Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Degustateurs
Buchanan’s Chop House and Whisky Bar
January 24, 2014
Valli Arlette, Chargée de Presse
Malt Whisky Dinner
It’s always a pleasure to visit with Carol and Michael Buchanan, and that’s what an Ordre Mondial event at their fine Chop House and Whisky Bar always feels like – a lovely visit in a cozy and friendly atmosphere with the best raconteurs you could hope to share time with. This time around, they were joined by their son, James, who is taking up the tradition in a most able way. Through the course of the evening, we were introduced to six very fine examples of single-malt whisky, paired with excellent comestibles. Who could ask for more?
We began with two whisky cocktails, a Glenmorangie ‘Nectar d’Or Sauternes Finish’ Sazarac, and a Tullibardine ‘Old Fine Zinfandel Finish’ Sour. Canapés of smoked Trout/Avocado & Horseradish Mousse, Proscuitto-Wrapped Hazelnut Scallop, and Roasted Vegetable/Cream Cheese Purses, fired up the tastebuds, while stories and information about the whiskies and the cocktails primed our attention.
At the invitation of our Vice-Echanson, Patricia Koyich, we took our places at the tables, and settled in for what we knew would be an enjoyable evening of fine food and drink, with Michael’s prodigious knowledge answering all the questions and filling in all the blanks. James and Carol contributed freely, and there was plenty of conversation between the die-hard single-malt aficionados, and those of us who were newer to the fold.
First Remove
Duck Paté
Fig-Orange Marmalade
Whisky Soda Bread
Compass Box Whisky Company
Flaming Heart
Vatted Malt 48.9% abv
14 year
Second Remove
Toasted Pecan and Gogonzola-Stuffed
Anjou Pear Salad
Pomegranate/Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
Tomatin Distillery
Tempranillo Wine Cask Finish 52% abv
15 year
Third Remove
Pastry-Wrapped Lamb Loin
Fruit Compote Stuffing
Duck Fat Fried Potatoes
Port Wine Roasted Cipollini Onion
Winter Squash
Glenfarclas Distillery
105 Cask Strength – 60.0%
20 year
The Sweet
Sticky Toffee Pudding
With Chantilly Cream
Benraich Distillery
Single Cask Rum Finish 49.2% abv
Distilled 1977, Bottled 2012
35 year
As we enjoyed our dessert, and later coffee, we took the time to congratulate Chef Philip for so ably complementing our education with delicious food.
Most of us were experiencing these fine libations for the first (and possibly the only) time. We are so grateful to the Buchanan family for their generosity in sharing their knowledge and their whisky, with or without an “e”, with us mere mortals.
And of course, we sang!
