The art pairing of Indian food with fine single malt whiskies is not new, but unlike food and wine pairings, far too little of this delectable topic has been written about or documented. In particular, the pairing of the savory and spicy cooking of southern India with The Singleton of Glen Ord results in some extraordinarily delightful experiences of the senses. First, let’s take a closer look at southern Indian cuisine.
Southern Indian cuisine is organized geographically according to the four regions of the subcontinent, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Though these four regions have a diverse offering of regional specialties, they share certain characteristics. Rice is the staple food while lentils, coconuts, chicken and mutton, seafood and local vegetables and fruits also play important roles. These ingredients are liberally spiced with red and green chilies, ginger, black pepper, cloves, mustard seeds and other spices. The major cooking methods are baking, frying and grilling. The pungency and spiciness of the dishes is somewhat offset by the aromatic white rice served with the dishes, but these zesty foods reach new heights of flavor and expression when paired with The Singleton of Glen Ord 12 YO.
The generous fruit flavors of The Singleton of Glen Ord 12 YO act as a synergistic partner, much in the way some of the local chutneys or pickled sides dishes do, as the whisky helps define the flavors and add distinction to the dishes. The slight sweetness of The Singleton of Glen Ord 12 YO is accentuated when the whisky is paired with spicy southern Indian dishes, becoming a welcome palate soother. To maximize these soothing qualities, add an ice cube or two to The Singleton of Glen Ord 12 YO when enjoying with very spicy dishes.
The use of coconut and other oils to cook foods and the numerous curry, masala and other heavy sauces beg for a clean tasting drink with alcohol to cleanse the palate and facilitate digestion. With these heavy dishes I prefer Singleton 12 YO served neat as the digestive properties of the whisky are best when served in this manner. The Singleton of Glen Ord 12 YO makes the already delectable of southern India even more palatable. Here are some of my favorite southern Indian dishes to enjoy with The Singleton of Glen Ord 12 YO: yogurt-soaked vegetables fritters, deep-fried lentil-flour crisps, lentil gravy, grilled mutton kebabs, chicken and mutton masala, all types of meat and vegetable curries, salted dried fish in wet sauce and chettinad pepper chicken.
