In a creative partnership that embraces the spirit of experimentation, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has joined forces with the esteemed Edinburgh gelateria, Joelato. The outcome of this intriguing collaboration is an avant-garde sorbet, drawing inspiration from the newly introduced chilli-infused dram.
Marking its momentous 40th anniversary, the whisky club has unveiled an exclusive and incendiary chilli-infused libation christened Exp.01. This limited-edition bottling serves as a centerpiece in the Society’s celebratory repertoire.
The foundation of the unconventional sorbet, known as Pink Grapefruit Derby, is none other than the audacious Exp.01. Crafted through a harmonious fusion of the whisky and culinary realms, Joelato’s gelato maestro, Joe Sykes, embarked on a gastronomic journey within the precincts of the gelateria’s test kitchens in Perthshire. There, he artfully combined elements of the spirited Exp.01 to curate this cocktail-inspired frozen delight.
Exp.01 itself is the result of an audacious undertaking, entailing the infusion of approximately 100 Scotch bonnet chilli peppers into a cask housing a ten-year-old single malt whisky. Subsequently, the concoction matured for an impressive 17-year period, yielding a robustly spirited outcome. Exhibiting a distinctive peppery vigor underscored by a nuanced essence of sweet paprika, Exp.01 culminates in an impeccably smooth finish. With an impressive alcohol by volume (ABV) of 55.6%, this expression has been meticulously bottled in compact 10cl containers reminiscent of hot sauce vessels.
Looking ahead, Joelato is diligently preparing to concoct an additional batch of the Pink Grapefruit Derby sorbet. This delectable creation is poised to delight SMWS members during The Gathering, an upcoming affair hosted at The Vaults, scheduled next month. The event, serving as a commemoration of the Society’s four decades of excellence, promises an immersive experience that marries innovative whisky craftsmanship with imaginative culinary artistry.
