Tasty Thursdays: Earl's Scotch Pairing Dinner

Last week, Earl's Bucks County kicked off a fabulous new monthly series called Tasty Thursdays. Once a month, the talented chefs of Earl's are preparing an adventure for your tastebuds- pairing a custom five course menu with specific beverages- from scotch to beer to tequila. For their debut event in March, Earl's worked with Laphroaig & Ardmore Single Malt Scotches. Though I must admit I am generally not a scotch drinker, at Bucks Happening we love the food at Earl's Bucks County and couldn't fathom missing this experience.

Jesse demonstrates the smell of burning peat, an essential ingrediant in Scotch

Over 30 people had gathered on what Laphroaig representative Jesse Fabian had pointed out was the perfect day- wet and cold- to appreciate fine scotch. Jesse's passion for Laphroaig was apparent throughout his presentation. He broke down the scotch-making process, letting us taste the malted barley and smell the burning peat used by Laphroaig, which is uniquely made of mosses; seaweed; and heather.

Each course was an intricate experience in itself with layers of flavor and texture in each dish to perfectly pair with the selected scotch. Jesse came around to each table and patiently answered all of our questions (even my Scotch 101 doozies like “How do I hold this?”). Not only was every single one of the five courses incredible and unlike anything I had ever tasted, but each highlighted the distinct characteristics of the accompanying scotch. Flavors ranged from smoky to salty to floral, and though I am not a scotch drinker, I gained an appreciation for the traditions & complexities of the beverage.

In contrast to my inexperience, on hand at the event were members of the Top Shelf Tasters, a Bucks County based scotch and beer tasting club. With expert palates and plenty of passion for fine scotch, they could surely enjoy the complexities of the evening. Take a look at the amazing pairing menu featured at the Scotch Pairing event below.

First Course – paired with Ardmore Highland

Scallop/Salmon/Fried Oyster/Spicy Cabbage/Tarragon Cream/Pink Grapefruit

Second Course- paired with Laphroaig 10 yr

Mushroom Risotto/Duck Confit/Ostrich Fillet/Spinach Pesto/Cherry Gastric

Third Course- paired with Laphroaig Quarter Cask

Salmon Three Ways/Cut Oats/Wheat Berries/Spring Pea Coulis/Lime Cream

Fourth Course- paired with Laphroaig 18 yr Short

Rib/Turnip/Parsnips/Potato/Stout Veal Reduction Fifth Course- paired with Courvoisier Chocolate Lingonberry Crème Brûlée

If you missed the scotch pairing, don't fret because there are plenty of opportunities to join in Earl's Bucks County events in the future. Check out their upcoming Tasty Thursday schedule below and call 215-794-4010 to make reservations. See you there!

April 28 – Riverhorse Brewing Company | Lambertville, NJ $60 per person (plus tax & gratuity)

May 26 – Sauza Tequila, $60 per person (plus tax & gratuity)

June 30 – Duckhorn Vineyard | Napa Valley, CA, $70 per person (plus tax & gratuity)

July 28 – Bourbon BBQ featuring Jim Beam Family of Small Batch, $60 per person (plus tax & gratuity)