Halloween is a time for spooky delights, creative costumes, and, of course, indulging in delectable candy treats. But why not take your Halloween celebration to the next level by pairing your favorite candies with the rich, complex flavors of bourbon? In this blog post, we’ll explore a selection of bourbon and Halloween candy pairings that are sure to enhance your taste buds and create a bewitching combination of flavors. So, gather your favorite bourbons and prepare for a tantalizing journey through the world of Halloween candy pairings.

1. Milk Chocolate and Wheated Bourbon: The smooth, creamy notes of milk chocolate harmonize beautifully with the sweet, caramel flavors of a wheated bourbon. Pair your favorite milk chocolate treats, such as Hershey’s Milk Chocolate or Milky Way, with a wheated bourbon like Maker’s Mark or W.L. Weller. The combination of rich chocolate and velvety bourbon creates a delightful and comforting flavor experience.
2. Caramel and Salted Bourbon: Indulge in the decadent combination of caramel candies, such as Werther’s Original or Rolo, with a salted bourbon. The subtle saltiness of the bourbon, like Angel’s Envy or Jefferson’s Ocean, enhances the sweet, buttery caramel flavors, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet. This pairing is sure to satisfy your cravings for both richness and depth of flavor.
3. Peanut Butter and Spicy Rye Bourbon: For those who crave the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate, pair your favorite peanut butter candies, like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Peanut M&M’s, with a spicy rye bourbon. The bold, peppery notes of the rye bourbon, such as Bulleit Rye or High West Rendezvous Rye, complement the nutty, creamy peanut butter, adding an extra layer of complexity to the pairing.
4. Dark Chocolate and Smoky Bourbon: Embrace the intense flavors of dark chocolate by pairing it with a smoky bourbon. Dark chocolate with higher cocoa percentages, like Lindt Excellence or Ghirardelli Intense Dark, pairs wonderfully with a peated bourbon, such as Laphroaig or Ardbeg. The smoky, peaty notes of the bourbon create an intriguing contrast to the bitterness of the dark chocolate, resulting in a sophisticated and memorable pairing.
5. Fruit-flavored Candy and Bourbon Cocktails: Take a playful approach by pairing fruit-flavored candies, such as Skittles or Starburst, with bourbon-based cocktails. Experiment with cocktails like a Bourbon Sour, Old Fashioned, or Boulevardier, which incorporate the fruity and citrusy flavors found in these candies. The combination of the vibrant candy flavors and the complex cocktail profiles adds a festive twist to your Halloween celebration.
6. Licorice and Spiced Bourbon: For those who enjoy the distinctive taste of licorice candies, like Twizzlers or Good & Plenty, pair them with a spiced bourbon. The warm, aromatic spices in the bourbon, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or clove, complement the anise flavors of the licorice, creating a harmonious and comforting combination. Try a spiced bourbon like Jim Beam Devil’s Cut or Wild Turkey Spiced, and savor the cozy flavors of this pairing.

Conclusion: This Halloween, go beyond the ordinary and elevate your candy experience by pairing your favorite Halloween treats with the nuanced flavors of bourbon. Whether you prefer the creamy notes of milk chocolate, the rich sweetness of caramel, or the boldness of dark chocolate, there is a bourbon pairing to complement each Halloween candy. Indulge in the delightful contrasts and harmonious combinations of flavors, creating a truly memorable Halloween celebration that tickles both your sweet tooth and your love for bourbon. So, grab your candies, pour a glass of your preferred bourbon, and embark on a spooktacular journey of indulgence. Cheers to a hauntingly delicious Halloween!