The Singleton whiskey is made by the Singleton Distillery, which is located within the Glen Ord Distillery. The Glen Ord Distillery is one of three distilleries that produce The Singleton brand of whiskey. The other two distilleries are Dufftown Distillery in Speyside and Glendullan Distillery in Dufftown.
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of visiting the Singleton Distillery and experiencing firsthand the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into making their whiskey. The distillery itself is nestled in the picturesque Scottish Highlands, surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful landscapes. The setting alone creates an atmosphere of tranquility and tradition, which is reflected in the whiskey produced there.
Upon entering the distillery, I was immediately struck by the aromatic scents that filled the air. The sweet, malty aroma of the barley being milled, the rich and earthy smell of the mash as it ferments, and the intoxicating scent of aging whiskey in oak casks all combined to create a sensory experience like no other.
The process of making Singleton whiskey begins with the careful selection of the finest ingredients. Only the highest quality barley is used, and it is malted on-site to ensure the utmost freshness and flavor. The water used in the production of the whiskey comes from nearby Loch Harray, known for its pure and pristine quality.
Once the ingredients are gathered, the mashing process begins. The malted barley is ground into a fine flour and mixed with hot water to extract the sugars. This mixture, known as the mash, is then transferred to large fermentation vessels, where yeast is added to convert the sugars into alcohol. The fermentation process takes several days, during which time the mash undergoes a transformation, producing a liquid known as wash.
After fermentation, the wash is distilled in copper stills, which are carefully designed to capture and concentrate the flavors of the whiskey. The distillation process takes place in two stages – the wash is first distilled in large wash stills, and then the resulting liquid, known as low wines, is distilled again in smaller spirit stills. This double distillation process is integral to creating the smooth and complex flavors that define Singleton whiskey.
Once distilled, the whiskey is aged in oak casks, where it undergoes a slow maturation process. The casks used at the Singleton Distillery are predominantly made from American oak, which imparts vanilla and caramel notes to the whiskey. However, a small percentage of European oak casks are also used, adding deeper, spicier flavors to the final product.
The aging process can take anywhere from a minimum of 12 years to several decades, depending on the desired flavor profile. Throughout this time, the whiskey develops its character and complexity, with each cask contributing its own unique influence.
When the whiskey has reached its optimal maturity, it is carefully selected by the master distiller and bottled as The Singleton whiskey. Each bottle is a testament to the skill and expertise of the distillery team, who work tirelessly to ensure that every drop of whiskey meets the highest standards of quality.
The Singleton whiskey is made by the Singleton Distillery, located within the Glen Ord Distillery in the Scottish Highlands. The distillery's commitment to using the finest ingredients, traditional production methods, and meticulous aging process all contribute to the exceptional quality and flavor of The Singleton whiskey.