Ron Zacapa took exclusive guests on a sensory pairing journey
A dining experience like no other was how guests described the unique, sensory banquet held at the Westcliff Hotel last week, where the world’s finest rum, Ron Zacapa Centenario, was paired with four courses.
The dining experience celebrated the liquid’s impact on South Africa’s culinary and mixology worlds since its arrival in the country late last year and exhibited the spirit’s versatility for pairing with evocative cuisine.
Guests included Model, Presenter, Actor, Fashion Designer and Entrepreneur, Maps Maponyane, and vivacious television Anchor, Model and Entrepreneur, Shashi Naidoo.
“Ron Zacapa is truly a captivating spirit – and its sumptuous flavour notes make it the ideal addition to cuisine. I was captivated by each and every course, which truly showed off the qualities of this mystical spirit” says Alex Farnell, National Reserve Brand Ambassador Manager.
Crafted in the highlands of rural Guatemala, Ron Zacapa Centenario is listed as one of the World’s Top 100 Luxury Brands and contains a record 52 unique tasting molecules to captivate the senses.
As such, the pairing menu made the most of the liquid’s balanced complexity and nuanced flavour profile and the culinary joinery began with a Trio of Cold Starters, featuring foaming scrambled egg served in the shell with a Zacapa jelly and smoked ham; Honey and rum-glazed salmon fillet with spice crust and citrus salad; and a Ron Zacapa marinated duck foie gras with pineapple chutney.
The Hot Starter course boasted a pumpkin and carrot veloute with sautéed porcini mushrooms and Ron Zacapa Chantilly.
The starters were also served with the “Ron Zacapa Runs for President” cocktail, combining the luxurious rum with sweet vermouth, pineapple and rich grenadine syrup.
“The Main Course of roasted duck breast with nougat crust, Tonka bean flavoured cauliflower mousseline and Ron Zacapa 23 sauce was a stand-out dish for me. The dish expertly balanced the tasting notes of Zacapa, and brought to life the sensory qualities of the spirit. Paired with a Spiced Ron Zacapa Daiquiri – it was truly remarkable” says Shashi Naidoo.
The menu ended on a sweet note, which saw a Ron Zacapa Signature Serve paired with a Trio of Desserts including Deconstructed Tiramisu with rum and sautéed pear; Flambéed banana tartlet with salted caramel and walnut tuile and; homemade Malaga ice cream with rum and raisin.
“It was an absolute treat to experience such a magical brand on an intimate level. I was fascinated by its incredible heritage and story, and of course, captivated by the rich and delicious pairing menu” adds Maps Maponyane.
About Brandhouse
Brandhouse Beverages (Pty) Ltd was formed on 1 July 2004 as a joint venture between Diageo, Heineken International and Namibia Breweries Ltd. It is South Africa’s leading premium drinks company with an unrivalled portfolio of brands across the spirits, beer and cider categories. These include Johnnie Walker, J&B, Smirnoff, Bell’s, Baileys, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Amstel, Heineken, Windhoek, Foundry, and Guinness among others.
For more information about brandhouse, its people, and brands visit us at www.brandhouse.co.za.
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