http://merivale.com.au/corporate/venues/penthouse
https://www.grantswhisky.com
Hints of vanilla, honey & spice
Thanks to Emma Barnitt from Weber Shandwick for inviting me to the launch of Grant's 12 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky at the IVY Penthouse which reminds me of The Party movie with Peter Sellers. I'm still on the journey of acquiring the appreciation for Scotch whisky compared to most seasoned whisky drinkers who don't think it's like drinking rocket fuel by itself but having it used in a cocktail certainly makes it more palatable for my novice taste buds. Guest were treated to three cocktails during the night. At first I preferred the lighter tasting Grant's Smash of Grant's 12 Year Old, Peychauds Bitters, Gomme and Nectarine Puree but ended up having more of the Grant's Morning Fizz of Grant's 12 Year Old, Absinthe, Lemon Juice, Honey Water, Gomme and Egg White although I wasn't too sure what the brown frothy bits on top were which didn't look the most appealing. After 9 pm the third cocktail of Grant's and Sand was made which was quite strong but I found it quite easy to drink by then too.
I'd be lying if I said I could easily taste the finer points of vanilla, honey and spice in Grant's whisky without first knowing what I'm supposed to be tasting but it's like that for me with wine as well or any other spirit unless it's very noticeable. I guess I'm a late starter in drinking scotch but I believe my palate is slowly learning. I do tend to prefer mixed drinks over drinking a spirit straight up so I think a bit of water or ice in my straight sampler would have helped for me to appreciate the taste characteristics better. I thought the canapes on offer were very good and filling enough to line the stomach for the numerous cocktails on offer. The Chicken Skewers were surprisingly tender with a tasty spiced coating. It's the first time I've seen a Stuffed zucchini flower taco which was good although two hands were required to eat which can cut into valuable drinking time for some. The Crumbed lamb cutlets were another favourite of mine cooked to perfection with a flavoursome coating.
SNAPSHOT REVIEW:
PROS: Discovering there's more to Scotch whisky than just drinking straight or with Coca-Cola, Very nice venue, Nice canapés
CONS: Would cost a lot to have your own event here, Needing two hands to eat means you can't drink at the same time, Not much room to move in front of bar area when crowded
MUST TRY: Finding am easy to make cocktail using Scotch Whisky
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Grant's 12 Year Old — I probably needed some water or ice to appreciate better by taking the edge off the alcohol
Care for a cocktail — one of each please!
Grant's Smash (left), Morning Fizz (right)
Grant's and Sand: Grant's 12 Year Old, Cherry Liqueur, Sweet Vermouth, Blood Orange
Fresh ingredients of mint and nectarine for the cocktails
Cocktail menu
Chicken skewer - tender and nice flavours
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)
Stuffed zucchini flower taco - very interesting, flavours were good but needed two hands to eat so had to put my drink down
Arancini - always a crowd pleaser
Vegetarian spring rolls - crispy pastry and decently sized with plenty of filling
Crumbed lamb cutlets - tender and tasty
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)
Beef cheek and cauliflower puree - two handed job to eat but nice flavours and very tender meat
Prawn and pasta - probably a good one to fill the stomach after all these cocktails
Chocolate truffle - rich smooth flavours which I could have sworn had alcohol in it but apparently didn't
Pool view
Seating
Balcony seating
Bar area
Speech time
Nathan Fisher Marketing Manager (left), Blended Whiskies, William Grant & Sons Australia and Ludo Ducrocq (right) Grant's Global Ambassador
Photographic exhibition showcasing 12 bars from Sydney and Melbourne. Check out the pretty cool video (password: grants)
There used to be a bed here last time I was here
A bit of fun in the shower room for two — thanks ladies!
Guests enjoying the cocktails
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