The Macallan Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky and Kent Rathbun's Abacus are all in cahoots these days - spurring a tasteful pursuit. (Look for a Macallan Dinner at Abacus in the near future.) Last night we moved along Central and on up to Chef Kent's new penthouse apartment in the sky - to partake in some of the shenanigans.
The spacious patio (and a break in the weather) provided a beautiful setting to enjoy a ridiculous slate of The Macallan's offerings.
The Macallan brand ambassador Jay Liddell conceived a brilliant arc to the Whisky tasting, starting with the excellent entry level pours. I, of course, went with the Fine Oak offering - not my first rodeo. Meanwhile: in the kitchen...
Some of the guys from Abacus and Jasper's started us off with some nosh. Then: BAM!
^ No screwing around. Right to the Mac 25; and some Kobe Sliders. Damn, this is a pretty good event...
Oh, crap! The 1841 Replica Macallan, a less Sherried, delicious offering. ^ Rathbun checks on the kitchen.
^ We enjoy some soy glazed Salmon and look around the new digs...
^ A little Lamb Shanks on Risotto... and...
The Macallan Fine Oak 30 - sheer Heaven. My orgasmic response draws a chuckle from the peanut gallery. Next was the featured event: The Perfect Serve. This is The Macallan 18 served over the cleverly produced ice sphere that I discuss here - check it out. Rathbun has locked down The Macallan's ice ball producing device exclusively for Abacus through the first of the year - so head over to the bar if you want to experience it for yourself. Of course, the Mac 18 brilliantly begins our denouement.
^ Duck Confit pan-fried Ravioli.
Might as well sample some Fine Oak 21 and 17 for good measure... hey, a pan of unattended Kobe Sliders... perfect!
As a Macallan aficionado, this event sent me over the moon. My personal (non-insanely-priced) favorite has been the Fine Oak 17 for some time - drinking the sublime Fine Oak 30 was torture. Sweet, sweet, $900 torture. I'll be back to Zen and some Chivas tomorrow - this will be quite the adjustment.
Kent's crew did a nice job with the scotch-friendly grub, and Up in Smoke provided some nicely selected Davidoff Winston Churchill Robustos.
And "Cheers" to Jay for hitting us with the remarkable stuff early, while we could still remember, taste and enjoy it - then continuing the evening with other, excellent selections - outstanding.
, it was paid for with Cold Hard Cash, and that's that.
Hey there, thanks for an excellent write up. Glad you enjoyed the event. Great photos :)
Posted by: The_Macallan | November 23, 2009 at 10:35 AM