good Scotch. (When we say fire, we mean the warming glow that radiates down your body after every sip.)
And what about the lemon? Citrus is an ideal pairing with most seafood – the tart freshness adds irresistible brightness to fishy flavours and offsets the saltiness deliciously.
Lemon is also a flavour that is often paired with whisky, in cocktails such as the iconic Whisky Sour and the more contemporary Edlerflower Collins.
Why not try some zingy citrus whisky cocktails alongside your oysters? We suggest an uplifting Grapefruit Paloma, our version of a Mexican classic made with zesty grapefruit and lime juice, or a sweet and sour Marmalade Sour, Paddington Bear’s version of a Whisky Sour.
Alternatively try something totally new with our whisky lemon cocktail, Small Voice of Calm, with its relaxing blend of The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, chamomile tea, lemon juice and soda water.
You could even put your culinary imagination to the test and create your own citrus-y whisky drinks to pair with oysters.
The fire of whisky with the freshness of oysters
A classic way to eat oysters is with fresh lemon and tabasco. The gentle heat of tabasco sauce can be replaced with the subtle fire of any good Scotch. (When we say fire, we mean the warming glow that radiates down your body after every sip.)
And what about the lemon? Citrus is an ideal pairing with most seafood – the tart freshness adds irresistible brightness to fishy flavours and offsets the saltiness deliciously.
Lemon is also a flavour that is often paired with whisky, in cocktails such as the iconic Whisky Sour and the more contemporary Edlerflower Collins.
Why not try some zingy citrus whisky cocktails alongside your oysters? We suggest an uplifting Grapefruit Paloma, our version of a Mexican classic made with zesty grapefruit and lime juice, or a sweet and sour Marmalade Sour, Paddington Bear’s version of a Whisky Sour.
Alternatively try something totally new with our whisky lemon cocktail, Small Voice of Calm, with its relaxing blend of The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, chamomile tea, lemon juice and soda water.
You could even put your culinary imagination to the test and create your own citrus-y whisky drinks to pair with oysters.
Whisky’s endless versatility
Scotch is an incredibly versatile liquor that enhances countless flavours, whether that’s by complementing subtly or providing an invigorating contrast, and the flavour pairing of whisky and oysters is no different.
Browse our whisky cocktail recipes and decide which whisky drinks you’d like to try with oysters, and how about sampling some more unusual whisky pairings like chocolate and whisky, and whisky and pickles? Enjoy!