Game season is truly underway, and to mark the season, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. and Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa have partnered to offer guests a unique opportunity to enjoy a two-Michelin-starred dining experience, that includes both a dish incorporating a fine Irish whiskey and a whiskey pairing, selected to elevate the flavours of the dish.
The Donn x Wagyu dish features the highest quality Wagyu beef, alongside pickled cucumber, burnt leek puree, fermented lettuce relish and pear ketchup, topped with a consommé built with The Donn Irish whiskey. As a further extension, a rich beef tea consommé, also infused with The Donn, is paired to perfectly complement the dish, without overpowering other elements. A glass of The Donn is also served with the dish.
“So much of what we do at Whatley Manor revolves around the food and drink, so for me, this partnership with The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. really embodies that focus, combining fantastic British Wagyu, with the exceptional Irish whiskeys that Craft produce,” said Executive Chef at Whatley Manor, Ricki Weston.
“I’ve really enjoyed the creative process, developing the dish and the rich beef tea consommé, and balancing and maximising the flavours each element of the dish offers,” Weston said. “The focus the team at Craft Place on quality and flavour is inspiring – it’s very much in line with the ethos I bring to my cooking, and the strong flavour of The Donn is an ideal accompaniment to the beef. I’m excited for our guests to enjoy our Wagyu and whiskey collaboration throughout the game season.”
The Donn is The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s fourth release, and its most accessible whiskey to date. Toasted pecan and digestive biscuits are balanced with a pop of orange zest on the nose, offering a tantalising suggestion of the rich flavours that await. Walnuts and the deep intensity of dark chocolate on the palate slip into plump raisins and rich caramel, while the creamy and full-bodied mouthfeel suggests the luxuriance of a decadent dessert with a sweetness that lingers happily in the medium to long finish.
Many of the elements of The Donn x Wagyu dish were sourced from Whatley Manor’s impressive kitchen garden, representing the property’s commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing. The Dining Room at Whatley Manor was amongst the first UK restaurants to be recognised by Michelin with their new distinction, a Green Star, in 2021.
The Donn x Wagyu dish is available as part of Chef Weston’s Chef’s Menu, priced at £175 per person. A glass of The Taoscán, another of the Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s rare single malts, can be added as a digestif, for £95.
To discover more, visit: craftirishwhiskey.com
View this post on Instagram
All imagery courtesy of Whatley Manor.