A Night to Remember: The Shinobu x Rare Tasting Event

On the 16th of May, whisky enthusiasts and food lovers gathered at the renowned Rare Midtown restaurant for an extraordinary Shinobu x Rare Tasting event. Hosted by Chris from the JQWS  team, the evening promised an unforgettable journey through the world of exquisite drinks from the Shinobu Distillery and delectable dishes.

Setting the Stage

The venue, Rare Midtown, set the perfect ambiance for the evening—a blend of elegance and warmth that invited guests to relax and indulge in the forthcoming culinary adventure. Chris, our knowledgeable guide for the night, was ready to lead everyone through four exceptional drinks, each carefully selected to complement the evening’s menu.

The Journey Begins: Keigetsu Yuzu Sake

The event kicked off with a refreshing start. Guests were welcomed with a glass of Keigetsu Yuzu Sake, a delightful citrus-infused sake that awakened the palate and set the tone for the evening. Its bright, zesty notes were a perfect introduction, leaving everyone eager for the courses to follow.

Entrée: Roasted Field Mushrooms Paired with Shinobu 10YO Pure Malt Japanese Whisky

The first pairing of the night featured a savory entrée of roasted field mushrooms garnished with garlic butter and feta cheese. This rich, earthy dish was brilliantly paired with the Shinobu 10YO Pure Malt Japanese Whisky. The whisky’s smooth, complex flavors with hints of oak and vanilla complemented the mushrooms beautifully, enhancing the dish’s natural umami.

Main Course: O’Connor Ribeye with Shinobu 10YO Lightly Peated Pure Malt Japanese Whisky

For the main course, guests were treated to a culinary masterpiece: a 400-gram O’Connor ribeye on the bone, sourced from Gippsland’s finest free-range cattle. This succulent ribeye was served with crispy chips and a whisky-infused Rare signature base. The star pairing for this course was the Shinobu 10YO Lightly Peated Pure Malt Japanese Whisky. Its subtle smokiness and deep, robust flavor profile elevated the ribeye, creating a harmonious balance between the meat’s richness and the whisky’s intricate notes.

Dessert: Whisky & Vanilla Cream Sticky Date Pudding with The Shin 10YO Japanese Whisky

To conclude the evening on a sweet note, guests enjoyed a house-made whisky and vanilla cream sticky date pudding. This indulgent dessert was paired with The Shin 10YO Japanese Whisky, whose sweet, caramel undertones and smooth finish perfectly matched the pudding’s warmth and richness. It was a delightful end to a night of impeccable pairings.

A Night to Remember

The Shinobu x Rare Tasting event was more than just a dining experience; it was a celebration of fine whisky and gourmet cuisine. Guests not only savored the incredible food and drinks but also gained insights into the artistry behind JQWS, the Shinobu Distillery, and the culinary excellence of Rare Steakhouse.

As the evening drew to a close, the atmosphere was filled with satisfied smiles and animated conversations. It was clear that everyone had enjoyed a night full of fantastic food, exquisite whisky, and newfound knowledge.

We look forward to more events like this in the future, where we can continue to explore and celebrate the wonderful world of whisky and cuisine. Cheers to an unforgettable evening