Dublin is a city rich in culinary delights with many top-class chefs, we interviewed one of our favourites, Mr. Johnnie Cooke.

The Restaurant by Johnnie Cooke is located on the third floor of Brown Thomas, Grafton Street, Dublin, and offers customers a unique blend of contemporary elegance and innovative food – all in the most enviable location in Dublin. Using the finest locally sourced fresh ingredients, Johnnie’s philosophy is all about simple food bursting with flavour and colour. Johnnie has served wonderful banquets for our Lambay Island events and is truly inspired when working with our whiskey. We asked Johnnie for his top food pairing recommendations for Lambay Irish Whiskey. We hope that his cuisine pairing with Lambay Whiskey will also inspire you!

“Whiskey enthusiasts typically consume the aromatic amber liquid on it’s own but having a meal that compliments in flavour can elevate the experience. It’s important to keep in mind that when it comes to whiskey and food pairings, the ultimate goal is to balance the contrasting flavors. If one dominates the other in flavour, it will result in an overwhelming and unpleasant experience. Add a few drops of water to open up the whiskey profile and enhance your inspiration when choosing how to pair with your dish.With that in mind, embark in the wonderful world of Lambay Whiskey and indulge in the culinary adventures of what a thoughtfully curated whiskey pairing can do for your palate. Pour a few generous drops into the dish you’re cooking. The whisky will even help to deepen and develop the flavours. Whiskey in general can cut through a very sweet dish. Neutralising excessive fat or richness in other dishes”enthuses Cooke.

Lambay Whiskey Single Malt

This whiskey is multi-layered with notes of juicy orchard fruits, bitter dark chocolate, and dried fruits, attributed to the elegant cognac-cask finish. Lambay Single Malt is rich, creamy, and spicy on the nose that follows through to a thick mouth-coating palate. Exuding dark fruits and sherry-like notes right through to the finish.

“By marrying this whiskey with a rib-eye steak, you will awaken the senses that start to pull apart the multi-layered flavour notes from each . Thus, allowing you the enjoyment of a classic steak in a whole new way.” remarks Cooke.

Savoury: Perfect for dishes such as Smoked Salmon, Teriyaki Salmon, Italian or Spanish style cured Hams, Salamis, Charcuterie boards, Anchovies, Cold Meats, Peppered Steaks, Roast Venison, Caramelised Vegetables

Recommended Cheeses: Strong Blue Cheeses; Stilton, Cabrales, Crozier Blue or Cashel Blue, Roquefort, matched with an organic Quince jelly.

Sweet: Apple Crumble, 70% Chocolate, Orange flavoured Chocolate, Chocolate Desserts, Rich Fruit Cake, Ginger Cake, Plum Pudding.

Lambay Whiskey Small Batch Blend

The Lambay Small Batch Blend is best served chilled, this whiskey is full-bodied, floral but not overpowering, which is exactly what you are looking for when pairing in particular Irish whiskey with fish.

Savoury

Grilled Tuna, Salmon in Sushi or Sashimi, Smoked Salmon, Roasted Scallops, Oysters, Smoked Mackerel, Kippers,

Tandoori Chicken, Char Sui Pork, strong Cheddar Cheese, Indian Chicken Pasanda, Roast or Grilled Chicken.

Sweet
Sticky Toffee Pudding, Raspberry Cranchan, Pecan Pie, Bread & Butter Pudding, Crème Caramel, Crème Brulèe.

So whether you choose a simple cheese board with friends or a lavish three-course meal. The choices above give good scope for a perfect feast paired with Lambay Irish Whiskey.

See below one of the special menus prepared for us by Johnnie Cooke

~ Starters ~

Truffle Tagliani Tagliolini Porcini Mushroom, Black Truffle, Parmesan Cheese

or

Pan-fried Dublin Bay Prawns “Persillade” Vermicelli Noodles, Chilli, Garlic, Lemon, Butter, Herbs

~ Mains ~

Whole Dover Sole Grenoble Style, Baby Sicilian Capers, Croutons, Lemon, Flat Parsley, Lambay Small Batch Blend Butter

or

Lambay Whiskey Single Malt Infused Fillet of Irish Angus Beef Roasted Artichokes, Horseradish, Fondant Potato Aged Balsamic Sauce

~ Desserts ~

Raspberry & Lambay Single Malt Cranchan Whiskey Cream, Roaster Oatmeal

or

Poire Belle Helene Poached Comice Pears Warm Godiva Chocolate Sauce, Single Malt Ice-Cream

Selection of Irish Farmhouse Cheese Seedless Grapes, Mission Figs, Quince, Wild Honey, Ships Biscuits

Lambay Whiskey Single Malt Infused Dark Chocolate Truffle