The Glendronach and Gildas launch delivers a tasting journey filled with deep sherry-infused flavours, skillfully curated by Gilda’s Head Chef, Zach Elliott-Cren, and paired with The Glendronach Scotch single malts by Brown-Forman Brand Ambassador Andy Tsai. Available now until 14 December 2024, this tasting flight offers a trio of pintxos each paired with a whisky, finishing on a sweet note with tocino de cielo, providing an experience that’s as indulgent as it is vibrant.
The evening began with The Ronnie, an inviting cocktail featuring The Glendronach 12-Year-Old Scotch, Campari, grapefruit, and a splash of cava. This drink layered bold flavours in a refreshing prelude to the tasting journey ahead, showcasing the whisky’s versatility and depth.
The Gilda pintxo, a Basque icon named after Rita Hayworth’s role in Gilda, famed for its unapologetically briny and savoury punch – sets the tone for the menu. Traditionally a skewer of green olives, pickled guindilla peppers, and anchovy, this staple is transformed by Chef Zach into a decadent experience enhanced by The Glendronach’s signature sherry-cask profile.
Of his approach to the unexpected menu, Gildas’ Head Chef, Zach Elliott-Cren said: “Our goal with this menu was to capture the heart of the Basque Country, blending the deep history of sherry with the unique character of each Glendronach whisky. It’s an exciting fusion, bringing traditional pintxos together with the rich depth of Scotland’s sherry-aged single malts”.
Stuart Reeves, The Glendronach Brand Manager, Brown-Forman, adds: “2024 marks the global restage of The Glendronach range, one that leans into the distillery’s more than 200 years of whisky mastery while also introducing a more modern visual identity and creative direction. We couldn’t imagine a better way to introduce this new era locally than with a partnership that celebrates and puts a fresh perspective on the sherry casks that have always given our whisky its distinct Spanish flair.”
Tasting Highlights of the Pintxo Trio
The Glendronach 12-Year-Old & Butter Puff Pastry
This pairing features a butter puff pastry topped with piperada, roasted piquillo peppers glazed with The Glendronach 12-Year-Old, white Angelachu anchovy, and an olive crumb. The peppery sweetness of the piperada and the umami depth of the anchovy work in harmony with the 12-Year-Old’s subtle spice and rich, fruity notes, creating a balanced and layered flavour profile.
The Glendronach 15-Year-Old & Gilda with Morcilla, Scallop, and Caramelized Apple
In a creative spin on the classic Gilda, this pairing includes a Gilda topped with morcilla blood pudding, a perfectly seared Alborohos Island scallop, and apple poached in caramel made with The Glendronach 15-Year-Old. The 15-Year-Old whisky’s rich, sweet sherry notes elevate the caramelized apple, which pairs beautifully with the umami richness of the morcilla and the delicate scallop, creating an unforgettable mouthful.
The Glendronach 18-Year-Old & Jamon Croqueta
The final pintxo is a jamon croqueta stuffed with creamy béchamel, coated in pimentón breadcrumbs, and dressed in jamon glazed with The Glendronach 18-Year-Old. The 18-Year-Old’s dark, complex profile, filled with hints of dried fruit and spice, finds a perfect counterpart in the smoky, rich flavours of the croqueta. Each bite is a luxurious treat that combines the creamy, smoky, and savoury for an elevated finish.
Sweet Finale: Tocino de Cielo with The Glendronach 18-Year-Old
Closing the tasting is tocino de cielo, a decadent Spanish custard dessert served with raisins and caramel infused with The Glendronach 18-Year-Old. The deep caramel and raisin notes echo the whisky’s profile, bringing a sweet and sumptuous end to this spirited Spanish feast.
The Glendronach whisky-inspired paired pintxos menu will be available at Gildas exclusively from Friday 8 November to Saturday 14 December, with paired pintxos available from $26 and a full tasting flight available for $78.
Gildas
46-48 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
E: hello@gildas.com.au | T: +61 2 8275 8285 | Book Online
