Whisky 101 is the first in a series of whisky pairing events taking place at The Gallery, West Hampstead.

Launching on Wednesday 14th October 2015, Whisky 101 is designed to be an informative, interactive and entertaining tasting workshop which experiments with whisky, beer and food pairings.

Hosted by Jura Brand Ambassador Rishi Ravalia, alongside The Gallery’s Bar Manager and resident beer enthusiast, Daniel Pavey, Whisky 101 will explore the Isle of Jura whisky range, matching each blend with a craft beer and canapé course designed by Urban Leisure Group’s Nik Prescott and Laura Reed.

Throughout the evening, the hosts will talk to the guests; offering knowledge on the history and production of Jura, and how its unique flavours can be brought out with different pairings, aromas and combinations. Aromatics such as orange peel, dried banana and cinnamon sticks will be placed around the room for guests to experiment with. On the night, The Gallery will invite guests to record their tasting notes on specially created flavour profile cards.

The tasting menu for the night has been designed to complement and heighten the flavour profiles of each whisky. Having collaborated with The Gallery on the menu, Head Chef Nik and Sous Chef Laura, who are busy opening ULG’s newest venue Coin Laundry on Exmouth Market, have brought their expertise over for this one-off workshop. The menu for the evening takes guests through four courses - from scallops and rye cured salmon from Chalk Farm, to soaked cherries, dark chocolate and cheese. The dishes are matched to bring out tasting notes from sweet and mellow to rich and smoky.

Ranging from local craft beers, to unusual brews and wheat beers, the boilermakers for the evening have been carefully chosen by Daniel. Whisky and beer begin production with the same three basic ingredients – water, barley and yeast, which is perhaps why they are the perfect pairing. Daniel will be suggesting interesting and unique couplings to balance and enhance the flavours and aromatics of these old booze brothers.

For £15, tickets will include four flights of whisky, four third pints of beer and four canapé courses. The Gallery have also created a selection of Jura cocktails especially for the night, which will be available to purchase at the end of the session.

Urban Leisure Group will donate 10% of all ticket sales to the Centrepoint charity - the UK's leading charity for homeless young people, supporting 16-25 years olds with housing, learning, health and life skills.