Johnnie Mundell, courtesy photo
A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg |
The Bacara Resort’s Meet the Masters dining series continues on Thursday, April 17, with an evening with whiskey master Johnnie Mundell.
Known for his charming Scottish accent (the Mundell family has been involved in transporting the whiskey made on the Isle of Islay since 1971) and inimitable style in creating events that bring strangers together to appreciate fine single malts such as Auchentoshan, Bowmore and Glen Garioch.
Join him for an intimate dinner in the Miro Wine Cellar. Evening events include a whiskey and hors d’oeuvres reception from 6–6:30 p.m., followed by an exquisite four-course tasting menu by Miro Chef Johan Denizot, elegantly presented by Bacara’s Creative Director Lorrene Balzani in the Miro Wine Cellar. Each course will be expertly paired with renowned whiskey and wine selections by Mundell.
Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, courtesy photo
The menu sounds amazing!
Hors d’oeuvres
Compressed Strawberry, Bacon Powder
Smoked Peewee Potato, Caviar, Crème Fraiche
Organic Carrot “Gazpacho”, Marcona Almond Froth
Auchentoshan 3 Wood Cocktail
First Course
Lilly’s Farm Scottish Egg
Shaved Delta Asparagus, Peas, Fried Capers
Auchentoshan 12 year & 3 Wood
Second Course
New York Strip Roast
Sweet Onion Rings, Smoked Baby Lettuce
Blackberry Gremolata
Gleen Garioch Founders Reserve & 1994 Vintage
Dessert Course
Deconstructed Black Bird Cocktail
Tainori Chocolate Bark
Bowmore Devil’s Cask
If that’s not enough to make your mouth water, here’s a teaser video of Mundell sharing some whiskey wisdom.
Mundell’s professional involvement in the whiskey business started with his discovery that he possessed “just the right mix of accent, green card and passionate outspokenness.” He now travels the West Coast of the US, and occasionally points far and wide, as an educator for Morrison Bowmore Distillers. Today, his dream to travel around the world and tell stories for a living to all kinds of people has been fulfilled, telling the tale of Islay’s oldest distillery. He now lives near the beach in Los Angeles with his wife and three daughters, and is always happy to trade whisky for words.
Space is very limited and advanced reservations are required. To book a spot click here.
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Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 11, 2014.
Leslie Dinaberg
When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”