[Food Guide] Diageo Master Class on how to #LoveScotch

 GeekyKitch got more acquainted with the world's favorite whisky - the Scotch.

Recently, we attended a master class on food and Scotch whisky pairing where we got educated on the history, development and importance of Scotch. It was conducted by Diageo's Master of Whisky, Ewan Gunn, who has been in the industry for over 17 years. He travels all over the world just to teach people on how to best appreciate whisky.

Trying to look as pretty as possible whilst sharing a Scotch with the lovely @cocorocha #lovescotch #johnniewalker #johnniewalkerph #truespirit #cocorocha

A photo posted by Ewan Gunn - Haig Club (@ewangunn) on May 18, 2016 at 8:58am PDT

We did a nosing and tasting session of four Scotch whiskies to familiarize ourselves with their unique characteristics and flavor profiles. We tried Johnnie Walker Black Label, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve (liked this one best), The Singleton of Glen Ord 12 Year Old and The Singleton of Glen Ord Signature as you can see below:

There is no right or wrong way to drink Scotch - whether neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail. As long as you enjoy it, that's what matters.

We were treated to dishes prepared by Head Chef Borja Duran of Desiderata Lounge afterwards.

Johnnie Walker Black Label

• also known as the "Iconic Blend"


• created using only whiskies aged for a minimum of 12 years


• described as "rich, complex and incredibly well-balanced, full of dark fruits, sweet vanilla and signature smokiness"


• perfect serve: Johnnie Walker Black Label with Ginger Ale


• food pairing: Tuna Tataki (line-caught tuna, smoked sake, dashi quinoa tapenade, organic salted egg)

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve

• also known as the "Celebration Blend"


• known for its creamy smoothness


• taking a sip, it "opens with a luxurious burst of delicate nectar and gentle smokiness that develops into sweet fruits and deeper, velvety, honeyed tones before giving away to sublime, lingering whispers of smoke and oakiness in the finish"


• perfect serve: Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve with apple juice and soda


• food pairing: Rossini Qua (Beijing-grilled buns, wagyu entrana, seared foie gras)

The Singleton 12 Year Old

• comes from The Singleton's Glen Ord family


• single malt


• described as "fruity, well-composed and manages to be both light and smooth without compromising any depth of flavor or fullness of palate


• perfect serve: best enjoyed neat or with a drop of water


• food pairing: Kurobata (Kurobata black pork, Spanish adobo)

The Singleton Signature

• single malt


• smooth rich and perfectly balanced


• with notes of apple, banana, cloves and nutmeg


• medium-long fruity and slightly spicy


• perfect serve: best enjoyed neat or with a drop of water


• food pairing: Pears Brochette (poached pears, tempranillo red wine, caramelized walnut crumble, gorgonzola cheese, chantilly

This was my first time to drink whisky in general. I appreciate having attended this master class! With my newfound knowledge, I can enjoy this drink and pair it properly with food during occasions. :)

This event was part of the #LoveScotch celebration in the Philippines - a global movement that celebrates the world's love affair with Scotch and ignites a passion amongst a new generation of whisky drinkers. People posted a #LoveScotch selfie with their drink last May 21, 2016 in celebration of World Whisky Day, which is held on the third Saturday of May.