Unlikely pairings to tantalise the pickiest of connoisseurs

[caption id="attachment_35884" align="alignright" width="405"] SHARING TREATS: National Glenfiddich brand ambassador Thami Banda explains the finer points of whisky-tasting to DA councillor Dean Biddulph, left, who was one of the guests at the whisky and chocolate pairing event at the Beach Hotel[/caption]

HARDCORE whisky lovers might cringe at the idea of mixing their favourite drink with anything other than a tightly rolled Monte Cristo, as Scotch and cigars go hand in hand.

But last Thursday, at the Beach Hotel, I discovered another partnership that I've never imagined – the world's most awarded single malt Scotch paired with the finest handmade artisan's chocolates in Nelson Mandela Bay.

The 126-year-old legacy of the family owned Scottish distillery, that makes Glenfiddich whisky met its perfect match in Dimakatso Motsepe's assortment of dark, milky and smooth truffles.

Glenfiddich brand ambassador Thami Banda explained at some length the process of mixing spirits aged in casks used for making bourbon and sherry, as well as virgin oak casks. But the 12-, 15- and 18-year-old whiskey's spoke for themselves.

First up was the 12-year-old scotch paired with a dark chocolate truffle infused with fresh mint. One would expect the bitter cocoa and strong mint from the truffle to overpower the ripe pear notes of the whisky, but instead it all came together perfectly.

Similarly the 18-year-old Glenfiddich shook hands nicely with milk chocolate dusted with bitter cocoa. The world's best-selling 15-yearold single malt would have been fine on its own, but adding an orange-infused dark chocolate truffle was pure indulgence.

Banda then surprised with a rare treat – a 14-year-old-Glenfiddich, not commonly found in South Africa. Ageing and blending made this the perfectly sweet end to the evening, especially when married with an equally special lemon and ginger truffle.

Scotch and chocolate, specifically those as unique as these, proved to be a match truly made in heaven that connoisseur and novice alike could fall in love with. - Riaan Marais