Basque in The Glory of Whisky: A Unique Taste experience from Gilda’s & The Glendronach
Image: Gilda's Wine Bar.
In an inspired collaboration, Gilda’s wine bar in Surry Hills and The Glendronach Distillery present a whisky and pintxos degustation that will rewrite pairing menus forever.
The special menu, curated by head chef Zach Elliott-Crenn, is themed around the culinary offerings of Basque Country, whose proximity to Spain and France infuses its unique cuisine.
Gilda’s, which has only been open since 2022, has already garnered a dedicated following among locals and foodies from afar.
The quaint, Spanish-influenced building on the corner of Albion and May Streets in the burgeoning dining precinct of Surry Hills, belies its simple rustic exterior with a stunningly elegant polished interior which still manages to remain relaxed and warm.
Gilda’s special tasting menu with The Glendronach
The Glendronach is a highland single malt whisky which is matured in Spanish oak sherry casks, giving it a poetic connection to Basque Country.
On its own, The Glendronach is a smooth Scotch whisky imbued with rich fruit and spice hints, capturing the distinct ambience of dew-dotted, heather-covered moors. An absolute delight. As an accompaniment, it amplifies every flavour.
The showcase dinner at Gilda’s features The Glendronach’s flagship labels: 12-year-old, 15-year-old, and 18-year-old. The pre-dinner taste-bud entertainment is The Ronnie cocktail: The Glendronach 12-Year-Old, Campari, grapefruit, cava. Superb.
Gilda’s orchestration is truly genius, presenting a selection of pintxos that each incorporates its paired whisky into its ingredients. A pintxo (pronounced “pincho”) is a small snack served in bars in Northern Spain and especially in Basque Country, and traditionally featuring piquillo pepper, anchovy, and olives.
The Gilda’s and The Glendronach special tasting menu is:
The Glendronach 12-Year-Old
Pintxo pairing: Anchovy, puff pastry, piquillo pepper glazed with The Glendronach 12-Year-Old.
The Glendronach 15-Year-Old
Pintxo pairing: Scallop, morcilla, apple poached caramel made with The Glendronach 15-Year-Old.
The Glendronach 18-Year-Old
Pintxo pairing: Jamón croqueta, dressed with Jamón glazed in The Glendronach 18-Year-Old.
The Ronnie Cocktail
The Glendronach 12-Year-Old, Campari, grapefruit, cava.
Tocino de Cielo Dessert Special
Served with golden raisins, and caramel infused with The Glendronach 18-Year-Old.
It will only be available until December 14, so gather your favourite people for an early festive celebration, or your favourite person for an unforgettable gustatory experience.
