As Halloween approaches, many look forward to costumes, spooky movies, and, most importantly, an array of candy. This year, the team at Uproxx has taken a festive approach by recommending unique whiskey pairings with some of the most popular Halloween treats. The idea is to elevate adult celebrations, combining the nostalgia of classic candies with the sophistication of fine whiskey.
This article features ten beloved candies alongside three whiskey pairings for each, creating an enticing guide for those seeking a more mature Halloween experience. From Butterfinger to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, these combinations promise to tantalize the taste buds while providing an enjoyable twist on traditional Halloween treats.
Pairing Highlights: Classic Candies and Whiskey
The first candy on the list is the Butterfinger, known for its crunchy peanut butter core and chocolate coating. For this, three exceptional whiskeys are suggested:
1. **Nikka Straight From The Barrel** (ABV: 51.4%, Average Price: $60): This whiskey’s malted chocolate and honey notes enhance the flavors of a Butterfinger, creating a delightful combination.
2. **Peerless Double Oak Rye** (ABV: 51%, Average Price: $130): With toasted marshmallow notes, this pairing complements the candy’s texture and cocoa flavor, offering a smooth finish.
3. **Booker’s Bourbon 2025-01 “Barry’s Batch”** (ABV: 62.85%, Average Price: $120): Known for its nutty profile, Booker’s amplifies the Butterfinger’s elements, resulting in a pairing that might just raise the spirits.
Next up is the Almond Joy, a candy that combines chocolate, almond, and coconut. The recommended whiskeys include:
1. **Pikesville Rye** (ABV: 55%, Average Price: $57): The rye’s spicy notes balance the sweetness of the coconut.
2. **Toki Black Blended Japanese Whisky** (ABV: 43%, Average Price: $33): Its subtle smokiness complements the coconut and chocolate.
3. **Widow Jane Bourbon** (ABV: 45.5%, Average Price: $73): This bourbon’s coconut milk flavor pairs perfectly with the Almond Joy, enhancing its creamy texture.
More Iconic Candies and Their Whiskey Matches
Moving on to the ever-popular Peanut M&M’s, the following whiskeys are suggested:
1. **Jim Beam 7-Year Black Label Bourbon** (ABV: 45%, Average Price: $40): This bourbon’s sweetness transforms the Peanut M&M’s into a delightful treat reminiscent of peanut brittle.
2. **Old Fitzgerald 7-Year Bottled In Bond Bourbon** (ABV: 50%, Average Price: $120): The nutty undertones and honeyed notes provide a new flavor direction for the candy.
3. **Octomore 16.1** (ABV: 59.3%, Average Price: $205): This pairing offers a sophisticated twist that elevates the Peanut M&M’s experience.
Another candy featured is Candy Corn, often polarizing in taste. The suggested pairings include:
1. **Bushmills 12-Year Irish Whiskey** (ABV: 40%, Average Price: $54): This whiskey mellows the chalky texture of candy corn, turning it into a delightful treat.
2. **Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat** (ABV: 53%, Average Price: $50): The buttery smoothness of this bourbon enhances the candy’s texture.
3. **Mellow Corn Whiskey** (ABV: 50%, Average Price: $18): This whiskey’s sweet profile matches well with the candy, transforming it into a refined experience.
The Kit Kat bar, a favorite for its simplicity, pairs well with:
1. **River City Whiskey Kentucky Straight Bourbon Small Batch** (ABV: 62.7%, Average Price: $80): This whiskey enhances the candy’s wafer notes beautifully.
2. **The Dalmore Cigar Malt** (ABV: 44%, Average Price: $190): This malt brings out the honeyed notes in the chocolate.
3. **Woodinville Bourbon** (ABV: 45%, Average Price: $38): It allows the Kit Kat to shine, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
As the candy list continues, the Snickers bar, known for its combination of nougat, caramel, and peanuts, also has intriguing whiskey pairings:
1. **Knob Creek 9-Year Small Batch Bourbon** (ABV: 50%, Average Price: $38): This bourbon’s notes harmonize well with the Snickers’ flavors.
2. **Woodford Reserve Bourbon** (ABV: 43.2%, Average Price: $40): Its sweet notes complement the Snickers’ richness.
3. **Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch B525** (ABV: 63.1%, Average Price: $95): This pairing balances the busy flavors of Snickers with its own complexity.
Each candy and whiskey combination offers a unique take on Halloween, inviting adults to indulge in both nostalgia and sophistication. As the spooky season approaches, these pairings provide a perfect opportunity for festive gatherings, whether at home or at Halloween parties. The key takeaway is to enjoy the flavors of Halloween in a way that appeals to both the young and the young at heart, proving that candy can indeed be sophisticated when paired with the right whiskey.
