Whisky: despite being one the spirits that takes the longest to make, new labels are introduced almost constantly. Distillers and blenders are often hard at work, creating new expressions to feed an ever-thirsty market. Here are some of the newest to land in Singapore, ranging from exclusive, limited-edition bottlings, to complete overhauls of established brands.
https://www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg/gourmet-travel/4-new-single-malt-whiskies-to-drink-in-singapore/
New whiskies dec18
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Bruichladdich Black Art Edition 06.1
Labelled as 26 years-old and bottled at 46.9% ABV, this limited-edition offering (only 18, 000 bottles worldwide) is sixth in line for the Black Art series, and the second by head distiller Adam Hannett. Hannett’s carrying on the legacy of his predecessor, the legendary Jim McEwan, who started the series and made editions one through four. They’ve kept things as mysterious as ever, from the esoteric alchemical references to the total silence on even the types of casks used in its production. While the fifth edition was a lot bolder, with an almost resinous, herbal quality — in addition to all the usual fruit and vanilla notes — the Black Art Edition 6 is a lot more finessed, with a fine balance of jammy and dried fruits, wood, and a long, silky finish. Have this neat, or with a few drops of water to open up those tertiary aromas and flavours. Mostly importantly, take your time with it as the mercurial elixir reveals new flavours with every sip.
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Glendronach Revival Aged 15
When it was first released, the Glendronach 15 Years Old inspired no small amount of fervour among whisky aficionados, granting it almost cult status in the world of Scotch. The expression was discontinued in 2015 due to limited stocks, explaining the fanfare surrounding the current revival. Matured in a mix of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez casks, the intriguing spirit is bottled at 46% ABV, and features dark fruits, chocolate, muscovado, and manuka honey tempered by herbal and orange bitters as well as walnut liqueur. What’s interesting though, is the distinctive bramble notes that come through — the very same bramble that grows in abundance around the distillery, even though obviously none of it has been used in the whisky’s production.
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Glenrothes Soleo Collection
The lesser-known Speyside sister distillery of Macallan, Glenrothes is moving away from the vintage whiskies that they were known for, instead venturing into age-statement territory. They’ve also started maturing in exclusively sherry casks from the Jerez region in Southern Spain,. The collection features five bottlings: a 10, 12, 18 and 25-year-old, and the Whisky Maker’s Cut — which is aged in exclusively first-fill sherry casks and bottled at 48.8% ABV. Richness and intensity goes up with age, although you’ll find that things lean towards their signature lighter, more fruit-forward flavours in general.
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Auchentoshan 1987 30 Year Old Single Cask
Bottled exclusively for 1855 The Bottle Shop, this single-cask whisky comes from Lowland distillers Auchentoshan, who are known for triple-distilled spirits. The extremely-limited run of 383 bottles mean that only few will get to try a dram. Those that do will find honey, molasses, and exotic fruits on the nose. On first sip, you’ll find acacia, rose petals, and lychees mingling with Christmas spices before yielding to an spicy oak and vanilla finish.
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Macallan 1977 40 Years, Xtra Old Particular from Douglas Laing
From one of Scotland’s most well-regarded independent bottlers comes this gem of a single malt. The 40-year-old whisky was made in 1977, and only saw the light of day in 2017. Bottled at 45.2%, there are only 240 units of this worldwide. Expect rich, dark notes like caramel, coffee, and chocolate cheesecake balanced out with fresh tropical fruit and sherry-citrus. This particular bottle is exclusive in Singapore to newly-opened whisky bar The ExciseMan, where you can also try drams of other Douglas Laing bottlings.
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