There’s nothing more satisfying than a good whisky after a long, hard day. Actually, wait a minute; Let me paraphrase that. There’s nothing more satisfying than a good whisky on any given day and not just any whisky, but one of the most highly revered whisky brands in the world, and that whisky is Macallan single malt scotch whisky. When you splurge on a whisky, you must consider two things- share it with great company and most importantly, food. What you eat with it makes all the difference.

Hemingways Nairobi, a luxury five Star boutique hotel that prides itself in providing exceptional guest experiences and service, ensuring the utmost comfort and luxury, partnered with Dada Maseko, The Macallan Whisky Brand Ambassador – Sub-Sahara Africa to bring us a night of elegant simplicity and dining excellence.

It was an evening of distinct tastes and aromas with a menu carefully prepared by the executive Chef Archie Alvin Athanasius at Hemingways Nairobi and well paired with the exquisite The Macallan range of fine Whisky, just like the Scotts know it and not Whiskey like everyone else. Adding an extra vowel “e” wastes a good drinking time.

Macallan’s exceptional oak casks are the single greatest contributor to its outstanding quality, natural colours and distinctive aromas and flavours. Like one Haruki Murakami once said, “Whisky, like a beautiful woman, demands appreciation. You gaze first, then it’s time to drink.”

According to Chef Archie, the main inspiration behind the starters (Seared Scallop/ Ostrich Carpaccio “Nicoise”) was to combine the raw game bird with a fish base salad to blend with the vanilla and citrus notes of the whisky.

For the mains, Fillet of Atlantic Salmon “Ala Plancha”/ Pan roasted Beef Filet Mignons, Chef Archie’s inspiration on these dishes was to have a smoked component on the beef and freshness of the salmon and Lemon grass infusion which should have lifted vibrate orange and chocolate characteristics of the Macallan 15 years whisky.

Finally, the Trio of Hemingway’s Dessert was truly the best of the dessert and was served with the 18-year-old Macallan.

It was truly a one of a kind evening hosted at the Hemingways Cellar, showcasing Macallan’s defining strengths—sherry seasoned oak casks and natural colour paired well with delightful scrumptious meal.

Did you know that an unopened, a bottle of scotch can last more than 100 years? As long as the bottle is sealed, you can gift that special selection to your great-great-grandchildren. Thank goodness for that, because a world without scotch is far too terrible to imagine.

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” ― Virginia Woolf.