Renowned for its rich Scottish heritage, Laphroaig whisky has long been the pour of choice for connoisseurs. Boasting distinctive, smoky notes and a recognisably peaty profile, Laphroaig’s strong, signature taste is set to serve as the inspiration for an upcoming event in which the distillery has teamed up with Kiwi culinary pioneer (The Hāngi Master) Rewi Spraggon, to create a night of exceptional food, paired perfectly with Laphroaig’s famous flavours.
Tales of Peat, Salt and Fire will take place on Saturday the 28th of October and will invite guests to Mechanics Bay for a stunning, coastal experience inspired by the beautiful Islay in Scotland where Laphroaig has been distilled for over 200 years. There, diners will be treated to an extensive menu of dishes that will be cooked on-site using the ancient Māori practice of hāngi (a tradition passed down through generations) where Spraggon will showcase his vast culinary talent, harnessing elements of earth, salt and fire to prepare some seriously spectacular food.
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To start, a series of canapés will comprise locally sourced seafood, meat and produce, including Clevedon oysters, Laphroaig-smoked cream pāua, kingfish ceviche, buffalo wings, Laphroaig-smoked lamb rack and more. For mains, guests will be served dishes like beef cheek with pumpkin, pork belly with apple caramel, vegetable melange and char-grilled broccolini; and for dessert, dishes like honey mascarpone with a Laphroaig-infused steam pudding, and Kawakawa ice cream with lemon curd and smashed meringue will take centre stage. Of course, each course will be paired with Laphroaig drams, cocktails and guided tastings to help diners learn more about the history behind this iconic drop. (Laphroaig gift bags will also be given at the conclusion of the dinner.)
And while the underlying idea of the menu is to speak to Laphroaig’s distinctive flavour profile, Spraggon’s contribution is to give the famous whisky a decidedly Kiwi spin. In fact, the chef promises to create a universal and memorable experience that brings people together to learn more about not only Laphroaig and the years of tradition and craft behind it, but also, about the art of hāngi cooking, and the similarly impressive history of tradition that has been passed down to Spraggon from his ancestors.
“It’s such a privilege to partner with Laphroaig,” Spraggon says, “it’s been my favourite whisky for as long as I can remember and I can’t wait to take Kiwis on an adventure of flavour through our collaboration.”
Set to be a night where exceptional whisky, mouthwatering food and convivial company collide in a breathtaking setting, Tales of Peat, Salt and Fire is the exclusive event you really don’t want to miss this month.
Tales of Peat, Salt and Fire with Laphroaig and Rewi Spraggon will take place on Saturday the 28th of October from 6:30pm until 9:30pm at the Mechanics Bay Event Space. Tickets are $220 per person and can be purchased here.
