Dinner With Glenfiddich.

One night, as a teenager, I stood on a chair to get into my parent's liquor cabinet. I took down a bottle of whisky, tried a sip and immediately put it back again. It tasted awful. I remember thinking 'why would anyone drink this?'

Whisky is not for children, and neither is this article.

Another night, as an adult, I attended a whisky dinner with Struan Grant Ralph of Glenfiddich. There we tried a range of whiskies from 12 to 21 years old, and I enjoyed them very much, perhaps because I was older than the drink this time.

What Struan talked about is why I grew to like whisky as an adult. He talked about the history of Glenfiddich since 1887, and the people – like the coopers (barrel makers) and other craftsmen – that make the drink.

That's the thing with a good single malt. It has a story, which you can taste. There's water from the Robbie Dhu springs, there's sherry and wood coming from the casks, and there's years spent there, just mixing it up. Then, of course, there's the history, and the brand, and the experience.

If you taste whisky with just your tongue it's kinda awful. If you taste it with your brain, it's amazing. It can trigger a universe of different flavours, of memories, of associations all your own. It's a magical bit of chemical history and mystery, that drink.

1864 at the Galle Face Hotel was a good setting for a whisky night. It's older than Glenfiddich (as the name suggests) and has its own history oozing out of the (refurbished) walls. 

The food was excellent, especially the courses involving whisky, like the whisky cured salmon, and the whisky coffee. 

Each course was paired with a 12, 15, 18 and a 21 year old whisky. The trouble is that after the third one I would say that my tasting ability was less… focused. Each was paired with a dish that complemented it. The 21, for example, evokes banana, vanilla and spice, so it was paired with a banana and butterscotch desert. 

Personally, I like this sort of tasting more than a wine pairing, but I guess I just don't like wine that much.

Struan was the MC and the host for the night and, once he oriented us towards Scotland for the initial toast, was quite charming and down to earth. I honestly expected someone more douchey as a global brand ambassador for spirits, but he was very humble and kind.

Whisky isn't a party drink, it's about people and history, which was what he communicated. Specifically, the stories and names of people from the distillery, like the coopers (who make the barrels), and the love for the land, the water and the craft that goes into this particular product.

Now, as an adult, I understand why anyone drinks this whisky thing. After having tried a range of varieties I can say that The Balvenie (a Glenfiddich Brand) and Glenfiddich 12 are my favourites. If it's something you're into it's a fun (if expensive) hobby to get into, and one you can (and should) experience without getting intoxicated. 

Whisky is a fun trip to take your adult brain on, and Glenfiddich is a great place to start. It's grounded in the earth, water, fire and air of Speyside, Scotland, but where your palate and imagination takes you from there is entirely up to you. 

Sláinte mhaith. To your good health.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Beyond the Hook: Exploring Totally Hooked’s non-Seafood dishes

By Hashini Pathirana Totally Hooked CMB, as we are all aware, is widely renowned for

Kamu Yamu Guide

The Art of Fusion Cuisine at Mövenpick Hotel

By Vera Wadugodapitiya We walked into Robata Grill, Mövenpick. Instantly, what struck me about the

Highlights Kamu

A Taste of Mexico – Cinnamon Red’s Latest International Cuisine

By Shamrina Carim Every month, Cinnamon Red has come up with an exciting initiative to

Highlights Kamu

A Classical High Tea Encounter with the Coronation at Mount Lavinia Hotel

By Shamrina Carim Mount Lavinia Hotel hosted a casual evening of classic high tea encounters

Highlights Kamu

The Bento Box at Royal Thai, Cinnamon Lakeside

By Hiruni Herath When you step into the Royal Thai Restaurant at Cinnamon Lakeside, you’ll

Highlights Kamu

Totally Hooked – The Ultimate Seafood Destination

It is not a surprise that “Totally Hooked CMB", the talk of the seafood town,

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Award Winning Indian Restaurant Junior Kuppanna in Colombo

Junior Kuppanna, opened its newest international branch in Colombo on 25th May 2023. The new

Trending

Hilton Sri Lanka Unveils ‘Enchanting Beginnings’ Wedding Sale

Swoon over exclusive wedding packages in stunning venues for a lifetime of memories Colombo, Sri

Trending

Ramada Colombo’s Exclusive Limited Time Wedding Discount

Book before June 15th and enjoy 25% off Planning the perfect wedding can be an

Trending

The 30th Gratiaen Prize shortlist was announced with the launch of the Gratiaen Trust Young Writers Club

The Gratiaen Trust in association with the John Keells Foundation partnering with the Trust for

Trending

Hilton Sri Lanka is set to commemorate Mother’s Day in grand fashion

Continuing our long-standing tradition of celebrating extraordinary mothers, Hilton properties across Sri Lanka have gone

Trending

Celebrate the Most Precious Woman in Your Life at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Colombo

Celebrate the Most Precious Woman in Your Life at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Colombo Colombo,

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Beyond the Hook: Exploring Totally Hooked’s non-Seafood dishes

By Hashini Pathirana Totally Hooked CMB, as we are all aware, is widely renowned for

Kamu Yamu Guide

7 Decent BnB spots for under LKR 7500 – Sri Lanka

We all like spending mini vacations at affordable spots to relax or stay on the

Highlights Yamu Guide

7 Places to Dine Under LKR1500 LKR per person

By Udaraa Gamage Are you a foodie looking for budget places to satisfy your taste

Highlights Yamu Guide

The Aesthetics of Club Palm Bay

Club Palm Bay is a hotel located in the heart of a charming fishing village

Yamu Guide

High Tea Affairs at L.A.B by Hilton Colombo

By Hashini Pathirana A little chit chat with your besties, while sipping onto an Iced

Yamu Guide

The Art of Gifting with Shirohana

By Rahma Rifkhar From the picturesque green hills of Nuwara Eliya, nurtured by experienced hands

Highlights Yamu Guide