Diageo launches food and whisky matching
Diageo has launched a series of food and whisky tastings to demonstrate how
single malts can accompany bar and snack foods.
Diageo's collection of premium single malt whiskies, known as the Classic
Malts Selection, have been paired with food from around the world.
The first event focused on malt whisky with Spanish tapas. Future
demonstrations will include matches with Indian, Chinese, Russian, Scottish,
English and Central American foods.
Pairings included Spain's favourite single malt Cardu 12 year old with
Joselito Gran Reserva Bellota Iberico ham and morcilla. Other matches
included Talisker 10 year old with Ortiz anchovies on toast and Valdeon
Picos de Europa DG blue cheese and frozen Dalwhinnie 15 year old with
Churros (hot doughnuts) and almond paste.
Restaurant consultant and former chef Richard Whittington created the
pairings. He said: "It's a delusion - fostered by some sommeliers, Masters
of Wine and professional wine writers who won't try anything different - to
think that wine is the only possible partner to good food. Some malt
whiskies deliver a transcendent partnership with certain foods."
"As British and other societies move towards a grazing style of eating, the
role of snack-type food will feature more strongly."
Whisky matches
Cardhu 12 years old
Resin and sweet honey-nut notes, traces of wood smoke and a clean finish.
This strikes a balanace with the richness of the charcuteria while cleansing
the palate between mouthfuls.
Clynelish 14 years old
Creamy and restrained, this is a complex malt from the coast of North East
Scotland, with a faint floral fragrance. It balances salt and sweetness and
provides an intriguing contrast with cured meats like chorizo.
Talisker 10 years old
This whisky is redolent with peat and sea water saltiness with an
underpinning sweetness. It is a good match with meaty anchovies and salty
blue cheeses.
Frozen Dalwhinnie 15 years old
Heather-honey sweetness and underpinning vanilla. This is a great match for
desserts. Served straight from the freezer, the full, aromatic qualities are
gradually revealed as it warms the glass.
For more information visit www.malts.com
