The air at Perbacco, The Lodhi was thick with anticipation, a heady mix of fine dining and the promise of liquid gold. The event was a carefully orchestrated journey through flavours, with each course designed to highlight the unique character of each expression. At the helm was Ashvin Kumar Joshi, Global Brand Ambassador for William Grant & Sons, a man whose passion for Glenfiddich is palpable. “Whisky is a journey,” he declared, a sentiment that resonated through the evening. “And tonight, we embark on a particularly flavorful one.”
The intimate setting, adorned with soft lighting and elegant floral arrangements, created an atmosphere of refined indulgence. The long table seating encouraged conversation and a sense of shared discovery.
The evening began with the foundational Glenfiddich 12, a spirit Joshi describes as the “DNA” of the brand. This was coupled with canapés, an overture to the main act. The focus then shifted to a series of courses designed to showcase the versatility of Glenfiddich 15-year-old Solera. The whisky’s warm spice and honeyed sweetness complemented a range of flavours, from the delicate Parmesan pillow with tomato relish to the robust scallops carpione.
The transition to the Glenfiddich 18-Year-Old marked the introduction of the main courses. Joshi’s description of it as a “Christmas cake in liquid form” proved prophetic. “It’s perfect for pairing with richer flavours,” explained Joshi. The whisky’s rich, complex character elevated dishes like the scottadito braised lamb saddle and the pan-seared Chilean sea bass.
The evening reached its climax with the Glenfiddich 21 Gran Reserva, a spirit finished in Caribbean rum casks. Paired with the coconut dessert, it was a match made in flavour heaven. The whisky’s exotic notes of ginger, fig, and sweet toffee complemented the dessert’s creamy richness, creating a finale that lingered on the palate long after the last bite.
Beyond the exquisite pairings, the evening was also a celebration of camaraderie and shared experiences. As Abhimanyu Lodha, the GM of The Lodhi, mentioned, the seating arrangement was intentional, and designed to foster new connections. And indeed, the night was filled with laughter, and great conversation,
As the night drew to a close, one thing was clear: Glenfiddich is more than just a whisky. It’s a lifestyle, a journey, an experience. And as Joshi rightly said, it’s best enjoyed in good company. This evening was a masterclass in that philosophy, a testament to the enduring appeal of the world’s most awarded single malt.
