Laphroaig whisky, renowned for its rich Scottish heritage and peaty profile, is hosting an exclusive event this month in partnership with Kiwi culinary pioneer – The Hāngi Master, Rewi Spraggon.
Tales of Peat, Salt and Fire will be a unique drinking and dining experience at Mechanics Bay on the Waitematā Harbour – a coastal location taking inspiration from Islay where Laphroaig has been distilled for over 200 years.
Guests will enjoy an extensive menu that embodies Laphroaig’s distinctive flavours, a suite of paired Laphroaig drams and cocktails with a guided tasting and a Laphroaig gift bag to take home.
Celebrated chef Rewi will host the evening and has created an inspired selection of dishes that will be cooked onsite using the ancient Māori practice of hāngi. Like Laphroaig, the technique uses elements of earth, salt and fire in its preparation and is rooted in deep tradition that has been passed down through generations.
Canapés will comprise locally sourced fresh seafood, meat, and produce including Clevedon oysters with chilli, lime, and Laphroaig, smoked cream Pāua, Kingfish ceviche with coconut and cucumber, Laphroaig smoked lamb rack, buffalo wings, and pork belly bao.
Mains, which have been designed to share, include beef cheek with pumpkin, pork belly with apple caramel, vegetable mélange, and char-grilled broccolini, while desserts feature honey mascarpone with a Laphroaig infused steam pudding and Kawakawa ice cream with lemon curd and smashed meringue.
Rewi says the event promises to be an experience that transports guests to a world where the land meets the sea, putting a uniquely Kiwi lens on the strong flavour profile Laphroaig is known for.
“For me, cooking is all about bringing people together for a memorable experience. There is something special about sharing a great meal with friends and family,” he says.
“It’s my passion to hold true to the ancient traditions of hāngi cooking. I was taught by my father who was taught by my mum’s father and ancestors before – hāngi masters of the past. Some of the rocks I use today have been in my family for over 80 years and have fed thousands of people.”
Rewi, who has been a devoted fan of Laphroaig for over 20 years, says he finds inspiration by going beyond the status quo and retaining the mātauranga (knowledge) for future generations.
“It’s such a privilege to partner with Laphroaig – it’s been my favourite whisky for as long as I can remember. I can’t wait to take Kiwis on an adventure of flavour through our collaboration.”
Throughout the event, Rewi will regale guests with tales from his life and career, stories of key characters who have helped shape him, advice on how he stays inspired and what he’s most excited about for the future.
Laphroaig brand ambassador Rory Donnelly will also take attendees through a guided tasting of the single malt whisky while sharing stories about the brand and the bold flavour characters.
“From its humble farm beginnings in 1815 to today, the secret to Laphroaig’s flavour can be found in the essence of Islay itself—peat,” he says.
“This, married with the salty notes from the Atlantic Ocean and cold smoking of the barley, gives the whisky its iconic taste. Every sip smothers the senses with an outstanding smoky flavour, followed by hints of seaweed and a long finish with surprising sweetness. There’s nothing else in the world like it.”
WHAT: Laphroaig presents Tales of Peat, Salt and Fire
WHEN: Saturday October 28th 2023, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
WHERE: Mechanics Bay Event Space, 1 Solent Street, Auckland
TICKETS: $220 per person available at Eventbrite
Each ticket includes a large selection of canapés, mains, and desserts, a selection of six drams and Laphroaig cocktails, and a Laphroaig giftbag to take home.
