Singleton 12yr

Singleton 12yr is a Scotch whisky carrying a 12-year age statement, which means every whisky in the bottle has spent at least that long in oak. Singleton is known for a soft, fruit-led single malt style, so expect a gentle, malty profile rather than a smoky or heavily peated one. Typical notes for this kind of 12-year malt are orchard fruit such as apple and pear, honeyed barley, a touch of vanilla and toasted oak, and a light spice on the finish. The listing doesn't give a bottling strength or region, so check the label for the ABV. Start by trying it neat. Pour about 30 to 45 ml into a Glencairn glass and let it sit for a minute. The tapered bowl gathers the fruit and malt aromas, and you'll notice more of them before the first sip. After a few sips, add a few drops of room-temperature water. A lighter malt like this tends to open up with a little dilution, bringing out sweetness and softening any alcohol heat. Ice is a matter of taste. One large cube in a rocks glass chills the whisky slowly and mutes the delicate fruit less than several small cubes would. For this style, the Glencairn is the better choice for careful tasting, and the rocks glass is better for relaxed sipping. Because it's a soft, unpeated style, it works best in cocktails where the whisky isn't buried. In a Scotch Old Fashioned, use a small amount of demerara syrup and a dash or two of aromatic bitters, then finish with an orange peel. This pairs well with its honeyed, vanilla character. A Rob Roy, which is a Manhattan made with Scotch, suits it with sweet vermouth and bitters, and the malt's fruit holds up against the vermouth. For a Highball, pour 50 ml over ice in a tall glass and top with 100 to 150 ml of cold soda water. Add a lemon twist, which keeps the drink light and lets the apple and barley notes come through. A Whisky Sour with fresh lemon juice and a little sugar also works, though the lemon will cover some of the subtler notes.