Single Malt Whisky anyone?

Single Malt whiskies have long been considered the whisky with the most discernible characteristics. Compared to blended whiskies, Single malts have a character and personality all their own. While the distilling of blended whiskeys is overseen by a master blender, who aims for consistency in taste, no two single malts ever taste the same way.

A blended Scotch whisky may contain a combination of whiskies from more than 40 to 50 different malt and grain distilleries. 'Single' actually refers to a single producer or distillery. However, the end product need not necessarily be a single malt, but is a perfect blend of malts of varying ages, such that the consistency of the product is maintained.

Therein lies the secret to single malt's revered status - the complexity within its simplicity.

Diageo, the world's largest distiller, is home to some of the finest whiskies - single malts and blended. Red Stripe, a subsidiary of Diageo, recently introduced two of those single malts to the local market - Singleton of Glendullan and Cardhu. Both are 12-year-old Scotch whiskies.

Singleton and Cadhu are made in the famous whisky region known as Speyside in Scotland. Speyside, which has the largest number of distilleries of any whisky-producing region in Scotland, is known to produce light, sweet single malts.

Cardhu, for instance, has a fruity and spicy flavour with notes of sweet honey-nut. It also pairs excellently with ham, figs and goat cheese.

According to Jim Murray, writing in the Whisky Bible in 2008, "Just about the cleanest, most uncluttered, pure, sweet malt you will ever find."

Singleton, on the other hand, has a more rich and rounded flavour with a medium- to-long finish with a delayed lingering warmth.

For an incredible sensory experience, try The Singleton with Crême Brúlée.

Distillation difference

The process of making Scotch whisky involves malting, drying, mashing and fermenting, which is followed by distillation and, finally, maturation. The basic difference between a single malt and blended Scotch is the distillation process. Single malt whisky is produced and bottled in a single distillery, whereas blended, as the name suggests, is a blend of two or more malt and grain whiskies.

Operations manager at Red Stripe, Shane Healy, a master brewer, notes, "We are extremely proud of our entire Diageo portfolio of Single Malt Whiskies." Citing in particular, the Singleton of Glendullan and Cardhu brands, Healy said their introduction to Jamaica "is testimony to our commitment to bringing the very best of alcoholic beverage brands to Jamaica."

Healy explained that the two brands of whiskies are a perfect blend of spices, on the smoky side; and a mix of hops and floral, at the delicate end. On the light and rich extremes, he said, are fruits and nuts, and chocolate, respectively.

Among the locations Singleton and Cardhu are available at are Red Stripe 214 Exchange, Loshusan Supermarket, Mega Mart Supermarkets, Hi-Lo Supermarkets, Progressive Whitter, Progressive Manchester, John R Wong, Sovereign, Constant Spring Liquor Store and Blue Diamond.