There's good reason why some things pair well with whisky. After the Ron Swanson machismo choice of steak as rare as humanly possible, the next best option is frankly dessert. Saccharine profiles perfectly complement the liquor's signature bitter layers, and everyone knows balance makes the best meals.
All that to say that The Singleton has figured out this winning combination, and is rightfully going big on this bet. In a trinity of 42-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch, the Gourmand Collection is an—don't roll your eyes here—ode to the craft of sweet things.
This also marks the longest secondary maturation in the brand's history. Upon the initial round of 12 years, the ensuing 29-year maturation uses an innovative cask layering technique to achieve their respective flavours. Under the wise hand of Master of Malts Dr. Craig Wilson, of course.
This distinct and decadent tailoring is inspired by the art of master pâtissiers. You can just picture it; the time and level of detail these maestros apply to their work. It's pretty much a direct parallel to the precision conventionally utilised in centuries-old distilleries.
Dark chocolate and figs unite in a deliciously indulgent richness. In the mind and on the tongue, silky mousse, airy sponge, and a crisp base. The luscious notes dance between berries, coffee, and toasted nuts; rounding off with a smooth peppery finish. Add a drop of water, and the edges mellow into a soft embrace.
Like cracking the golden crust of the French pastry, this Single Malt delivers caramel bliss with a creamy texture. Vanilla and coconut conjure the addictive crunch of scorched fruit before yielding to warm spice. The influence of grand cru chardonnay adds another dimension of velvety indulgence, an elegance best enjoyed neat.
A syrupy tang of ripe berries swirls with a whisper of nutmeg and cinnamon, underlined by a depth of oak-aged cream and spice. A sip lingers with tart plums typical of an ex-Amarone cask. It's English cream, it's raisins. The bodied breadth finishes long and surprisingly, slightly dry the way some relish.
The Singleton Gourmand Collection is limited to just five sets in Singapore, each priced at SGD13,000.
