TORONTO — Tourism Ireland and the Irish Whiskey Association teamed up yesterday for a tasting event featuring Ireland’s finest whiskeys paired with Irish cheese and chocolate.

The event took place at The Chefs’ House at George Brown College’s Centre for Hospitality & Culinary Arts in Toronto.

Several of the biggest names in Irish whiskey were in attendance, including Bushmill’s, Jameson, and Teeling Distilleries. Each showcased two whiskeys: one paired with a Kerry Gold cheese and the other paired with handmade dark Irish chocolate.

Trade partners in attendance learned about how the products are made as well as about the flavour profiles and pairing notes, all while hearing how the people, place, culture and tradition have shaped the taste of some of Ireland’s finest pairings.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Drinks Ireland | Irish Whiskey to highlight some of the whiskey products that Ireland has to offer, pair them with unexpected food pairings, such as Kerry Gold cheese and Irish chocolate, and to promote the opportunity to continue the experience by visiting one of Ireland’s many distilleries,” said Dana Welch, Manager, Tourism Ireland, Canada.

“Food and drink are vital elements of today’s holiday experience and a major contributor to increasing holiday satisfaction. We hope that engaging and informative events like these, help to raise awareness of Ireland’s rich food and beverage culture overseas.”