Ballymaloe supports Ukrainian cause

Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen great initiatives by chefs and restaurants across the country in support of the crisis in the Ukraine.

Now, Ballymaloe has joined the case, with head chef Dervilla O'Flynn and head chef of Goldie fish restaurant in Cork city centre Aishling Moore combining their culinary expertise to create a tantalising meal for diners.

Taking in the beautiful surroundings of Ballymaloe House on 15 March, the evening will begin with a welcome cocktail, sponsored by Jameson, followed by a four-course meal.

Also supported by local producers, tickets are €100 per person and 100% of proceeds will go to Medical Help Ukraine. To purchase tickets, contact Ballymaloe on 021-465 2531.

Coffee and whiskey, the ultimate combination

Northern Ireland-based coffee vanguards Established Coffee and iconic distillers Bushmills Irish Whiskey have launched an exciting collaboration and product offering for coffee and whiskey enthusiasts.

Established Coffee x Bushmills ‘Black Bush Blend

‘Black Bush Blend’, an Irish whiskey barrell coffee blend, is the result of months of work, research, testing, tasting and many sleepless nights.

The limited-edition coffee was officially launched on 3 March – International Irish Whiskey Day – to 550 guests at an immersive virtual experience called Black Bush Stories.

Within 15 minutes of sampling, the first batch of coffee had sold out on Established’s website, prompting a restock of product which is now available on https://established.coffee.

The coffee is a single origin coffee from a farm in Brazil called Daterra. It is a Peaberry lot called Pearl.

The green coffee has been aged in Black Bush olorosso sherry cask and bourbon barrels provided by The Old Bushmills Distillery - the world’s oldest licenced whiskey distillery - which is then roasted and blended together.

As in the ageing of Black Bush, the barrels add soft fruit notes of apple and plum, with an aromatic vanilla note too. The coffee has also taken on a slight fermented aromatic note while maintaining a rich, syrupy body with notes of chocolate that comes from the green coffee itself.