The name Singleton whiskey is translated from English as “the only” or “single element”. Both options deserve attention: the first says that a similar drink in the world no longer exists; the second indicates the use of one main raw material in the production process – selected barley grain.
The grain is germinated and dried under special conditions, then clean, soft water is added to the malt from the well-known source in Scotland, Dorie’s Wel (“Dori’s Well”). The uniqueness of the drink is that the fermentation process of single malt scotch lasts up to 120 hours. This period is approximately 2 times longer than that of other whiskey producers from Scotland.
The main characteristic of Singleton whiskey is a deep rich taste, which is achieved as a result of using a special production technology and aging in properly selected barrels. For example, scotch with fruity notes is stored in containers made of ordinary (European) oak, and American oak gives the drink a honey-vanilla flavor. It is also important what kind of drink was in the barrels before the Singleton whiskey was placed there. Common options are wooden barrels of bourbon and sherry (sherry).
Historical reference. The first bottle of Singleton whiskey was released in 1974 under the brand name Justerini & Brooks, this event took place at the Auchroisk Distillery. Initially, Duty Free shops were the main places for the distribution of whiskey, then the sales market expanded significantly. Scotch stood on the shelves under the name “Singleton from Orthrusk.” Ortrusk is the name of the area in which the production is successfully located. Since this word proved difficult to pronounce for buyers from other countries, the company decided to do without it.
Since 2001, production rights have been transferred to Diageo. An interesting fact is that in different parts of the world Singleton whiskey is found under different names, while the quality and taste characteristics remain the same: the taste is soft and smooth, the aftertaste is long and warm.
The technologies that were laid down in 1974 are strictly observed, and the choice of name depends on the distillery, within the walls of which the drink was made:
- Singleton of Dufftown (produced specifically for Europe and Russia);
- Singleton of Glen Ord (sold in Asia);
- Singleton of Glendullan (shipped in the USA).
Whiskey Singleton regularly participates in international competitions and takes honorable first and second places. Notable events include the International Spirits Challenge, International Wine & Spirit Competition, The Scotch Whiskey Masters and many others.
How to drink. It is right to drink each of the varieties of Singleton in small sips, holding the glass in your hand for several minutes. This is enough time for the Scotch to warm up a little and fill with a richer flavor. Also, experts do not recommend taking a sip immediately, you need to hold the whiskey in your mouth to feel a pleasant aftertaste.
Scotch can be consumed neat or mixed with one of the ingredients: water at room temperature will soften the strength of the drink, cola or other sweet soda will remove the bitter aftertaste, and lemon juice will complement the subtle flavor without disturbing the main smell of the whiskey. Black and milk chocolate, fruits, seafood are used as snacks. Perfectly complements the taste of a cigar. Most often, Singleton is served as a digestif, that is, after a meal. Scotch helps digest food and brings the meal to the final stage.
Types of singleton whiskey
- Singleton of Dufftown 12 Years Old is a real Scotch single malt whiskey with a strength of 40%, aged for 12 years in European and American oak wooden barrels. Gold color with mahogany highlights. The taste is medium density, smooth, balanced, accompanied by sweet tones, the aftertaste has a nutty tint.
- Singleton of Dufftown 15 Years Old is an amber-colored whiskey with a strength of 40%, which is stored in American and European oak barrels for 15 years before being sold. The drink has a smooth texture, has notes of fruit and toffee. The finish is long, with a hint of nut. If the scotch tape is added with a little water, notes of spices will appear.
- Singleton of Dufftown 18 Years Old is a 40% ABV malt Scotch. Stored in oak barrels from sherry and bourbon for 18 years. The distillation process (distillation) in this case is slow. Among other types of whiskey, this type stands out with a deep rich amber color. Characterized by a dry sweet taste with hints of apple juice, nuts and mint, there are still tones of cocoa and macaroons.
- Singleton Sunray of Dufftown is a malty type of Scotch with a golden yellow color and 40% abv. Aged 18 years in bourbon oak barrels. It has a mild creamy taste with bright hints of honey and vanilla, and the taste of baked apples with cinnamon is also traced.
- Singleton Tailfire of Dufftown is a golden amber single malt 40% ABV. Stored in special barrels made of two varieties of oak – American and European. Whiskey features a rich aroma with notes of apple, raspberry, cranberry and tobacco. In the aftertaste, hints of cedar, oak, smoke and chocolate are felt. In 2014, the drink took first place in the International Spirits Challenge, second place in the International Wine & Spirit Competition and The Scotch Whiskey Masters.
