Continuing our trend offering unique and out-of-the-box culinary experiences we collaborated with The Paul Hotel’s authentic seafood-accented Kerala restaurant, Vembanad, for an evening of delicious food paired with Indian whiskies.

The whiskies were the international multi-award winning range of Paul John Single Malt Whiskies by John Distilleries. Made in Goa by Master Distiller Michel John D’Souza, the “Paul John” range is difficult to access due to its popularity in the niche malt whisky drinking circles worldwide.

The accent of the dinner was the food and flavours of Kerala, India’s southernmost state, known for its deliciously spiced seafood. The Paul team, led by Confrères Sridhar Pongur, Shelley Thayil and Neelkantan did an exceptional job creating an authentic ambience to accompany the exceptional food and spirits.

Members in ethnic wear, including ladies in the white and gold Kasavu sarees of Kerala, added to the atmosphere. The Paul’s bar, transformed into a thatched ‘toddy shop’ found  in Kerala villages welcomed us with distiller’s brew, a dark beer created from the same six-row barley used to make single malts and themed hors d’oeuvres.

The lavish sit down dinner in Vembanad saw the courses served on traditional thalis (silver plates) each laid out with fresh banana leaves.

MENU

Crab and drumstick soup

Alleppy mackerel fish curry
raw mango, coconut milk

‘Kuttanad’ style duck
black pepper, shallots

Braised rabbit with spices

Raw banana curry
raw mango, coconut milk, fresh mushroom
shallot, tangy roasted coconut gravy
 
Seasonal vegetable stew
fresh coconut milk, shallots, spices

Accompaniments
Tapioca mash, aapam or fragrant rice pancakes
flaky paratha or unleavened bread

Flambéed caramelised coconut-stuffed banana
jackfruit ice-cream

WHISKIES
Paul John Edited single malt whisky
Paul John Bold single malt variant
Paul John Brilliance malt whisky

A post-prandial surprise followed this exotic repast. A mystery dram which was revealed to be a rare tasting of the Paul John Oloroso sherry cask whisky from the highly-coveted new release of just 252 bottles for worldwide distribution.

It was a spicy, flavourful evening to remember!

Ruma Singh
Vice-Chargée de Presse