As part of its SG60 celebrations, The Whisky Store has partnered with six respected distilleries to release an exclusive set of official single cask whiskies that will be available at eight local whisky bars.
Text by: Karen Tee
In the world of whisky, single cask bottlings are among the most coveted by connoisseurs. Drawn from just one barrel, unblended and often bottled at cask strength, these expressions of liquid gold capture a moment in time and are inherently limited by nature – all that is available is what is in the cask.
No two are exactly alike, with each whisky shaped by time, wood and the unique character of its environment, which is why many consider this an expression of the spirit in its purest, most individual form.
While independent bottlings are fairly common in the industry, official single cask releases that are hand-selected and endorsed by the distilleries themselves are especially rare. This is why it is particularly exciting that whisky retailer The Whisky Store has collaborated with six respected independent distilleries to release six ultra-rare single cask whiskies to mark Singapore’s 60th year of independence with a distinctive tribute.
Sourced from the five Scotch whisky regions as well as one from Ireland, they offer a compelling snapshot of the spectrum of flavour profiles, production styles and regional character found across the whisky world.
These limited-edition bottlings include a coveted 20-year-old Springbank matured in a refill port hogshead in a unique expression of Campbeltown whiskies and an Islay single malt, the Bunnahabhain 15-year-old in a ruby port cask finish with a rich, sweet and chocolatey profile.
“Distilleries rarely release single casks, as producing just 200 to 300 bottles from a single cask can disrupt their regular bottling schedules. Hence, gaining access to these exclusive casks is only possible through years of close, trusted relationships with the distilleries in Scotland,” says Chua Khoon Hui, co-founder of The Whisky Store.
Also in the collection are a refined Highland whisky by Tomatin, a 13-year-old that matured in a Cabernet Sauvignon Barrique for a rich and balanced flavour profile and a Speyside whisky — the Tomintoul 14-year-old aged in a bourbon barrel that offers the distillery’s signature gentle floral and fruity notes for an easy sip.
Chua adds, “These distilleries recognise that while Singapore is a small market, it holds significant importance. The entire process of selecting casks, pulling samples, designing labels and bottling single casks is often not something distilleries in this multi-million- dollar industry is willing to undertake, if not for their genuine appreciation of the Singapore market.”
For those keen to experience a special dram on a night out, they will also be available at eight of the city’s most discerning whisky bars, including Signature Reserve, The Auld Alliance and D.Bespoke in August and September, in one of the largest whisky bar-led initiatives ever carried out in Singapore.
A limited number of bottles from the six expressions will also be available for pre-order via The Whisky Store and the eight participating bars while stocks last.
“Many of these whisky bars have been the unsung heroes of Singapore’s whisky scene for the past 10 to 20 years by quietly building the market, bringing rare and exclusive gems, and creating spaces where whisky lovers gather, share and learn. Some bars have even become must-visit destinations for international enthusiasts,” says Chua. “We see this as an opportunity to collaborate with the very people who have helped shape Singapore’s whisky scene and further elevate the appreciation of whisky in Singapore.”
That evolution is something Brendan Pillai, owner of The Single Cask — also a participating bar — has witnessed firsthand. “By offering a diverse range of expressions, we have given consumers the chance to explore their preferences more deeply and move past any preconceived ideas about certain distilleries or styles,” he notes.
This willingness to explore and to sometimes be surprised by their tipple is particularly strong among younger whisky drinkers. Brendan adds. “They are more adventurous than the generations before them and are redefining how whisky is enjoyed and understood, shaping the future of the scene.”
For example, one interesting release that might whet curious palates is the Tipperary eight-year-old Mezcal Cask, an Irish whisky made with the distillery’s own farm grown barley and a mezcal finish for an intriguing touch of smokey, herbaceous notes.
Another unexpected find among the six expressions is the Bladnoch Select Cask First Fill Oloroso Hogshead which was distilled in 2018. “The Bladnoch surprised me as the initial nose and palate did not stand out much but after letting it breathe for a bit, it opened up and evolved noticeably,” says Joanne Chong, owner of participating bar Luss Restaurant & Bar of the Lowland whisky.
Quaich Bar, The Writing Club and The ExciseMan Wine & Whisky Bar round off the line-up of independent bars offering pours from these single casks.
In a challenging time for Singapore’s food and beverage industry, this initiative is an opportunity to bring renewed buzz to the homegrown whisky scene while celebrating the community that has helped it thrive.
Says Chua, “Independent bars have been instrumental in broadening the whisky scene. Through passion and persistence, they have shaped a more diverse and discerning whisky culture in Singapore. This is our way of honouring their contribution and, together, elevating the appreciation of whisky in Singapore to new heights.