Schenelle Dsouza
Multinational beverage company Diageo opened a new Singleton brand home in Scotland on July 7, marking the occasion with a brand new single malt.
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Located in the heart of the Black Isle, near the well-known North Coast 500 route, the Singleton Glen Ord Distillery is a 185 million pound investment by Diageo with a view to promote Scotch whisky tourism.
“Our £185million investment in Scotch whisky tourism is designed to put Scotland at the forefront of the global trend in food and drink tourism by giving consumers a truly world-class experience at our distilleries,” added Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Diageo’s Scotland brand homes. “The Singleton is one of the most exciting single malt brands in the world and we are delighted to be opening the doors to the brand’s new home at Glen Ord Distillery.”
A special launch
For the launch event, celebrity chef Tony Singh curated a special menu that he believed would pair well with the special edition of The Singleton of Glen Ord Celebratory bottle. “Scotland is rich with exceptional quality food and drink, and it is wonderful to see that being celebrated at the new home of The Singleton. It is great for Scotland to see Scotch whisky brands like The Singleton making the connection between their delicious single malt and Scotland’s rich larder of local produce,” chef Tony Singh said.
To mark the opening of the visitor experience, The Singleton released a limited-edition whisky called The Singleton of Glen Ord Celebratory Bottling, which is available exclusively at the distillery.
Limited to 3,000 bottles, the no-age-statement whisky is bottled at 51.8% ABV and is priced at ÂŁ195 each. The whisky has fruity flavours of crystallised orange peel and dried fruits that transcend into fudgy vanilla notes.
Through the doorsÂ
The visitor’s experience entails a 90-minute tour of the distillery taking guests on a deep dive into The Singleton’s signature process. Designated drivers visiting the distillery will get special “drivers packs” to enjoy on their ride back.
The visitor’s experience at Glen Ord is inspired by a passion for creating delicious, well-balanced whiskies boasting of an Epicurean spirit.
Recreating the signature Singleton persona, the distillery is walled in bright turquoise hues complemented by neutral cream tones, wooden decor and warm ambient lighting. The space is quite cosy and inviting; contemporary in approach with hints of rustic seeping through.
The space is well divided into sections like The Singleton Bar & Deli, a retail area and a private tasting room for a discrete whisky experience.
Food & drink
A stunning bar is at the heart of the Singleton distillery. A vibrant creation boasting the very best of Singleton, the bar is a social space that invites guests to enjoy their favourite drink in the best way possible, as per their own individual preferences.
Attached closely is the bar’s deli which showcases the best of Scotland’s larder, the fruits of the land and sea. Here, guests can indulge in some of Scotland’s best, sampling a variety of delectable cuisine, most of which is locally produced, in the Speyside and Inverness areas. From small plates and platters to indulgent treats and sweets, guests can satisfy their cravings while sipping on delicious whisky cocktails.
In addition to the range of tours and tastings, The Singleton distillery also boasts a private tasting room. This is the perfect place for guests to enjoy a private whisky moment.
Shopping at SingletonÂ
One of the exciting sections of the distillery, the retail section is stocked with rare distillery-exclusive selections including liquor bottles and Singleton-themed merchandise. The retail section also gives guests a unique opportunity to bottle their own whisky which is truly an experience to remember.
“This is just the start of an incredible summer of Scotch whisky investment, with Talisker and Caol Ila distilleries also launching new visitor experiences, and we want to use that to build momentum in the recovery of Scottish tourism,” adds Barbara Smith.
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