5 tips to pair food with artisanal spirits

Artisanal spirits are a fresh break from the mass-produced spirits, they are strong in character and a work of art of traditional craftsmanship. As you might be aware, artisanal or craft spirits are the ones made by people in non-mechanic ways, generally made in small batches, with their distinct flavour profiles they devise an experience. To make the most of this experience it is important to savour the flavour correctly.To enhance and celebrate the essence of an artisanal spirit it is very important to craft a fitting drink and pairing your spirits with the right food is equally important to elevate the experience.
Artisanal spirits have captured the trend with millennials and spirits enthusiasts from across the globe who are constantly looking for something different from regular mass-produced spirits. Millennials and spirits enthusiasts who are looking for an enjoyable experience from their liquor have found a strong liking for artisanal spirits. Pairing the food and spirit flavours and notes might sound complex, but some tips can simplify and make this fun, as it should be.
Match Intensity: Pairing food with spirits is all about matching the intensity of the flavours and notes. The golden rule is to pair bold spirits like Indian Whiskey with rich dishes and lighter spirits like Gin with delicate flavours. For instance, pair a hearty Rogan Josh with Whiskey or a light cucumber salad with Gin. Flavoured Rum with bold profiles pairs excellently with robust dishes.

Base Flavour Consideration: Align the primary flavours of the spirit with the dish, this is quite simple actually. Gin’s herbal notes pair well with citrus and herbs found in dishes like lemon coriander soup, while Tequila complements the spicy flavours of Indian street food like Chaat. Flavoured Vodka with fruity notes complements light and refreshing dishes like a Mango salad.
Also Read: How to pair your food with beer this summer
Complement and Contrast: This suits people who enjoy a little symphony of flavours. One can sometimes choose complementary flavours for harmony (e.g., smoky Indian single malt with tandoori meats) or choose contrasting flavours for balance (e.g., sweet rum with spicy biryani). Combinations like these are quite a play on the pallet.
Regional Pairing: Match the regional spirit with regional cuisine. Imagine a glass of Italian Wine with a bowl of handmade pasta, a perfect picture. Unique flavoured spirits can add a special twist to traditional pairings and elevate the whole experience.

Play with Textures: Matching the texture of the spirit to the food can create some quirky and fun combinations that would pleasantly surprise you. Creamy spirits like liqueurs go well with creamy dishes like Butter Chicken, while crisp spirits like Vodka balance rich, fatty foods like Samosas. Flavoured Vodka with a crisp texture pairs well with rich, dishes like Malai Kofta.
One can pick up from these tips and build on the experience as per personal linking. There might be some combinations that one might find perfect or play a little with the flavours for fun. A little experiment might add a personal touch and elevate the whole experience.
Contributed by: John Royerr, Founder, Ochre Spirits