Last updated: 29 July 2023
Update: Sadly, Mussel Men has permanently closed. We’ve kept this post live to allow you to see what a visit back in 2015 was like.
Have you ever experienced an Oyster Luge? Actually, have you ever heard of an Oyster Luge? No? Ok, I’ll give you a clue then. It’s not a Winter Olympic event or even a new flaming shot at the hipster bar around the corner it’s something so much better than that. There is, however, a condition (or a pre-requisite perhaps) before you can find out about an Oyster Luge, you must love whisky and you must love oysters.
Oysters + Bowmore Whisky = Oyster Luge
Thanks to Liquor to Lips, Roma and I were lucky enough to take part in an afternoon of Bowmore whisky tasting and oyster-shucking in the courtyard of Mussel Men in Dalston, London.
As we made our way through the busy dining area surrounded by hungry patrons digging into their many mussels we emerged in an outside courtyard and greeted by the very friendly Kate who introduced us to our Bowmore Whisky expert, Amanda.
Taking a seat at one of the very elegantly laid out tables, we started to have a look through all the information right there in front of us. The first thing I noticed, just as any other whisky-lover would, were the moulded glasses inscribed with the Bowmore logo and the familiar and (very) welcome aroma of single malt Scotch whisky.
Amanda provided us an overview of the rich history of Bowmore and explained that it was the first recorded distillery in Islay and one of the oldest in Scotland. Our expert went on to explain that Islay malt is known for its peaty smokiness and that the distillery still smokes its malt in peat-fired kilns, just as they have done for centuries.
Now, I don’t know about you but all this appreciation for history and tradition made me thirsty so it was a good thing that what followed next was the taste testing. And to make things even more exciting, we were told that we were going to sample 3 varieties of Bowmore Whisky…
First up was the Bowmore Small Batch, a whisky which is matured in ex-bourbon barrels. Now my personal drink of choice is American bourbon so having the chance to sample Scotch Whisky aged in bourbon barrels seemed to be a match made in heaven. And the result?
It was just what you think heaven would taste like…
Following on from Small Batch was Bowmore 12 Years, which had a much darker colour due to the extra ageing and you could tell just from the colour that you were in for a treat. From the aroma alone you could smell the smokiness and the honey and it warmed you from the tips of your ears to the tip of your toes.
And last but by no means least was the Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’ a wonderfully unique whisky. It spends the final 3 years of ageing in Oloroso sherry casks which gives the whisky its deep colour. Now this one was everyone’s favourite and whilst I enjoyed it, I felt that the Bowmore 12 Years was a more balanced whisky and my personal favourite.
So what could possibly make an afternoon of whisky tasting even better? By introducing oysters into the mix, of course! We were introduced to famous Captain Bob, owner of Mussel Men who not only has a fierce reputation for engaging in many a round of Thumb Wars but an even mightier reputation for serving up some amazing seafood!
Captain Bob provided us with insights into the world of oysters, where you tend to find them, what the difference was between good and bad oysters, and how to open (or shuck) them properly.
It was interesting to hear what it takes to shuck an oyster properly because every time I see someone at Borough Market do it, it looks pretty easy to me. I mean seriously, how hard could it be?
I was wrong
I think it might have been at the moment I was wriggling my hand into a chain mail glove and being given a knife that I realised that I was out of my element and there was a good chance I was going home missing a digit… however under the tutelage of Captain Bob I was able to shuck my first oyster and I (and more importantly, everyone else) still had all fingers intact!
Now, what’s the best way to conclude an afternoon of whisky-tasting and oyster shucking? Combine them both to create a completely unique and utterly delicious creation – the Oyster Luge.
- Step 1: Sip the oyster brine
- Step 2: Sip the Bowmore.
- Step 3: Eat the oyster
- Step 4: Swirl the oyster shell with Bowmore
- Step 5: Repeat
The Essentials
Bowmore & Oysters at London Cocktail Week
- Where: Mussel Men can be found at 584 Kingsland Road, London E8 4AH. Visit London Cocktail Week for more information on future events.
- When: #LCW has wrapped up for 2015. Mussel Men is open year round.
- Verdict: Oyster shucking AND whisky? What more can I guy want? Highly recommended!
Disclaimer: While we were guests of Liquor to Lips, all opinions, as always, are our own.
