Baklava on a Balkan balcony

 

Delightful, perfumed sweetness pervaded the nose – Turkish Delight, sherbet straws, orange blossom, lemon curd, marshmallows and nougat; we also found balsa matchboxes and sandalwood and patchouli incense. The initial palate was juicy, tart and spritzy – pomegranate seeds, green melon, peaches and feta; eventually discovering nutshells, spiced cakes and licking the porridge spurtle. With the reduced nose, one panellist was ‘enjoying baklava on a balcony at sunset with some chilled Tokaji; cigar smoke rising from below’; others found cinnamon biscuits, espresso and a Magnum ice-lolly stick. The reduced palate contributed Black Forest gateau, Cadbury Whole Nut, then finishing warmth of ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and leather.