Single malt whisky is a category that is steeped in tradition, and has a lot of traditionalists who believe very strongly that single malts are made to be drunk straight-up.

You might get away with adding water in some circles, ice is pushing the boundaries and if you want to start adding coke or putting it in cocktails, you can expect plenty of feathers to be ruffled.

But what about the people who are new to the category, people who want to explore single malt whisky? What about utilising the world class bartenders that we have in Australia and unleashing their creative genius to accentuate so many of those flavours that so many people love in single malt whisky?

Unfortunately single malt can be a category that doesn’t deal with this kind innovative thinking, there can be a number of barriers within the category that mean it isn’t maximising its full potential.

Is this the single malt paradox? A category that has grown largely thanks to the innovation shown by Master Distillers who have used new and interesting barrels and combinations to create amazing flavours, and yet the category is somehow resisting change.

One Master Distiller who has been at the forefront of innovation within the single malt category is Dr Bill Lumsden at Glenmorangie. Think about A Tale of Cake, Quinta Ruban or the absolutely stunning Signet and you understand the things that Dr Bill has done to create amazing whiskies with lots of different flavour profiles to appeal to every palate.

Well he’s done it again, and this time he is looking to tear down the barriers to new people coming into the single malt category, remove barriers to the consumption of single malt and most excitingly create new drinking occasions for single malt.

Dr Bill and the Glenmorangie Whisky Creation Team are endlessly imaginative in their quest to dream up delicious whiskies. They make their more delicate, fruity spirit in Scotland’s tallest stills, and age it in the world’s finest casks. Inspired by the flavour possibilities their whisky can bring when mixed, they consulted with a range of top global bartenders, to craft X by Glenmorangie.

X by Glenmorangie’s sweeter, richer taste is perfect for tall, simple serves, and it promises to refresh the way single malt whisky is enjoyed.

This luscious whisky has a sweet and rich taste both complements and cuts through all manner of mixers, for delicious drinks.

Dr Bill said: “X by Glenmorangie came from our dream of creating even more flavour possibilities, with a single malt that’s not afraid to mix. Consulting with top bartenders, we crafted this sweeter, richer single malt for all those enjoying mixing at home.

“Luscious with vanilla and pear, succulent orange and honeysuckle, all drizzled with chocolate fudge, X by Glenmorangie is perfect paired with a favourite mixer. So, whether you’re planning a brunch or a date night or want to experiment with your own flavour combinations, this whisky will bring your drink the x-factor.”

To inspire mixing, Glenmorangie has designed a series of refreshingly simple serves – each needing just two-to-four ingredients and easy to make at home using X by Glenmorangie. They include takes on familiar classics (Glenmorangie X Tonic, Glenmorangie X Cola), new favourites like Glenmorangie X Grapefruit and swizzle-style drinks for fun-filled occasions, (Glenmorangie X Brunch, Glenmorangie X Date Night, Glenmorangie X Karaoke Party and more). The recipes can be found on www.glenmorangie.com and on the single malt’s social channels.

X by Glenmorangie is new, it promises to bring new excitement to the single malt category, new drinkers, new occasions and new traditions to this wonderful drink. Innovation has long been a part of what single malt is about, and this innovation brings excitement, so contact your local Moët Hennessy Australia representative to find out more and embrace the mixing.

Andy Young

Andy joined Intermedia as Editor of The Shout in 2015, writing news on a daily basis and also writing features for National Liquor News. Now Managing Editor of both The Shout and Bars and Clubs.