The Ardbeg Smokehouse at Porteno

Overview

If umami is the fifth taste, smoke should be the sixth. And Ardbeg, being one of the smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts, is a peat lover's dream. Not only does it deliver palate-smacking smoky goodness but also sumptuous sweet notes — a winning combination which fans describe as 'the peaty paradox'.

Well, peaty pals, listen up. In honour of this top spirit, Ardbeg is holding a special event and Argentinian grill masters Porteño are along for the smoke-filled ride.

On Friday, November 23, Porteño will host a three-course culinary journey through the different stages of fire — smoke for starters, fire for main and coal for dessert — all accompanied by whisky drinks. The dinner will be held at Porteño Events, its former restaurant space on Cleveland Street. It is the last event in The Ardbeg Smokehouse, a series of venue takeovers featuring tastings, cocktails, smoke-infused eats and live entertainment which will test your capacity to handle this complex flavour.

If you've been to Porteño before, you'll be familiar with the intoxicating meaty aromas that waft from the open grill. This South American-style grill delivers succulent charcoal-roasted meats, while a custom-built, woodfire oven roasts veggies to perfection. This dinner and its accompanying tipples are not about flavour restraint.

In term's of cocktails, you'll start off strong with an Ardbeg served neat alongside your first course, followed by two custom cocktails to match your main and dessert. With a delicious smokiness running through each course, we can't imagine a more fitting venue to deliver this tribute to fire and smoke.

The Ardbeg Smokehouse Porteño takeover will take place on Friday, November 23 from 7pm. Tickets cost $120 per person and can be purchased here.