FOR PEAT’S SAKE

From a Scottish whisky distillery that eschews all machinery (even the bottling is done by hand) comes a single malt brewed with a singular purpose: to be the world’s smokiest whisky in 2015. Bruichladdich releases the Octomore 7.1 this month, and this year’s firewater racks up a 208 on the phenol parts-per-million (ppm) chart. For context, that’s three to five times peatier than the typical Ardbeg or Highland Park. Only 250 of the no-nonsense, matte black bottles will be available in Singapore. Look for them at The Ritz-Carlton, 1855 The Bottle Shop (8 Sixth Avenue), The Whisky Library (#2-19 Shaw Centre) and Bacchus (#B1-13 Paragon), or try their online shop.

Winner Takes All

In the global wine market, South African vinos are known to be safe, affordable choices, albeit hardly glamorous. Oldenburg Vineyards is going to change that impression. The family-run boutique winery has, in just five years, won nine gold medals and four trophies (among many others) in world-class competitions like the International Wine and Spirit Competition and the International Wine Challenge. While all its wines are beautifully balanced, the 2012 Merlot is a good place to start, with an aroma of berries, oak and vanilla complementing the velvety flavours of cherries and dark chocolate. The Straits Wine Company, #01-04B Cluny Court. Tel: 6468-0933.

MAGNIFICENT MENUS

Due to a particularly difficult (but ultimately rewarding) harvest, Dom Perignon’s Vintage 2005 is its smallest since 1971. But it’s true what they say about good things and small packages, for its limited production has led to eight restaurants here – Bacchanalia, Bedrock Bar & Grill, Dolce Vita, Fat Cow, Gunthers, Kaiseki Yoshiyuki, One-Ninety Wood-Fired Steaks and Seafood, and Yan Ting – having the honour of not just carrying the bottle, but creating their own pairing menus. The powerful, floral wine is surprisingly adept at shining through various cuisine styles, whether it’s delicate sashimi from Yoshiyuki or foie gras with roasted pineapple from One-Ninety. You don’t have to take our word for it; go try them all. Available until Dec 30.

• TAGS:
• Bruichladdich
• Dom Perignon
• Octomore
• Oldenburg
• Oldenburg Vineyards
• Whisky
• Wine