Irish Whiskey and Cheese Pairing Masterclass

Overview

An Irish whiskey expert and a cheese guru walk into a bar. What happens next? You're about to find out.

For one evening only, Aussie cheese expert Claudia Bowman will team up with whiskey aficionado Rachael Hand (who is also a bartender at Mjolner Melbourne) for a unique tasting session in Redfern den Vasco. It'll feature an array of top-shelf drops from Bushmills, Ireland's oldest licensed distillery, matched with premium blues, cheddars and goudas from all over the Emerald Isle.

Upon arrival, you'll warm up with a Bushmills Whiskey Smash cocktail and canapés, before settling in for your extended tasting. The drinks list ranges from the intense yet smooth Bushmills Black Bush Irish Whiskey to the mighty Bushmills Single Malt Whiskey 21-year-old. The secret to its spicy, fruit depths is 19 years spent in Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon-seasoned casks, followed by two in Madeira casks.

Meanwhile, among the Irish dairy delights you can expect to sample are Cashel Blue and Crozier Blue, both from Tipperary; Knockanore, a cheddar from County Waterford; and Durrus, a semi-soft, washed rind cheese from County Cork. Whiskey and cheese may not be the most traditional of pairings (like, say, wine and cheese) but, like many things, with knowledge — and lots of samples — comes appreciation.

"Just like wine, whiskey flavours have layers and can be complemented and highlighted with certain foods," said Hand. "This is bound to be a pairing that brings the best of both the Bushmills Irish Whiskey expressions and the chosen cheeses, heroing both products."

The Bushmills Irish Whiskey and Cheese Pairing will commence at 6.30pm on Wednesday, November 28. Tickets cost $75 per person and can be purchased here.