Pairing Whisky with Food: 101

The cardinal rule for pairing Whisky with food is that you can’t mix and match as you please. Much like the broad spectrum of Wines that are paired with a wide variety of meats or cuisines, even Whisky can be paired with food based on how the flavours of the aforementioned complement each other.

This guide will take you beyond the Indian boundaries and flavours and into the old-school way of Whiskys paired around the world. This would give you a better idea of the range of flavours, thus making you a true connoisseur of Whisky. Right from the rich vanilla flavour found in American Bourbon Whiskey to the subtle smooth Irish Whisky to the not-so-subtle smokiness found in the finest Scotch, we give you a whiff of it all. This variation in flavours poses a challenge to pair food with Whiskey, especially due to the unlimited options. We have put together a list of some common foods that go with Whiskey and also recommend the kind of whiskies that go with it.

• Meat

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One of the oldest tricks in the book is to drink an American Whiskey with barbecued foods or pulled meats such as beef or pork. This blends in with the intense aroma of such meats and the well-marinated flavours of barbecued meat. Jack Daniel’s Whiskey http://goo.gl/5uZrQJ and Jim Beam’s Bourbon http://goo.gl/V7gDDp make a good pairing with barbecued meat.

Lighter meats go best with Irish Whiskys such as Jameson Irish Whiskey http://goo.gl/EXbPts due to the similar vibrance they share. Irish Whiskey, typically offers a spicy freshness which makes up for the lack of strong flavouring of white meats that are grilled.

Richer Scotch blends like Johnnie Walker http://goo.gl/wdeYn0 are ideal for pairing with main dishes which are heavy on flavours like curries or steaks.

2. Seafood

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The delicate and sweetish tinge that is found in seafood, make it a great pairing with Single Casks that carry similar traces of sweetness. Glenlivet Single Cask http://goo.gl/5qON9N  is a great combination with scallops or even crabs.

A very interesting supplement with Sushi is a Japanese Single Malt Whiskey called Yamazaki. This Whiskey carries an intense sweet aroma and washes down the soft and creamy texture of Sushi.

Lighter Whiskys are recommended with seafood as they complement the sweet undertone and enhance the flavors of each other.

3. Cheese

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A  great accompaniment for cheese is Irish Whisky, the spicy flavour of the Whisky goes well with the pungency of cheese and balances out the sharp taste.

Even Single-Malt varieties like Johnnie Walker Black Label http://goo.gl/koVLWe  has a smoky yet intense aroma to it and is perfect with well-aged cheddar cheese.

4.    Chocolate and dessert

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The Peated Malt has an amazing smoky flavour which is an acquired taste and let us warn you, it’s not meant for everyone. However, the upside of drinking this Whiskey is that it makes for a perfect match with dark chocolates.

Even lighter Scotch blends like J&B http://goo.gl/ZHnyX2 can be drank with a fruity dessert as they carry complex flavours with a pleasant and smooth aftertaste.

Bourbon Whiskeys provide just the right amount of sweet hints to go with a pecan pie or cheesecakes.

Desserts with meringues or a citrusy tinge go perfectly with Grained Whiskeys that augment the sweetness of the flavours.

It is quite an art to pair food with Whisky and if done right, you could establish that you know your Whiskies as well as you know your food. So stick to these very simple basics of Whisky pairing with food and also have a look at our collection of Whiskies and Single-malts before you get cracking on this guide: http://goo.gl/fCgQV4 http://goo.gl/bo0a4m

How Wine boosts your metabolism

Yes, you read that right, Wine does indeed increase your metabolism! It is a relief to know this especially after years of listening to all the negative connotations associated with alcohol. But how authentic is this information? Let’s find out.

The intriguing part about Wine is that the Wine calories are digested differently from the food that we eat. The alcohol (ethanol) doesn’t break down like food does simply  because it is a toxic substance. As our bodies send excess ethanol into a complex metabolic process that involves the liver, acetic acid is released eventually in the form of secretions (urinating or sweating) and hence, all of it doesn’t get converted into energy, leaving us with better metabolism. When we drink Wine, the liver and fat cells use the extracts of four chemicals that are present naturally in dark-red Muscadine grapes (key component of red Wine). The most potent of these chemicals, ellagic acid stunts the growth of existing fat cells and prevents new ones from forming. Apart from this, a dose of the supplement resveratrol which is also a natural component found in red Wine is know to improve metabolism too. However, excess of anything is harmful for our body. For this reason, it is suggested that to maintain our metabolism, we must limit ourselves to a maximum of 2 glasses per day (for women) and 3 glasses per day (for men). It is highly recommended that we do not consume any more calories in the form of alcohol i.e. Wine in order to actually let it work as a metabolism booster.

Luckily for you, at Bengaluru Duty Free, we have a range of Wines to choose from. Indulge in a daily dose of a glass or two of the Cabernet Sauvignon with its bouquet of intense flavours rich in firm tannins with a touch of oak spiciness. Or Merlot’s velvety texture with the softness of rose petal-like flavours or another full-bodied pick of ours the Shiraz.

Have a look at our wide range of the best Wines from all around the world and pick what appeals to you. Find your favourite Wine under one roof, only at the Bengaluru Duty Free. Here’s our website: http://bit.ly/17A3P6X.

Cheers!

9 reasons #Octoberfest is the time to shop

Festivals in India are always over the top, loud, colourful and happy. Shopping for new clothes, shoes, jewellery and home ware is a big part of the traditions. Gifting too.

We love that we can pamper you with retail therapy this October making it a really unforgettable #Octoberfest.

Here are a few great deals you should indulge in or perhaps even indulge a loved one.

1. Godiva Chocolate

Silky-textured chocolates are a definite winner when it comes to gifting and might we add, a better alternative to the box of ‘mithai’ you had in mind. Browse through our collection ranging from $6 to $42 and pre-order here: http://goo.gl/xx0Roh

2. Elizabeth Arden EDT, shower gel & body lotion set

If you combine an exciting fragrance with a shower gel and a body lotion, you have got yourself a day long experience of smelling like a goddess. This matchless trio is a steal at our offer price. Get this heavenly deal for a mere $36 : http://goo.gl/WJiubA

3. Calvin Klein Miniature

A set of miniature perfumes for men by Calvin Klein, makes a sensible gifting option or great for all your upcoming end of year travel plans. With a selection of the best fragrances for men, all together in a single pack at an astonishing $54, how can you look away? http://goo.gl/7eYUc2

4.  Revlon Super Lustrous Lipsticks

It’s a great time to add colour to your wardrobe with this astonishing set of five lipsticks. These chic lipsticks are your go-to glam quotient not just for festivals but on any given day of the year. Buy five intense lip shades in a flash at a whopping $33! : http://goo.gl/i29qRm

5. L’Oreal Hydrafresh Spa Experience Pouch

This mini kit contains a Hydrafresh Gel Foam, Hydrafresh Mask-in lotion, Hydrafresh Deep Boosting Essence, Hydrafresh Supreme Emulsion and Hydrafresh Mask. All this with a special pouch at just $43. Ideal, much? : http://goo.gl/m1tWct

6. Russell Desire Food Slicer

This has to be one of the top most things on the list of things women really want. Festival food needs lots of prep and this kitchen gadget is designed to make the whole process of cooking easier. Make the right choice this Dasara for just $55. Now, this is a quite the deal: http://goo.gl/c1VOMj

7. Sony Headset Canal

What better gift to give than the sound of music? A sturdy and reliable pair of earphones with unrivalled sound quality at a price that is going to make your jaw drop! Get it here now, at a steal for $17! : http://goo.gl/nMtCwo

8. Jack Daniel’s Whiskey

If you are going to be hosting friends during the upcoming vacations, then be the perfect host with the right drinks in your home bar. Just spend $74 for a couple of bottles from the Jack Daniel’s portfolio, and you will even get a free selfie stick to capture the good times. Peek through our collection starting from $35: http://goo.gl/RzfGLO

9. Jacob’s Creek Wines

A very thoughtful and reasonably priced gift for any occasion have got to be the various Wines from the Jacob’s Creek selection. Whether it’s a glass of the sparkling rose or classic Chardonnay, there’s a bottle for every mood. At a very affordable price range of $11 to $19, Jacob’s Creek should be your choice this festive season and this Australian wine is definitely one for the wine cabinet at home too. Take a look at our selection: http://goo.gl/FOoBKJ

Five insane food festivals you have probably not heard of

The most fascinating part about food is the diversity with which it is relished all around the world – the various flavours, multiple eating techniques or even weird delicacies and beverages that is one man’s poison but another’s dinner. The only thing more intriguing than the diverse cuisines found worldwide is probably the food festivals that commemorate these delicious or even strange foods in the most bizarre of ways. Here are our picks of the most insane food festivals around the globe that celebrate food in even crazier ways:

1. Vegetarian Festival,  Phuket, Thailand

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When: October 15 – 23, 2015

For those of you who are thinking – where is the crazy in vegetarian food – let us tell you that this festival tops our list of eccentric food festivals. And here’s why! As legend has it, a troupe of Chinese opera singers was on a tour in Phuket in the 19th Century. One of them had an epiphanic experience where they failed to honour the Nine Emperor Gods and returned to China to invite the Gods back to Phuket. In this moment of epiphany, with a display of piousness, the troupe resorted to full abstinence, no meat, no sex, no drinking, no swearing and with time their health improved and a festival was born. But this is not even the most intriguing part about the festival.

As myths morphed into reality, with time, the changes in the festival now accommodate a rather peculiar tradition. During the nine days of the festival, onlookers will notice the streets of Phuket filled with people pierced with long pins, knives, swords, bamboo sticks or similar sharp objects. This is their way of displaying the belief that the Gods will bring healing waters and their wounds will be healed.

What to try: Look out for the yellow signs with red letters in stalls to help you distinguish the special vegetarian dishes.

   2.  Alba International White Truffle Festival, Alba, Italy

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When: October 11 – November 15, 2015

Prized for their medicinal and aphrodisiac qualities, truffles are definitely one of the finest and most prized delicacies of the culinary world. This is the mother of truffle festivals and it doesn’t require you to shell out big bucks in order to enjoy the festivities. Apart from truffles, there are other things on the menu which Italy is famous for  – cheese. cured meats, Wine, olive oil, pastas and honey. This is a festival in its truest sense as it also has Wine tasting, donkey racing, a medieval parade, cooking worships and ample opportunities to savour the best of truffles. The cherry on the cake is indeed the live auction of the most expensive tuber in the world.

This festival is an-invite only event, attended by celebrities and top chefs. The proceeds are donated to national and international organizations. Throughout the fair, the center of attraction is the Alba White Truffle Market, where you can immerse yourself in an environment full of the good black stuff and if you can’t buy them by the pound you could devour by the plate!

What to try: Pasta, Risotto or anything with a truffles adorned on top

   3. Baconfest, Pennsylvania, United States

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When: November 7 – 8, 2015

This festival celebrates the most popular food item in the United States; you guessed it right, Bacon it is! It is much unlike any festival because it has a concurrent event running simultaneously known as the Easton Farmer’s market. Here, you can purchase fresh organic bread, cheese, meat and other sustainable dairy products. Most activities in the Baconfest are free, the bacon however, isn’t.

This celebration is so special because it has something for everyone; there’s an activity area with pig-related games to keep your kids entertained as you eat your heart out. And if you’re an adult that loves the combination of pork and beer, then this fest is your dream come true. You can also participate in outlandish games where the best oinks and grunts win a prize or you can bid on your favourite porcine art.

What to try: Bacon jam, Bacon Bloody Mary, Bacon pizza, Bacon wings, Bacon polenta, and anything with Bacon in it ( which is everything in the fest)

   4. Csabai Sausage Festival, Békéscsaba, Hungary

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When: October 19 – 22, 2015

The only way to enjoy a kingsize celebration is by making the most of it. There is a lot that this Hungarian festival offers for those who are not there just to sample the world-renowned sausages. Most great festivals strike the right balance between food and entertainment just like this festival which is much more than just what its name suggests. What really contributes to the positive environment is the folk and popular music entertainers who really bring the life into this gathering.

You will be greeted by evenings with Hungarian and international performers. And if for some reason, you’re not really into the entertainment bit then there is also a Wine festival that accompanies the sausage festival and is the perfect opportunity for the Wine regions to showcase their specialities. There is also a Food and Agriculture exhibition that promotes the region’s food and agricultural products.

Coming back to the crowd-pleaser, the reason behind the festival, the Csabai sausage is world-famous and all for good reason. You can purchase these from local sausage makers or enter a dozen other sausage making contests. There are a variety of sausage contests like dry sausages, pig-fest and a stuffed cabbage-making competition and where you don’t just get to make the food but also taste it.

What to try: The in-house speciality – Sausages from any of the local vendors.

  5. Honfleur: Shrimp Festival, Normandy, France

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When: October 4 – 5, 2015

     

An annually festival in one of the most gorgeous ports of Normandy, Honfleur Shrimp Festival attracts visitors from all over the world who come to town for the greatest shrimp-peeling competition. Apart from this, the festival also offers a hoard of other attractions such as concerts, an arts and crafts market and more. The whole theme is augmented with the sea shanties as old sea vessels in the charming port.

In addition to shrimps, crevettes and other seafood, the festival menu also offers cheeses, meats, pastries and bread as well as plenty of Calvados (apple brandy, a speciality of Normandy) and cider.

What to try: Fresh shrimps being served at any of the restaurants for just 1 Euro! You can enjoy a meal at the water’s edge.