Sampling the Luxe New ‘Whisky Flight’ at The Hyde Bar in Knightsbridge

Whisky, it’s a drink that often divides opinion. It’s not something that I regularly drink, nor could I name a particular favourite – but that’s not because I don’t enjoy it. It’s a form of pleasure for some and creativity for others; like mixologists who frequently use it as the base ingredient for cocktails. I think my reasoning it that I just don’t know where to start, what kind I like or which I should use with other ingredients in cocktails.

I can honestly say that this has all changed thanks to The Hyde Bar’s ‘whisky flight’ at the Park Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge. The world of whisky has been opened up to me and I’ve now found not one or two favourites, but several. Bringing a new meaning to ‘whisky flight’, the newly launched menu showcases trios of tasting whiskies inspired in origin and taste by renowned routes across the globe. Celebrated for its collection of over 130 international whiskies, The Hyde Bar’s new menu showcases smooth flavours from Taiwan, right through to the most premium 30-year aged Scotch.

Curated by Head Sommelier Santo Borzi, who’s trained in the whisky business for over 10 years, the new menu aims to introduce drinkers to flavours from across the globe. He also had this to say: “At The Hyde Bar we are well-known for our extensive whisky collection. We designed the flight menu of unique yet complementary flavours to encourage our guests to fully explore our international collection and to discover new specialities.” Santo is more than a capable Sommerlier, who knows his business very well as an aficionado of good whisky.

The whisky flights are divided into three categories, with three whiskies in each and a story that connects their style and flavour together. The ‘Silk Road’ and ‘Spice Route’ flights take their inspiration from two of the most historic trade routes bringing goods from East to West, with whiskies hailing from areas across the network.

The ‘Silk Road’ trio, include Taiwan’s The Kavalan, Japan’s The Hibiki Harmony and Scottish IPA Glenfiddish Experiment, all boasting a soft and smooth finish. A wonderful introduction to easy drinking and high quality whisky. An additional tasting of the IPA over ice with a slice of orange peel, made it even more appealing, especially for those who are still finding their whisky feet.

With this flight we shared some delicious Dorset crab Thai fish cakes from the menu, with green mango salad, lime and sweet chilli mayonnaise. The slight kick from the fish cakes was well complimented by the smooth and rounded finish of all three, but especially the IPA over ice.

The ‘Spice Route’ featured Indian Amrut whisky (aged in oak barrels), Laphroaig 10-year and Talisker 18-year. A really wonderful selection, especially the Indian Amrut which was a perfect whisky to be enjoyed with spicy food, such as the braised lamb pastilla, wrapped in filo pastry with lemon and cumin carrot salad, harissa yogurt and coriander.

Every time I think about that night, this is what I always remember first. Each had a long finish, with subtle spice, flavours of marmalade and hint of sweetness – which married with the lamb so well. Not forgetting the Talisker 18-year cocktail mixed with lemon and premium vodka. Such a simple creation, but incredibly refreshing.

The ‘Route 68’ flight is a nod to our American cousins, named after Kentucky’s famous scenic highroad. Iconic Kentucky bourbon Blanton’s (now a personal favourite), a traditional American spicy rye, as well as a small batch whiskey, ‘Route 68’ gives drinkers a taste of Kentucky’s finest.

We shared a Scottish Highland wagyu beef burger, with mature cheddar, tomato and house ketchup. The combination of the charred smokiness from the beef patty and melted cheddar paired wonderfully with the smooth caramel characteristic of the trio.

For something a little extra special, the ‘The Great 30s’ flight takes drinkers through the Scottish highlands, tasting three of the most exclusive and rarest 30-year aged whiskies. With prices to match. We finished our evening off with something rather special from the main menu in the form of an Old Fashioned, made with an 18-Year scotch blended Chivas Regal, poured directly from Hyde Bar’s very own barrel. A reason alone to return to Hyde Bar.

I cannot rate The Hyde Bar highly enough and recommend to not just whisky lovers, but anyone wanting to learn more. The bar is a welcoming place to sit, relax and enjoy nice food – with a fabulous cigar terrace to finish the evening in. It’s something of a grown up space, which is exactly what you want when enjoying a fine whisky or two. Thank you Santo for such an enjoyable experience. We’ll see you again soon!

Whisky flights include three whiskies, and range from £30 – £300 each. I was invited to review and showcase this experience.