Review: Glenfiddich Experiments at Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad was all about savouring three brand new Elixirs

Last week we attended an exclusive dinner and drinks session at Taj Falaknuma Palace that brought the best of cocktails and appetisers to the fore. Glenfiddich Experiments, held against the exquisite backdrop of the palatial property, was all about getting a royal dining experience with the newly launched Elixirs by the single-malt label. They launched three Elixirs, created in association with Delhi-based Bina Ramani’s Malabar Secrets — Bitter Sweet Symphony, Dufftown Confluence and Sweet Obsession. 

Designed to heighten the experience of whisky drinking, these aromatic mixers have been formulated by bringing together fine ingredients such as the fragrant Mysore jasmine, spicy Malabar clove, Kerala black pepper, cinnamon from the Western Ghats, bitter orange from Nagpur, the Kashmir peach, spiced coriander from Karnataka and other handpicked spices to get the perfect aroma.

While the drinks menu was curated by Glenfiddich India Brand Ambassador, Angad Singh Gandhi, the menu was helmed by the plush hotel. “It took me some time to go to 11 different labs in India and eventually we settled for Malabar Secrets. The coming together of these were based on the flavours and the existing flavour profile of Glenfiddich 12-year-old,” says Angad.  We paired it with scrumptious short eats like Sausage and Prune with Pommery Mustard Dressing and Bite sized Bhatti ka MurghTikka — which were succulent to the core. The hint of Indian spices elevates the flavour profile of the Elixirs, we noticed. The seafood starter that was served next —Panko Crusted Fried Prawns with Wasabi Mayo — must be paired with single-malt-based cocktails or the drink on the rocks with a few drops of Dufftown Confluence elixir. 

The Akki Roti topped with avocado, edamame and feta was our favourite because this snack was quite fresh. It went well with Glenfiddich Number 12 and a hint of Sweet Obsession elixir. The main courses that we tried from the live station were  Chicken Shawarma and Telangana Tawa Fried Fish. If you like it spicy, they customise it exactly as you want it. It goes well with one of their cocktails, which is sweeter than the rest — Plumfiddich. The fruity concoction was just the sweet finale we hoped for. 

The Elixirs and the food menu is available at At Taj Falaknuma Palace.Price on request.