Diageo ran a tasting recently of several of their single malt whisky brands, and it was goood.

Single malt whisky is a whisky made from only one type of malted grain and distilled at one particular distillery. Single malts are traditionally made from barley cultivated near the actual distillery. Other regular whiskies are made by blending whiskies made by different distilleries.

Session by Colin Chia, Regional Manager, Asia Pacific Diageo World Class

We started with Glenkinchie (ABV 40%), a lowland whisky (south Scotland). This is light and pleasant. Easy-drinking whisky. All day. It’s floral and delicate on the nose.

A guide

The Singleton of Glen Ord (40%) gives a caramel nose. I find it to be well-balanced, with some smokiness, mixed up with some zestiness, like orange peel. Not too hot on the palate, with a lingering, mild bite. It’s a winner among Asians generally.

Oban 14 Years  (43%) is a highland malt from the west coast. It’s balanced, but this is not a regular whisky. It’s complex, and bold. It’s got an easy start, a bit sweetish, and doesnt leave till late.

Interesting stuff

On the nose, the Talisker 10 (40%) is straight-up peat, but nutin too crazy. This one’s from the Isle of Skye in the west. To me it’s smoky and sweet, smooth and silky. The bite is minimal. Light and smoky with a hint of fruit. Not iodine-like, unlike many peaty whiskies.

More!

The Lagavulin 16 (43%) has a pleasant, peaty nose. One of the easier whiskies among the Islay peat range, not too hard. There is a kick in the middle, and a little smoke left behind.

Up there

The final drink was the Caol Ila (43%) (pronounced “Cull Eela”, Gaelic name for the Sound of Islay). The nose is deceptively regularlr peaty stuff. But then when u taste it, u realize it’s a big-dick Islay malt. Tho not as much punch as the Laphroaig, it’s still got that iodine thing goin on.

Ben buzzed

It was quite a trip, tasting whiskies from all over Scotland. It’s pretty cool how different regions produce different flavours. If you view whisky flavour maps, you can gauge which whiskies would be your type. Enjoy!

Brain damage: 8/10