In a sizzling collaboration this August, Ardbeg and Acme Fire Cult in Dalston are igniting the grill to unveil Ardbeg’s first-ever barbecue-inspired limited edition whisky, BizarreBQ.
The fiery connection between grilling and distilling – both centred around the element of fire – makes BizarreBQ, a single malt scotch whisky, the ultimate companion to the live-fire concept at Acme Fire Cult.
A Whisky Made for Smoky Delights: Ardbeg BizarreBQ
Crafted to perfectly complement smoky food, Ardbeg BizarreBQ is set to take the stage from 1st August 2023 with an exclusive cocktail menu, curated by the acclaimed bar manager at Acme Fire Cult, Jamie Barter.
The menu will showcase tantalizing concoctions, including the zesty ‘Harissa Penicillin,’ a blend of citrus, honey, and ginger; the refreshing ‘Mid-Summer Highball,’ a delightful combination of vermouth and elderflower; and the delectable ‘Slushie Affogato,’ offering a smoky twist on the classic salted-caramel coffee and vanilla-based serve.
Throughout August, this cocktail menu will be the perfect accompaniment to the one-of-a-kind dessert pairing, featuring a dram of Ardbeg’s limited edition BizarreBQ whisky, alongside a peated malt and brown butter cake, caramel, and Ardbeg poached plums with praline cream, creating the ultimate summer BBQ experience.
A Unique Culinary Experience at Acme Fire Cult
At Acme Fire Cult, chefs Andrew Clarke and Daniel Watkins embrace a distinctive approach to live-fire cooking, where vegetables share the spotlight alongside rare and native breed meats sourced from regenerative farms and dayboat fish, all grilled to perfection on the outdoor grill.
By incorporating beer by-products from their sister venue, 40FT Brewery, Acme Fire Cult achieves a seamless fusion of food and drink, making it the ideal venue to explore the distinctive flavour profile of Ardbeg BizarreBQ – the distillery’s pioneering barbecue-inspired whisky.
A Visionary Mural by Mr Cenz: A Feast for the Eyes
As a visual feast to accompany the smoky indulgence, a bespoke mural inspired by Ardbeg BizarreBQ and designed by the talented graffiti artist, Mr Cenz (Julian Phethean), adorns the walls of Acme Fire Cult, enhancing the dining experience with captivating artistry.
Ardbeg BizarreBQ comes to life through a meticulous process involving double-charred oak casks, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, and unique Ardbeg BBQ casks. This extraordinary combination gives rise to a medley of sweet, tangy, and savoury notes that perfectly capture the essence of smoky barbecue.
The inspiration behind this unique whisky emerges from Ardbeg’s ongoing collaboration with the renowned BBQ chef, Christian Stevenson, also known as DJ BBQ. With their shared passion for smoke and its diverse flavour possibilities, Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden, joined forces with DJ BBQ to bring BizarreBQ to fruition. The result is a single malt whisky that delivers a robust, peaty punch, harmoniously complementing the delectable essence of barbecue cuisine.
Embrace the Extraordinary
This August, a visit to Acme Fire Cult promises a culinary adventure like no other. Relish the mouthwatering dishes fresh off the coals and embark on a whisky-tasting journey with Ardbeg’s BizarreBQ. The exclusive cocktail menu and dessert pairing will be available at Acme Fire Cult, Abbot St, London E8 3DP, from 1st August to 31st August 2023. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the summer with the perfect fusion of smoky indulgence and exceptional whisky craftsmanship.