Glendullan 16 Years Old 1999 Cask #5890/5892 (Ian Macleod)

Ian Macleod bottled this Glendullan, a 16 year old, distilled in 1999, from cask 5890/5892, at 43%, one of 783 bottles. Glendullan is a Speyside single malt, one of the larger malt distilleries in the Diageo group. Within a few years it was supplied to King Edward VII by royal request, from 1902. Most of its make has always gone to blends, above all Diageo's Old Parr. It runs long fermentations and a slow distillation for a green, grassy, lightly fruity spirit.

It was drawn from a long fermentation, for the green, grassy make Glendullan is known for. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the American oak lending vanilla and a light honey. Into oxidative maturity, slow air builds tropical esters of mango and pineapple over a creamy depth. Long ageing turns the fresh green notes towards orchard fruit, honey and a gentle spice. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the light Speyside spirit.

Bottled at 43%, it is light and creamy. A grassy, malty sweetness, lifted by a soft oak. Beneath it run green apple, pear and a soft grass. Green apple, citrus and a soft oak see it out. This is a light, grassy Speyside single malt.