THAT’S THE SINGAPORE SPIRIT.
The men behind locally produced mead Rachelle the Rabbit have introduced Compendium Gin, with rojak and chendol among the flavours available. www.compendium.sg
01 CARIBBEAN AGED
While whisky holds the world’s attention for fine sipping, rum, too, can reach that kind of smoothness and complexity – in a much shorter time, since ageing under the Caribbean sun means more than double the angel’s share, or evaporation of the liquid. Bacardi’s Gran Reserva Diez is one such tipple. Blended from barrels of rum that have been aged for a minimum of 10 years, the spirit boasts a similar complexity and depth of flavour compared to Scotch that has been aged twice, or even thrice as long. The luxurious spirit features plenty of vanilla, oak, spice and tropical fruit, all underscored by the characteristic toasty sugar notes of rum – definitely not something to mix with Coke.
02 CHINESE CHARACTER
Chinese baijiu has a reputation for being overpowering, but the spirit offers complexity, fragrance and smoothness, as well as flavours that can range from mellow and sweet to intensely umami. Recently launched in Singapore is Langjiu, based in Sichuan and one of China’s largest producers of baijiu. Langjiu will be offering its signature “sauce aroma” baijiu, with age statements ranging between 10 and 50 years. While the 10 Year Old label – dubbed the Hong Hua Lang 10 – is already dense and umami, the 50 Year Old is something else. It is astoundingly rich, with an intense savouriness similar to aged soya sauce.
03 PROUDLY AMERICAN
Making its Asian debut in Singapore is Westward Whisky. Founded by master distiller Christian Krogstad – who’s also responsible for Aviation Gin that actor Ryan Reynolds has a stake in – it is made from all-American products, from the grain and yeast, to the oak for ageing barrels. The whiskies are released sans age statements, and feature plenty of luxurious dark chocolate, sweet malt, fruits and baking spices that would give the best scotches a run for their money.
Available at bars including Manhattan Bar, Six Senses Maxwell and Bar Stories, and www.dyspatchr.com.
