At Michael Johns, we believe that every dining experience should be a celebration of flavors and fine spirits. That’s why, this November, we’ve carefully curated a selection of high-class Scotch whiskies to elevate your evening. Our Scotch highlight features two remarkable spirits, the Balvenie 16-Year-Old French Oak and the Laphroaig 25-Year-Old, each offering a journey through the rich history and diverse flavors of Scotland’s renowned Scotch whisky culture.
Aged to Perfection: Exploring the Elegance of Laphroaig 25-Year-Old
Background
Laphroaig 25-Year-Old is originally from the Laphroaig Distillery. Located on the southern coast of the Isle of Islay in Scotland. Scotland is the home of the production of high-quality and world-renowned Scotch whisky. These single malts contain a strong and smoky profile for guests to enjoy.
Tasting Notes & Flavor Profiles
Laphroaig invites a rich, smoky aroma infused with a delicate sweetness. This liquor has prominent notes of peat smoke, seaweed, and hints of dried fruits and oak from the Oloroso sherry barrels that the scotch matures in over time.
Laphroaig contains an exquisite blend of smokiness and sweetness on the palate with layers of peat, charred oak, and honeyed malt. This scotch showcases a harmony of flavors, including tropical fruits, figs, and a subtle hint of spices.
The beautifully balanced whiskey holds a profound depth of character in its finish, leaving a pleasant smokiness and a subtle, drying oakiness.
The Aging Process & Maturation
This scotch spends a quarter of a century in ex-Bourbon casks and Oloroso sherry barrels to mature to the perfect amber liquor that it is. During its aging process, the cask-strength single malt develops its dominant flavors that are extracted from its barrel.
MJs Pairing & Enjoyment
We prefer that guests pair the Laphroaig with our Pittsburgh New York strip steak finished with melted gorgonzola blue cheese. The gorgonzola cheese is not as sharp as some blue cheeses. It’s more earthy that pairs well with the smokiness of the scotch. For the Pittsburgh, ask for it to be lightly charred steak to match the pepper and smoke flavors of the scotch.
Notable Awards
This luxurious agreed scotch has won high scores and honors at whiskey competitions and tasting events. Laphroaig has received golden medals at the San Fransisco World Spirits Competition and the International Wine and Spirit Competition
Balvenie 16-Year-Old French Oak: A Symphony of Flavors
Background
The Balvenie 16-Year-Old French Oak was born from The Balvenie Distillery in Dufftown, Scotland. The Balvenie Distillery is a well-respected and traditional distillery with a history dating back to the 19th century. Known for producing a range of single malt whiskies, like the marvelous Balvenie 16-Year-Old French Oak.
Tasting Notes & Flavor Profiles
The Balvenie 16-year-old French Oak is known for its rich and robust flavor profile. With a combination of fruity and spicy notes. In every sip, you can expect flavors of dried fruits, vanilla, honey, cinnamon, and a hint of oak. Balvenie has a sweet and fragrant aroma containing notes of apple, floral honey, and a touch of spice. This scotch has a beautiful balance of light floral notes and a citrusy tang to be enjoyed at every sip.
The Aging Process & Maturation
Balvenie is aged in French Oak casks. This allows for a different dimension of flavor to be added to this scotch that not many whiskies maturing in American oak can capture. The minimum age for Balvenie whisky is 16 years. Doing this helps develop a more complex and refined profile.
MJs Pairing & Enjoyment
This scotch has the perfect notes and flavors to be paired with a multitude of dishes here at Michael Johns. Baked Brie is a perfect example of this. The fruitiness of the scotch pairs great with the creaminess of the brie. Sipping the scotch, it matches well with the honey, raspberries, and added sweetness of the candied pecans.
Another perfect savory pairing for this scotch is a pan-seared salmon with a port wine reduction. The French oak pairs very well with the slightly fattiness of Salmon. Port wine reduction adds to the caramel and light malt flavors of the scotch.
Conclusion
These Scotch highlights at MJ’s are not just beverages; they are experiences that invite you to savor, sip, and explore the elegance of Scotch whisky. Join us this November and embark on a journey through the flavors and traditions of Scotland’s finest spirits.
Whether you choose the Laphroaig 25-Year-Old or the Balvenie 16-Year-Old French Oak, each sip is an ode to the craftsmanship and artistry that go into creating these magnificent whiskies. Cheers to an evening of Scotch sophistication and unforgettable culinary pairings at Michael Johns.
About Michael John’s (MJs)
Established in 2006, Michael Johns, or MJ’s as its local following knows it, is a fine dining Top Sarasota/Manatee French-American Steakhouse restaurant that serves beer, wine, cocktails, and hearty food. One of Bradenton’s best steak restaurants, Michael John, prepares house-aged Iowa, USDA Prime cuts of beef, and incredibly fresh local seafood.
At Michael John’s, it’s about food— and company—and the enjoyment of both. Bon Appétit. Michael John’s is where our guests’ genuine care and comfort are our highest mission. We pledge to provide the finest personal service for our guests, who will always enjoy a warm, relaxed, yet refined ambiance.