Tasting Panel Notes

Robust indeed, this proved a bit too forthright for some Panellists, while others couldn't get enough of it. From a deep bowl of shiitake ramen, our noses feasted on coal dust, crispy seaweed dipped in mezcal, new tyres and pink peppercorns. The palate transported the Panel to a lunch with the team from SMWS Japan, where we enjoyed tempura freshwater eel from a bar in Meguro-ku, Tokyo. Grilled halloumi followed, as did a glass of mojito and salt liquorice from Norway. Water took our noses to an artisan calligraphy ink shop, with everything wrapped in wax paper, where bowls of steamed rice sat topped with chunks of glistening coal. The palate was now bubblegum soda, squid ink tagliatelle, cinnamon cupcake frosting and coal dust.