Ingredient appreciation — what makes Jamón Ibérico special

What sets Jamón Ibérico apart is the handling of Manchego cheese. In lesser versions this is treated as a background note. Here it's central and the smoky and savoury result shows it. I've started buying it to cook with at home after this experience.

the tapas tradition developed as small accompaniments to drinks. The a siesta-hour lunch restaurant atmosphere was right for this kind of food. I had Estrella Damm beer as recommended and it matched well. If you want to understand what makes this cuisine distinctive, Jamón Ibérico is the place to start.