As part of a global initiative to support local coastal communities in the wake of the pandemic, Talisker has stepped into the growing trend of fine-dining from the comfort of your own home.
The Skye single malt Scotch whisky brand has partnered with Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd to provide a new 'at home' whisky and oyster pairing experience, which will raise funds for The Fishermen’s Mission. The charity provides practical and financial support to coastal finishing communities spread across Great Britain.
Talisker is aiming to encourage others within the on-trade to take part in the scheme, offering support to their local coastal communities and also driving engagement with this new delivery offering alternative.
Whisky Magazine caught up with Talisker’s global scotch whisky ambassador, Ervin Trykowski to find out more about this new partnership.
Whisky Magazine (WM): How did you discover that oysters and Talisker make a great pairing?
Ervin Trykowski (ET): I first discovered the Talisker Oyster Ritual pairing when I was running a seafood restaurant called the Finnieston, in Glasgow. It was here, eight years ago, where I discovered just how incredible the pairing was. This combination absolutely sings of the characteristics that you find in Talisker and prepares your palate for all the flavour notes to come. As soon as you crack open the oyster, you’re transported straight to the home of Talisker overlooking Loch Harport, savouring 10-year-old whisky and delicious, fresh oysters. For me, it’s one of the greatest pairings on the planet.
WM: How would you describe the specific flavour of Loch Fyne oysters?
ET: The taste of an individual oyster very much reflects the environment it is in. A perfect pairing with Talisker whisky offers a sweet, spicy, flavour rounded off with a smoky and peppery finale.
WM: How would you describe Talisker’s spirit style?
ET: Talisker’s spirit style is truly wild and very unique to the island it’s produced on. This beautifully rugged creation is made on the remote shores of the Isle of Skye and is celebrated for its famously rich and powerful peat-smoke flavour as well as hints of sea salt.
WM: Why do you feel Talisker and oysters pair well?
ET: Made by the sea, Talisker has always naturally paired well with fresh seafood; when savoured with oysters, it’s sweet, smoky and salty profile really comes to the forefront. As soon as you begin the ritual, you’re transported to the Isle of Skye – the flavours are really evocative of the distillery and this pairing has an amazing ability to take you there, even if you’ve never been before.
WM: Many people are intimidated by oysters because learning to shuck takes a bit of effort — any tips?
ET: I was actually taught how to shuck an oyster very recently by a chef based in New York via zoom. I’m still honing my skills, but I do have an ornate brown and silver oyster shucking knife that I use at home – you’re meant to stick the knife into the back part of the oyster until you can lift it up, then rotate it round. This was a real game changer for me.
WM: Why was the Fisherman’s Mission chosen as the beneficiary of this charitable promotion?
ET: The Fisherman’s Mission works closely with both active and retired fishermen across the UK; it’s been a really tough time for us all and fisherman have been hit hard. The pandemic has led to the closure of fish markets as well as the on-trade, which has led to a collapse in the supply chain for UK fish. We are delighted to be a part of this campaign and hope that it makes a positive impact.
Further Information
The limited edition Talisker & Oyster Signature Pairing Kit is available to purchase through Loch Fyne Oyster’s at-home delivery service and consists of two Talisker 5cl bottles along with one dozen oysters and costs £12 plus delivery.
Instructions on how to shuck the oysters, as well as access to an online video for a tasting tutorial, are also included. The kits are now available to purchase through Loch Fyne Oyster’s company website: www.lochfyne.com
What's more, each time a photo of a Talisker & Oyster Signature Pairing Kit is shared via social media, using the hashtag #SHUCKTOGETHER, Talisker will pledge £1 to The Fishermen's Mission.
The Skye single malt Scotch whisky brand has partnered with Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd to provide a new 'at home' whisky and oyster pairing experience, which will raise funds for The Fishermen’s Mission. The charity provides practical and financial support to coastal finishing communities spread across Great Britain.
Talisker is aiming to encourage others within the on-trade to take part in the scheme, offering support to their local coastal communities and also driving engagement with this new delivery offering alternative.
Whisky Magazine caught up with Talisker’s global scotch whisky ambassador, Ervin Trykowski to find out more about this new partnership.
Whisky Magazine (WM): How did you discover that oysters and Talisker make a great pairing?
Ervin Trykowski (ET): I first discovered the Talisker Oyster Ritual pairing when I was running a seafood restaurant called the Finnieston, in Glasgow. It was here, eight years ago, where I discovered just how incredible the pairing was. This combination absolutely sings of the characteristics that you find in Talisker and prepares your palate for all the flavour notes to come. As soon as you crack open the oyster, you’re transported straight to the home of Talisker overlooking Loch Harport, savouring 10-year-old whisky and delicious, fresh oysters. For me, it’s one of the greatest pairings on the planet.
WM: How would you describe the specific flavour of Loch Fyne oysters?
ET: The taste of an individual oyster very much reflects the environment it is in. A perfect pairing with Talisker whisky offers a sweet, spicy, flavour rounded off with a smoky and peppery finale.
WM: How would you describe Talisker’s spirit style?
ET: Talisker’s spirit style is truly wild and very unique to the island it’s produced on. This beautifully rugged creation is made on the remote shores of the Isle of Skye and is celebrated for its famously rich and powerful peat-smoke flavour as well as hints of sea salt.
WM: Why do you feel Talisker and oysters pair well?
ET: Made by the sea, Talisker has always naturally paired well with fresh seafood; when savoured with oysters, it’s sweet, smoky and salty profile really comes to the forefront. As soon as you begin the ritual, you’re transported to the Isle of Skye – the flavours are really evocative of the distillery and this pairing has an amazing ability to take you there, even if you’ve never been before.
WM: Many people are intimidated by oysters because learning to shuck takes a bit of effort — any tips?
ET: I was actually taught how to shuck an oyster very recently by a chef based in New York via zoom. I’m still honing my skills, but I do have an ornate brown and silver oyster shucking knife that I use at home – you’re meant to stick the knife into the back part of the oyster until you can lift it up, then rotate it round. This was a real game changer for me.
WM: Why was the Fisherman’s Mission chosen as the beneficiary of this charitable promotion?
ET: The Fisherman’s Mission works closely with both active and retired fishermen across the UK; it’s been a really tough time for us all and fisherman have been hit hard. The pandemic has led to the closure of fish markets as well as the on-trade, which has led to a collapse in the supply chain for UK fish. We are delighted to be a part of this campaign and hope that it makes a positive impact.
Further Information
The limited edition Talisker & Oyster Signature Pairing Kit is available to purchase through Loch Fyne Oyster’s at-home delivery service and consists of two Talisker 5cl bottles along with one dozen oysters and costs £12 plus delivery.
Instructions on how to shuck the oysters, as well as access to an online video for a tasting tutorial, are also included. The kits are now available to purchase through Loch Fyne Oyster’s company website: www.lochfyne.com
What's more, each time a photo of a Talisker & Oyster Signature Pairing Kit is shared via social media, using the hashtag #SHUCKTOGETHER, Talisker will pledge £1 to The Fishermen's Mission.
