On World Whiskey Day, Leela Palace celebrates with the Connoisseur's Flight

Here's raising a toast to good spirits this weekend
On World Whiskey Day, Leela Palace celebrates with the Connoisseur's Flight

From fascinating wine flights to Champagne Hour, The Leela Palace’s bar, the Library Blu, has always been ahead of the game when it came to celebrating their fine collection of spirits. This time, they have put together a Connoisseur’s Flight, launched last Friday, which is a collection of four expertly curated flights – The Glenlevit, The Global Whisk(e)y, The Flight of Isles and the cognac series. 

Dev Thakur, the assistant Food and Beverage manager and the brain behind this idea, tells us that, “This initiative caters to not only our discerning in-house guests but to also those who would like to experiment and understand fine spirits – in fact our pricing has been kept competitive to encourage the curious.” Dev starts us off with ‘The Glenlivet’ flight (at `1800) but not before enthralling us with stories – like how they were the first distillery in their area to get a license in 1824. Expect three single measure pours,  starting with a 12 year old. Allow yourself to savour the smooth and fruity, rich golden liquid before reaching for the 15 year old that will surprise you with hints of orange peel and undertones of spice. It is only when we sip on the 18 year old that we understand Dev’s insistence on following the natural order –as it lingers on the palate and  the nose, we realise that maturity is everything.


While we would ask you to hold that thought – the next series, Flight of Isles, takes us along a fresh path. The first pour is a 10-year-old Talisker from the shores of Loch Harport. Smoky and sweet, this medium bodied single malt boasts delightful hints of minty tones and creamy oak. However the 12-year-old Caol Ila pour eclipses all previous memories of the palate. A pale blonde, it is inviting with vanilla tones, while bursting with complexities and alluringly smoky. Followed by the 16-year-old Lagavulin that has that unique cigar smokiness and does boast a longer finish than the Caol Ila — however, I am smitten by the preteen.


The Global flight panders to the popularity quotient and features a 12-year-old Chivas pour, followed by the much sought after Irish spirit, Jameson. The Woodford Reserve is again a testimony of Dev’s curating skills, as the bourbon whiskey makes for a perfect end to this flight, with its silky smooth and warm finish - telling us how triple distillation creates music on the palate The cognac series is three pours of Martell that ends with a Martell XO – intense and elegant, on Dev’s recommendation, I pop cubes of dark chocolate between sips. What can I say – my palate finds itself in a world of delicate flavours and lingering tones.

Ongoing from 5 pm onwards. At Rs 1,500 onwards. Details: 33661234
 

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