I love Single Malt Scotch. Neat. Straight. Maybe over ice when it's really hot. For me it's just the way it's supposed to be enjoyed.  So you can probably imagine my reaction when I received a press release promoting Single Malt Cocktails. Among other things, I asked why?

But in all fairness, I decided I couldn't knock it until I tried it, so I stirred up A Scottish Summer cocktail, suggested by Glenfiddich Brand Ambassador Heather Greene. Heather says, "The Scottish Summer brings out the crisp flavors of pear and apple found in the oak wood barrels that mature Glenfiddich 12. It tastes like a Scottish vacation in July and enhances, rather than masks or sweetens, the character of the spirit."

She had me hooked at the mention of the pear and apple flavors. That oak and fruit essence is what I love about a good Scotch. And when I looked at the recipe, I knew I'd love it. Greene uses peach bitters, an almost forgotten cocktail ingredient that is making a comeback with the increasing popularity of inventive cocktails. Bitters have actually been around since the 19th century, with Angostura bitters, a key ingredient in Beverly's Mojito's, one of the oldest. Bitters are used only a few drops at a time, but keep perfectly fine waiting to add that certain extra something to your favorite cocktail. Imbibe Magazine has a terrific article on bitters, their history and their future in mixology if you want to know more. The most common question is obviously going to be where can I buy them? The answer, thanks to the internet, is right here on your computer. Kegworks sells Fee Brothers, a long time manufacturuer of cocktail bitters, set of six bitters for just under $40 on Amazon.

Scottish Summer - (recipe and photo provided by William Grant and Sons, US distributor of Glenfiddich 12 yr old Scotch)
2 oz Glenfiddich 12 Year Old
½ oz Dolin blanc vermouth
4 dashes of peach bitters
Combine ingredients in an old-fashioned glass, add ice and stir. Garnish with a lemon peel.

The other deeply complex ingredient in her cocktail is Dolin blanc vermouth. This NY Times Food Stuff article explains in detail the beauty of the classic cocktail ingredient. But what I like best is, unlike the bitters which are always an ingredient, Dolin blanc is a lovely fortified wine that stands perfectly on it's own. Food Stuff writer Florence Fabricant writes: "Dolin blanc, 32 proof, is clear, floral and more like a liqueur with hints of gingery spice. It's an intriguing spirit, too mellow for a typical martini, but lovely for a lighter-style manhattan and a delicious addition to fruity drinks." The NY Times article also includes a delicous summer cocktail: the Strawberry Cobbler. O.K., YUM!

So I admit, I was wrong. Single Malt Cocktails are definitely worth it. Especially for the summer months, when a refreshing, a bit fruity and yet still complex flavor is appreciated. I really don't mind being this kind of wrong...I think I'll have another, please.