Kevin Tan likes his whisky neat—specifically The Dalmore, the Scottish distillery acquired by his family’s Emperador Distillers, Inc. under their Alliance Global Group, Inc. The 37-year-old Alliance Global executive director and Megaworld senior vice president likes to host lunches and dinners every few weeks with select friends at his home. It is where he can customize the gathering the way he wants it to be.
Lately, it’s been at the Dalmore Lounge. While drinks are often accoutrement to the dishes served here, the whisky is the focal point and the dishes are crafted around it—for better appreciation. When they asked Margarita Fores to cater one of his dinners, she infused the whisky in the dishes served. There was roast Blackmore short rib porcini confit with Philippine chocolate-Dalmore jus, palm heart porcini ragu, served with garlic heirloom brown rice, sigarillas and squash flowers. Kevin also likes to bring out personal favorites, which include the Dalmore 15 Years and the King Alexander III. “I enjoy a sumptuous steak with the King beside it,” he says. “I also enjoy the King with a dark chocolate dessert.”
Kevin’s get-togethers are intimate. He likes to mix new and old friends to allow everyone to get to know each other. “Conversation is the soul of every gathering,” he says. “I’m also very particular about the music.”
Kevin Tan’s Tips On Hosting A Whisky-Pairing Session:
- “A grand dinner is usually paired with luxurious whisky—The Dalmore being my favorite.”
- “In an even more grandiose dinner, each course is paired with a corresponding expression of The Dalmore.”
- A good cohiba or partagas cigar with The Dalmore Cigar Malt is the perfect way to end the evening.”
Text by Cheryl Tiu
Photography by MJ Suayan
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