Emotions – the ever-elusive feelings that drive us, guide us and define us. A person, a meal, a drink – we are drawn to those aspects of life that enchant our feelings. Happiness, love, pleasure, passion – these are some of our strongest sentiments, and when tapped into, ignite an unmistakable fire in our soul. And this is exactly what happened when Caractère restaurant in London and Vecchia Romagna, crafters of premium Italian brandy, came together to create a special cocktail pairing menu.
A meeting of top industry talents, this pairing celebrates all that makes life great. In particular, it draws upon Vecchia Romagna’s mantra as a ‘Maestro of Emotions’ – a celebration of the craftsmanship and passion behind creating such an iconic product. This concept distinguishes Vecchia Romagna as the brandy that allows emotions to be best experienced through drinking a craft spirit infused with the skill, fervour, and savoir-faire of the Maestro who makes it.
Brimming with authenticity, character and warmth, the dishes draw on not only the deep emotional roots and exclusivity of Vecchia Romagna Riserva 18, but also its embodiment of ingenuity, richness of flavour and vivid amber, mahogany and gold hue. An ode to Italy, technique in the kitchen meets the art of blending in this menu, balancing this 18-year-old brandy’s complex notes of tobacco and walnut leaf, yellow candied fruit and coffee with traditional Italian flavours.
SIDECAR SPRITZ
Dish
Red Sicilian prawn tartare, tomato ponzu jelly and Kristal caviar.
Cocktail
Vecchia Romagna Riserva 18 and Cointreau, topped with peach and jasmine soda.
THE CURIOUS ‘TINI
Dish
Stuffed guinea fowl pappardelle served with mixed wild mushrooms and a marsala sauce.
Cocktail
Vecchia Romagna Riserva 18, vermouth, simple syrup and a dash of Angostura bitters.
MATCHY-MATCHY
Dish
Roast saddle of rabbit stuffed with spinach and served with pickled carrot, Taggiasca olives and a jus.
Cocktail
Vecchia Romagna Riserva 18, fresh carrot juice and ginger ale.
“PEAR” ME UP
Dish
Pear, vanilla, white chocolate and sesame biscuit.
Cocktail
Vecchia Romagna Riserva 18, pear juice and Ferrari Perlé Bianco.
–
Find out more about Vecchia Romagna Riserva 18 via Vecchia Romagna’s website, Instagram profile and Facebook page.
Images © Jodi Hinds