A dram fine idea: Local Edinburgh businesses couple up to create malt chocolate for Valentine’s Day

Local Edinburgh businesses Wemyss Malts on Melville Crescent and the Chocolate and Pastry Bar on Queensferry Street, have come together to debut a range of handmade ‘whisky-inspired' Belgian chocolate bars to suit ‘every personality’ in time for Valentine's Day.

The Edinburgh chocolate and whisky pairing was released today in time for Valentine's Day.

Working closely with the Pastry Bar’s owner and chocolatier Chef Chiara Scipione, The Wemyss Malts team have released their range of three handmade Belgian ‘Couverture’ Chocolate bars today, inspired by uniquely flavoured whiskies - ‘The Hive’, ‘Spice King’ and ‘Peat Chimney’.

Handmade with 54 per cent cocoa Belgian dark chocolate – ‘The Hive’ is blended with caramelised orange pieces, ‘Spice King’ with cracked black pepper and smooth caramel and ‘Peat Chimney’ is made with Islay peat-smoked oats and almonds.

Speaking about the reasons for the local pair up, Steven Shand, Whisky Blender at Wemyss Malts said: “The past year hasn’t been easy for anyone, so we wanted to do our part to support our neighbours while exploring a new territory for the Wemyss Malts brand.

The Hive’ chocolate bar is blended with caramelised orange pieces.

"It’s been wonderful to collaborate with such a creative business owner like Chiara whose expertise and flair has created the perfect indulgent pairings for our Core Collection.

“Whether you’re celebrating lockdown love or searching for an isolation treat, our new range of handmade Belgian Couverture Chocolates are the perfect pick me up this Valentine’s Day."

The new Scottish whisky fueled chocolate made by these Edinburgh businesses hopes to suit every type of personality, according to Chef Scipione.

Chef Chiara Scipione, Owner of the Chocolate and Pastry Bar said: “I’ve loved exploring the unique tasting notes of the Wemyss Malts Core Range and matching them with the flavour tones of the Belgian Chocolate.

"From the beginning of this process, I’ve been inspired by the brand's unique take on whisky blending and their selection of flavours to suit every type of personality.

"It’s been fantastic exploring each of the flavour profiles to find the perfect combination of taste and textures to compliment the whisky with the chocolate.”

The Scottish whisky fuelled chocolates will be available to buy from the Wemyss Malts online shop from today, Monday February 8- and if ordered by Wednesday February 10, can be delivered in time for Valentine’s Day.

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