Glendullan 17 Years Old 1979 (Scott’s Selection)

Scott's Selection bottled this Glendullan, a 17 year old, distilled in 1979, at 60.4%. Glendullan is a Speyside single malt from Dufftown, once supplied to King Edward VII. A second distillery was built alongside the original in 1972, the two running together until the old plant closed in 1985. Its water rises at the Goats Well spring in the Conval Hills above the distillery.

The spirit was taken gently through wash and spirit stills, for the green, grassy make Glendullan is known for. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, oak lactones lending a creamy vanilla. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins draw a gentle, drying grip across the fruit. Maturation runs slow and even in the warehouses at Dufftown. First fill wood drives the maturation, the cask clear in the light spirit. Long ageing turns the fresh green notes towards orchard fruit, honey and a gentle spice.

At a hearty 60.4% it carries real weight. Apple, melon and a light honey, lifted by a soft oak. It is fruity and clean, the grassy spirit shining through. It finishes light, fresh and grassy. This is a green, malty Speyside single malt.