If you thought Champagne was the only great match to seafood, you’ll want to sign up for this exclusive pop-up dinner next month.

The Taste of Talisker event will explore the unbeatable combination of fresh, sustainable seafood and superb single malt whiskies. It’s a pairing that promises to transport you straight to the Scottish isles.

Saint Peter restaurateur and fish whisperer Josh Niland has put together a special fin-to-scale feast just for the occasion, inspired by the sweet and smoky flavours found in Talisker.

Diners can expect some fascinating matches, from salt and vinegar garfish with Talisker 10YO to calamari cooked over the coals washed down with Talisker Storm. The main event will be the King George whiting with a finger lime and chive dressing, perfectly complemented by a tipple of Talisker Skye.

Beyond the three-course dinner, guests can prop themselves up at the bar for a two-hour guided whisky tasting, paired with bar snacks by Josh Niland.

The event will come to life at Talisker’s Boathouse, a pop-up restaurant at the Q Station in Manly, backdropped by the rocky coastal cliffs of North Head. One more whisky and you’ll swear you’re at the Talisker distillery on the Isle of Skye itself.

Chef Josh Niland says: “I wanted to capture the wild spirit of the sea paired with key aromas of Talisker – smoke, spice and a sense of sea salt spray in the morning after a storm. Years of maturation made by the sea has lent a full flavour to this bold dram and this menu celebrates Talisker’s rich flavours while honouring the sea in a sustainable and ethical way.”

Katie Nagar, Talisker National Brand Ambassador, says: “With its distinctively maritime flavours and its commitment to preserving marine ecosystems, Talisker makes the perfect partner to Josh Niland’s culinary innovations and his revolutionary approach to sustainable seafood.

Restaurant review: Saint Peter ranked 2nd in the 2022 delicious. 100

“Every sip of Talisker is a taste of the Isle of Skye itself, one of the most remote, windswept yet beautiful landscapes in Scotland that Talisker calls home. This powerful single malt whisky, with a sea-salty nose, spicy complexity, smoky sweet character and signature peppery finish is like a warm welcome from a wild sea and best enjoyed surrounded by nature.”

The Taste of Talisker three-course dinner will be held at the Q Station Manly on October 21 from 5:30pm, with tickets priced at $195. The Made by the Sea whisky tasting experience will also be held at the Q Station Manly on October 22 between 12pm – 9:30pm, with tickets priced at $100. Bookings open on Monday, September 26. For more info, head here.

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