Food degustation and whisky

Whisky and Food

Regional Wines and Cafe Bastille teamed up for a Degustation de Whisky evening last Monday. Our usual troup decided that this was a bit of us and headed down. Since this wasn't a pure tasting, I didn't make any notes ... and for the first time in a very long time I gave up on the vegetarianism thing.

Here's the menu with a few comments.

Palate refreshing was by Te Waihou water and Belhaven 'Twisted Thistle' IPA. Not a bad combination there.

Crab mousselline; Cedar-smoked salmon; Scallop with Bayonne ham beurre blanc

Milford 18yo; Glenmorangie original; Ardbeg Blasda

Very delicate entree's with quite light whisky's to match. The Milford, as you'd expect is rubbish, and the other two weren't much better. The Blasda at least had some flavour. Food was lovely, particularly the scallops. But I'm biased like that.

Wild rabbit loin with saffron fondant and cigar jus

Glenmorangie Lasanta; Ardbeg Uigeadail

Very rich dish, others loved the Lasanta, but it didn't work for me. I thought the Uigeadail worked well with the cigar jus, both are quite strong, but the salt of the Ardbeg brought out the smoke of the jus.

Truffle and Cognac venison sausage with Chantarelle jus and barberries

Ardbeg Supernova

Our first taste of the legend, and matching it with the strong gamey venison was a winner. Actually, perfect is a better word. Of all the things I really miss, it's good quality sausages that make me pine for meat :)

Candied citrus tart and white chocolate and rhubard crumble

Glenmorangie Nector d'Or

Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban

Light citrus whisky's that worked nicely with the food. Neither jumped out for me, but they definitely enhanced the food.

Finish : Ardbeg Lord of the Isles; Glenmorangie Signet

Avoid the Signet, it's pretty boring. But the Ardbeg is damn good. Not worth the price they charge for it, but still a very good whisky.

Had a really good time, good company, excellent food, good whisky. And we kept getting more whisky's poured after we'd finished. Damn! And I really like Belhaven, so no down sides to this at all !!!

B