We could call it a “tasting,” but an experience in whisky guided by Pino Perrone is better described simply as an “experience.”
Pino has the ability to lead you into the world of whisky with a blend of culture, technical information, curiosities, and—last but not least—practical advice on how to best appreciate the whisky in your glass.
I’ve known Pino for a couple of years, and I had no intention of missing the chance to see him in action for the opening of the Diageo Prestige Malt Room, inside the Drink Kong cocktail bar in Monti, currently ranked 21st in the world’s 50 Best Bars.
It was an opportunity too good to pass up.
The room is a Japanese-style “Ginza Room.” The whisky labels available could easily be considered the small treasure of a collector willing to open bottles that few would dare to open.
But Patrick Pistolesi and Lorenzo Mancusi are two industry professionals, and the partnership with Diageo—represented on this occasion by Manuel Cesandri—could only result in a location perfect in every detail, from atmosphere to aesthetics, including the elegant whisky menu, and not least the way the evening was conceived.
Usually, in these articles, after a brief introduction you move on to the description of the spirits. But in true Wining.it style, I prefer to focus on everything this evening was able to convey to me.
The expectations were definitely high. Just seeing bottles of Port Ellen 40 yo in the display cases had quite an impact, but it’s Pino Perrone’s way of conducting the experience that I want to dwell on. I’ve already had the privilege of sharing some tastings with Pino, and every time I come away enriched. Enriched in culture, in curiosities to share in turn, and in my ability to better appreciate what I have in my glass.
But you know, I’m passionate about stories.
Did I taste whisky? Of course, but now I also know about the discovery of whisky by the English bourgeoisie, who had previously been devoted to cognac. As well as the link between whisky and phylloxera, or that Prohibition—from 1920 to 1933—has always been thought of as an American affair, yet it was actually in effect in other countries as well.
I also learned that it was thanks to Diageo that in 1915, after the torpedoing of submarines carrying grain, Diageo—then the owner of the yeast producers’ union—mediated with the UK government, warning of a possible collapse that could compromise bread production (!)
I could go on forever, and all of this in just one hour of presentation. I confess that when I think of Pino and whisky, the movie Johnny Mnemonic comes to mind. I’d love to absorb all his knowledge, but I still haven’t found his USB port to plug in my flash drive 😊
Okay, back to the whisky.
Pino reminds us that the olfactory approach must be gradual. That the right glass is the tulip-shaped one. That in some cases a few drops of water can be useful for a second tasting. That aromas are layered: floral first, then fruity, then earthy/peaty. And to think I believed it was simply about “drinking”…
We tasted, paired with Amberjack Uramaki, Bao with tamagoyaki, and Cheddar:
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Legendary Eight
One of the most recognizable whisky brands, the best-selling Scotch whisky in the world, with nearly 20 million cases sold annually. Among all JW products, Blue Label is the rarest and most expensive expression; this edition is a blend of single malts and single grains from 4 closed distilleries—Brora, Carsebridge, Cambus, and Port Dundas—and 4 still operating: Oban, Lagavulin, Blair Athol, and Teaninich.
Dalwhinnie 30yo
One of the highest-altitude distilleries in Scotland, originally named Strathspey, later changed to Dalwhinnie in honor of the nearby village. Its Gaelic name means “Plain of Meetings.”
Cameron Bridge 26yo
Owned by Diageo, it is the largest and oldest grain distillery in Europe. It also holds the distinction of having installed the world’s first “patent still,” an apparatus that remained in use until 1929.
And the tasting notes?
No. I’ll leave those to you for when you decide to visit the Diageo Prestige Malt Room and try something from their magnificent selection. Even if you won’t find Pino enchanting you with his stories, you’ll find Patrick, Lorenzo, and Davide, who will make your visit a true experience.
But above all—and I think it’s worth mentioning—unless you decide to go for a stellar tasting by asking to open their Port Ellen 40 yo 9 Rouge Cask, many of the whiskies on the menu are available at a very reasonable price.
Prestige Malt Room by Diageo at Drink Kong
Piazza San Martino ai Monti 8 – Rome
Every day from 6:30 PM to 2:00 AM
