This past February Outpost set sail on our first Singleton Experience, an unforgettable sailing adventure fueled by The Singleton Single Malt Scotch Whisky. And much like our favorite Single Malt Whisky, a singular taste just leaves us wanting more, so the Pacific winds blew us straight up to Fairview, Oregon for our second Singleton Adventure.
At A Glance…
In celebration of World Whisky Day, we embarked on an action-packed adventure on land and lake-from stand up paddling, salmon-smoking to woodworking & more. All while learning how to make specialty cocktails made with Singleton Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Morning Toast + Cocktails
Constructed in 1897, the original Glendullan distillery sat on the bank of the Dullen River amongst the scenic Convall Hills. We couldn’t have imagined a more picturesque location for our second Singleton Experience than on the banks of Blue Lake in Fairview, Oregon. Nestled against a mountain backdrop, Singleton Ambassadors welcomed excited Outposter’s to a scenic lakeside property.
Outpost’s network of creatives, artists, musicians, and adventurers got to take in the views and enjoyed a breakfast of bagels topped with fresh salmon from local fishery, Flying Fish Co. After breakfast, the adventurers geared up for activities, the first of which was a paddle-boarding lesson led by SUPortland.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Delicate. Light. Perfectly balanced. Our three favorite elements of a smoothe bottle of Singleton, and the three skills needed for smooth paddle boarding. While Singleton Master of Malts Keith Law draws on 36 years of experience to achieve this trifecta, we’re not quite there yet with our own paddle boarding skills. Our stand up paddle boarding skills may till need alittle bit more time to malt, we had a blast honing in on our skills and relaxing by the riverbank with fellow Outposters.
Wetsuit-clad Outposters took to the water and enjoyed a relaxing paddle down the lake. Once off (or out, for some who didn’t quite keep their balance) of the water, the team enjoyed refreshing-tasting The Singleton of Glendullan cocktails – choosing between the Over and Outpost, Rip City Squeeze, or Black and Yellow Rose. Full recipes can be found below!
Woodworking Workshop
The smooth flavor and character of single malt whisky is partly thanks to the Oak Barrels they age within. Over decades and centuries, barrel aging has become not only an accepted part of whisky-making but in places like Scotland, imperative. With respect to the rich history of Single Malt Whisky oak barrel aging process, Singleton uniquely keeps their whiskies tasting fresh, light and clean. Specifically, Singleton Glendullan 12 Year Old holds fresh, fruity, and soft fragrant notes, ideal for our refreshing tasting Over & Outpost cocktail (recipe below).
To pay homage to this the oak barrel tradition, guests enjoyed their Singleton cocktails while participating in a woodworking workshop. As part of his process, Portland-based Woodworker, Nolan Restivo, highlights the nature of oak wood specifically, allowing Singleton Guests to not only sand, stain, and brand their own oakwood cutting boards, but gain a hands-on understanding of the process.
A Locally Sourced Lunch
After an eventful morning of paddle boarding and woodworking, the crew sat down to enjoy a locally-sourced seafood lunch by Flying Fish Co. The menu included Dungeness Crab boiled in Singleton Scotch Whisky and dipped in scotch-infused drawn butter, served alongside a delicious salad with Singleton dressing and artisan bread. As guests enjoyed, whisky ambassador Nick Crutchfield led a cocktail-making workshop at the trolley pop-up bar. Nick gave an overview of single malt scotch whisky – a refreshing-tasting spirit often misunderstood – and demonstrated how the guests could make these scotch whisky cocktails at home.
Salmon Smoking Workshop
Whisky is for much more than drinking… historically, scotch whisky distilleries like Singleton, used peat fires to dry malted barley. The drying process takes about 30 hours, giving Scotch whiskies their distinctive smoky aroma and flavour.
Lyf Gildersleeve from Flying Fish Co. lead a smoking workshop where Outposters were taught how fresh salmon is cured, smoked and were able to enjoy the fish right off the fire (with fresh oysters topped with The Singleton, of course).
Cocktail Making Workshop
Following a smoky lunch, Singleton Brand Ambassadors taught Outposters to the versatility of Singleton Whisky, as they previously enjoyed it smoked within their lunch, ambassadors hosted cocktail workshops highlighting how to best enjoy Singleton including tasting notes, flavor profile, etc. Specifically, guests were taught how to mix the Rip City Squeeze and Over & Outpost cocktails, and of course tasting each step of the way!
As guests enjoyed, whisky ambassador Nick Crutchfield led a cocktail-making workshop at The Singleton trolley pop-up bar. Nick gave an overview of single malt scotch whisky – a refreshing spirit often misunderstood – and demonstrated how the guests could make these scotch whisky cocktails at home.
Recap + Goodbye Toast
Ending the action-packed day with a classic Scottish toast, Nick thanked the group for joining the adventure and celebrating World Whisky Day. Outposter’s set off home with Singleton beach towels, custom cutting boards, and their own bottles of Singleton Glendullan 12 Year to practice their cocktail making skills!
Overall, it was an incredible day on Blue Lake, filled with adventure, laughs, and delicious cocktails. Host your own Singleton Experience with the cocktail recipes below, and look out for more whisky adventures to come!
Recipes
Photography by: Natalie Gildersleeve
#singletonXoutpost #SingletonPartner
SINGLETON & SPICE
- 1.5 oz The Singleton of Glendullan12 Year Old
- 4 oz Hot Water
- .5 oz Honey
- .25 oz Lemon Juice
Glassware: Mug
Garnish: Lemon wheel spiked with 4 cloves, cinnamon stick
Preparation: Add all ingredients in a mug glass and garnish. fffffff
RIP CITY SQUEEZE
- 1.5 oz The Singleton of Glendullan12 Year Old
- .75 oz Lime Juice
- .5 oz Simple Syrup
- 3 Slice Cucumber
- 3 to 4 Mint Leaves
Glassware: Rocks glass
Garnish: Cucumber, mint
Preparation: Add all ingredients into a shaker, gently muddle the cucumber and mint. Add ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass and garnish.
BLACK AND YELLOW ROSE
- 1.5 oz The Singleton of Glendullan12 Year Old
- .5 oz Lemon Juice
- .5 oz Black Pepper Corn Syrup
Glassware: Rocks glass
Garnish: Lemon/grounded pepper
Preparation: Add all ingredients into a shaker. Add ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass and garnish.
OVER AND OUTPOST
- 1.5 oz The Singleton of Glendullan12 Year Old
- .2 oz Watermelon Juice
- .5 oz Lemon Juice
- .25 oz Agave Syrup or Simple Syrup
Glassware: Rocks glass
Garnish: Cucumber slices, watermelon triangle, fresh basil
Preparation: Add all ingredients into glass. Add ice, give a gentle stir and garnish.
