Glendullan 11 Years Old 2012 (Signatory)

A Glendullan of an 11 year old chosen by Signatory Vintage, distilled in 2012, at 57.1%. Glendullan is a Speyside single malt, long a blending malt and now a name in its own right. A second distillery was built alongside the original in 1972, the two running together until the old plant closed in 1985. Its founder also struck an exclusive supply deal with neighbouring Glenfiddich.

The spirit was run slowly off the spirit still, shaping a green, malty Speyside character. It was fully matured in an Oloroso cask, the wood deep in the fruity spirit. By the integrating teens the raw notes fade and esters build, the fruity spirit growing rounder and creamier. A light, clean texture from the spirit carries through the maturation. The fresh, fruity spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out a soft honey. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit.

At 57.1%, undiluted, it is rich and fruity. A fresh, fruity malt with a green edge, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Beneath it run green apple, pear and a soft grass. A fresh finish closes on pear and a soft oak. This is Glendullan's green, lightly fruity Speyside style.