Scotch treats

Liquor baron Rakesh Mohan — better known as Rocky Mohan — has been executive director of Mohan Meakins, which started Asia's first brewery in 1855. His friends have been known to call him ‘Old Monk’ or ‘Black Knight’. Here he lists five of his favourite single malts, most of which, he says, he tasted as a student in London and on his numerous trips to Scotland

Are malt whiskies and Scotch the same?
Malt whisky is the mother spirit of all whiskies and is used as the base of almost all Scotch that is bottled in Scotland. Malts can be both single as well as blended but the better whiskies tend to use the single variety to blend with matured grain spirits

Five favourite single malts:
I find it extremely difficult to narrow down my choice to five single malts, as one’s palate changes and either improves or deteriorates over the years. My current five are Ardbeg 10 years old, Glenmorangie 10 years old, Isle of Jura, Macallan 12 years old and Balvenie Signature 12 years old.

What sets one apart from the other?
There are a number of regions that single malts are produced in....such as Island, Speyside, Highlands, Lowlands etc. Each of these regions give a distinct flavour and taste to the whisky due to differences in climate, humidity and water. The raw materials are also influenced by the location. Like Peat from the Island.

Where to find them:
All these whiskies are available if not at retail outlets then at duty-free or well-rated restaurants.

How to make the most of your malt:
There is no particular way of drinking single malts. Drink it as you like. It’s a matter of taste.

Rocky mohan
Chairman, Mohan Goldwater Breweries