A cool winter evening, tables set out in open air, candles — the setting could not be more perfect for a Singleton Malt Dinner, especially when the sip in question are The Singleton of Glen Ord, Talisker and Caol Ila, and the bite a variety of Scottish dishes. “What usually happens is that we play around with the fact that malts go with all food. What we decided to do today is pair it with Scottish food. So all the dishes that we are serving is from Scotland,” said Sharad Dewan, regional director, food production, The Park, who hosted the evening with Maxim Grivel, mixologist and Reserve Brand Ambassador, USL-Diageo (East), at The Bridge. Only t2 was there... 

A twist on the Old Fashioned, with The Singleton of Glen Ord 12, ginger syrup and cloudy fresh apple juice stirred with a cinnamon stick made for the most lip-smacking accompaniment to a host of starters — Arbroath Toasties with smoked salmon, eggs and cheese to Mini Chicken and Mushroom Pies, and Rumbledethumps (potato and cabbage) Gallets with Ranch Dressing. “I chose one cocktail that would reflect the brand equity and suit the actual starter and main, which is both vegetarian and non-vegetarian,” said Maxim. 

For the mains, there was the succulent Roast Rack of Lamb with Herb Crust (in picture) or Deconstructed Mushroom and Leek Pie, which went nicely with the peaty flavour of Caol Ila. “It suits the more heavy meat dishes, hence it was paired with the lamb,” added Sharad.

THE SINGLETON OF GLEN ORD, 12 YO 

• Is a single malt Scotch whisky designed specially for the Asian market. It has a rich and smooth-tasting note, with fruity and light caramelly aromas. 
• It is matured in 50 per cent American oak and 50 per cent European oak. 
Talisker
• A product of the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport, the Talisker is sweet with a peppery kick and a hint of smoke. 
• Talisker was a favourite of writer Robert Louis Stevenson and referenced it in his poem The Scotsman’s Return From Abroad.
• Talisker is also referenced in the BBC Radio 4 comedy Cabin Pressure. 
Caol Ila
• Is one of the lighter Islay whiskies, with a pale colour, and sweet, peaty and peppery notes. 
• Caol Ila (pronounced cull-eela) is derived from the Gaelic phrase “Caol Ile” for “Sound of Islay”, the literal translation being “Islay Strait”, referring to the distillery’s location overlooking the strait between Islay and Jura.

Text: Chandreyee Chatterjee
Pictures: Anindya Shankar Ray