Spirits and chocolate matching at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Wednesday 14th October 2009
What a spectacularly unique, informative and fun event this proved to be!
On arrival I was surprised for us to be seated around a boardroom table as I was expecting a more informal mingling- type event. However any apprehension quickly melted away as my taste buds were blown away with the assortment of flavours we experienced on our journey through the evening and as I became absorbed in the lively discussions and taste analysis (sharp, muddy, peaty, silky, smooth, spicy, bitter, fruity and so on). I found myself entering a different realm as I pondered on the length, snap and melt of the chocolates we encountered. I have always enjoyed confectionary but this was a new world venturing into fine chocolate tasting. The task was further enhanced by the coupling of the Ecuadorian, Ghanian and Trinidadian chocolates with suitable spirits. We were served rum from Venezuela (apparently rated as one of the best ten spirits in the world), an incredible Ecuadorian cacao liquor which was like liquid gold for chocoholics and an Ecuadorian sugar spirit (which smelt of rotten fruit). We took a whistle-stop journey around the world sampling exotic flavours both informed and inspired by Steve Chung’s wisdom. Steve Chung, our teacher and guide for the event, was a superbly impressive and knowledgeable individual with a very understated and likeable manner.
Undoubtedly this event wetted my appetite and I will be keeping a close watch for Seventy Percent’s future events which are utterly unique, inspiring and a complete delight. I will be back for more… with more friends next time. In the meantime I will be clearing out my cupboards off all the Thorntons boxes and Dairy Milk Trays and planning my trip to Venezuela where I will be heading for the mountains.
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