Gastronomic getaways

Gastronomic getaways

Gastronomic getaways have risen in popularity in recent years, as discerning holidaymakers seek out alluring locations with an appetising local menu to match. One such destination is south western Spain, where the Jerez region is renowned for producing wines and sherry that have been enjoyed around the world for hundreds of years.

The full Andalucian epicurean experience is not complete without enjoying tapas with a fino (sherry). Tapas is believed to have evolved as a cuisine in its own right from a more functional origin, when food like bread and pieces of ham were used as a ‘cover’ or ‘lid’ – the translation of ‘tapa’ – for wine to keep flies out of the drink.

While the ‘fino’ flows freely in Jerez, one spirit you might not expect to encounter is a Scotch whisky. And that’s where the curious traveller can discover a few unknown facts about Jerez’s influence beyond wines. Laphroaig whisky, distilled on the Scottish island of Islay, boasts a rich 200-year-old heritage, while the Jerez region has been producing wine since 1100BC, and fortified wine – sherry – since at least the 13th century, with many believing production began even earlier.

While whisky typically ages in bourbon oak casks, certain expressions of Laphroaig are matured in sherry casks, where the rich and fruity flavours of their former contents are imparted on the whisky. The result is a true taste of Scotland, with an unmistakable flavour of Jerez.
Making the trip to Jerez is easier than you think. In fact, you don’t even need to leave the comfort of your living room to sample the delights of the region thanks to a unique live online travelogue, tapas- and whisky-tasting session. 

Broadcasting live from the Harvey’s bodegas in Jerez, this live and interactive event will offer a further insight into the creation of Laphroaig’s sherry cask-matured expressions. It will also give viewers a behind the scenes tour of the region, and introduce experts who will be pairing a selection of whiskies with authentic Spanish tapas that bring out the rich and creamy notes of the whisky whilst complimenting the bold flavours of Spanish cuisine.

So if you’re a whisky connoisseur, sherry lover or curious foodie in search of travel that brings something different, log on and join us for a dram.

John Campbell, Jose Antonio Souto, Diego Sandrin and Simon Brooking join us live online at www.laphroaig.com/live to take part in this live tasting session on Thursday 23rd September 2010 at 1900hrs UK; 2000hrs Spain

Show date: Thursday 23rd September
Show time: 1900hrs UK; 2000hrs Spain

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