Using the best of the fresh, local produce in Daylesford, Alla Wolf Tasker shares her version of a Russian tasting plate, also known as a zakuska.Drink match 666 Pure Tasmanian Vodka, Burnie, Tas
With such a range of small dishes, you’ll need a pretty flexible drink and one that can compete with the acid of the vinaigrette and the pickling. You could go for a really crisp, dry Riesling, perhaps, but so long as you have a Russian spread in front of you, why not take the opportunity to discover Australian-made vodka. There isn’t a huge amount of it about, but look hard and you’ll find some beauties. No point making rubbish when cheap imported vodka is so readily available! This beast manages to balance the pursuit of purity and crystal-clean flavours with a bit of personality as well. You can thank the famous Tassie water for the first bit and the artisanal copper pot still for the last bit. Drink it neat, slowly and straight from the freezer.
-Dan Coward