Hosting a whisky tasting is all about savouring the depth and complexity of great whisky—so the right appetizers should enhance the experience, not overshadow it. A well-curated selection of bites can bring out different flavour notes, cleanse the palate between sips, and keep guests satisfied without distracting from the star of the show: the whisky.

Whether you’re planning an intimate tasting with a few close friends or a more elaborate whisky and food pairing event, here’s how to choose the best appetizers to complement your line-up.

Pairing food with whisky is all about balance. The goal is to enhance the whisky’s character, not overshadow it. There are two main approaches: complementing or contrasting flavours.

Complementary pairings bring out existing notes in the whisky, like serving nutty cheeses with a whisky that has toasted oak flavours. Contrasting pairings, on the other hand, create balance by offsetting dominant characteristics—think sweet and salty or rich and citrus. A smooth, honeyed whisky for example would be delicious with a salty, briny bite.

Here are a few key things to keep in mind when selecting appetizers:

• Keep it simple – Overly spicy, acidic, or heavily seasoned foods can clash with whisky, so subtle flavours work best.

• Offer variety – Whisky has a broad flavour spectrum, from smoky and bold to light and floral. A selection of different textures and tastes ensures there’s something for every dram.

• Think about texture – Crunchy, creamy, and smooth textures interact differently with whisky, adding layers to the tasting experience.

With that in mind, here are some of the best appetizers to serve at your next whisky tasting.

A selection of cheeses is a must for any whisky tasting, offering a variety of textures and flavour profiles that can either enhance or balance the whisky. Aged cheddar, with its sharp nuttiness, pairs well with the slightly spiced ex-sherry cask notes of The Glenlivet 18 Year Old. On the other end of the spectrum, a creamy brie or camembert contrasts beautifully with the tropical undertones of The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve.

Serve a mixture of soft, hard, creamy and blue cheeses with a mix of plain crackers or fresh bread to keep the focus on the whisky. And don’t forget a few chutneys for extra fruitiness.

Cured meats add depth and umami to a whisky tasting spread. Prosciutto, with its delicate saltiness, pairs wonderfully with a classically creamy scotch, like The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve. Whilst the smoky spice of chorizo contrasts nicely with a complex dram. 

A charcuterie board with a mix of meats, paired with fresh figs or honey, creates a perfect balance of savoury and sweet.

Nuts are a simple yet effective way to enhance the whisky experience–-and there’s plenty to choose from. Think hazelnuts, cashews, peanuts or seasonal chestnuts. Their natural oils help coat the palate, allowing the whisky’s flavours to linger. 

Roasted almonds, with their mild sweetness complement the smooth texture of scotch. Then there’s pecans and walnuts that bring out the complex character of richer drams like The Glenlivet 21 Year Old. Lightly toasting the nuts before serving can deepen their aroma and flavour too.

Briny, savoury, and packed with umami, olives offer a palate-cleansing contrast to whisky’s richness. Green Nocellara olives have a mild, buttery flavour while Kalamata olives offer a deeper, fruitier taste. Keep the seasoning simple—plain or lightly dressed in olive oil and herbs is best.

For a refined savoury pairing, the briny taste of smoked salmon is a must. Its silky texture and delicate saltiness complement the smooth, sweet profile of whisky. But it can also stand up to richer expressions like The Glenlivet 25 Year Old’s ginger and toasted oak finish.

Serve thin slices of smoked salmon on crisp crostinis with a touch of crème fraîche and fresh dill for an elegant, well-balanced bite.

Dried fruit adds a natural sweetness that enhances whisky’s caramel, vanilla, and spice notes. Apricots, with their slightly tart edge, bring out the sweet almond and spiced notes of The Glenlivet 15 Year Old, while dark cherries complement the sherried richness of The Glenlivet 18 Year Old. 

Mixing dried fruit with nuts creates a well-rounded pairing plate that caters to both complementary and contrasting flavour profiles.

Whisky and chocolate are a classic pairing, with the chocolate’s bitterness enhancing the depth of scotch. End your evening with 70% dark chocolate squares to match the richness of an aged single malt. Or lighten things up with creamy truffles between smooth, fruity sips of The Glenlivet 12 Year Old.

Flavoured chocolate offers another contrast into the mix from salted caramel to nutty or even slightly spiced bars. An infusion of orange zest is our favourite. Guaranteed to bring out any zesty notes within the whisky.

The best whisky pairings aren’t just about the right flavours—they’re about creating an experience. A mix of savoury, salty, and slightly sweet appetizers keeps things interesting while allowing the whisky to shine. Whether you’re complementing whisky’s natural character or creating contrast to enhance its complexity, these appetizer ideas ensure every sip is as enjoyable as the last.

Discover more whisky and food pairings to serve whether at a formal dinner or casual tasting. From oysters to pickles, there’s something for everyone.