Glendullan 12 Years Old 1996 Cask #DMG 4589 (Douglas McGibbon)

This Glendullan was bottled by Douglas McGibbon, a 12 year old, distilled in 1996, from cask DMG 4589, at 46%. Glendullan is a Speyside single malt, bottled by Diageo as the Singleton of Glendullan for the American market. It sits on the banks of the River Fiddich, in the heart of Speyside. Within a few years it was supplied to King Edward VII by royal request, from 1902. It runs long fermentations and a slow distillation for a green, grassy, lightly fruity spirit.

Drawn from a long fermentation, for the green, grassy make Glendullan is known for. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, vanillin and a soft coconut under the malt. In integration coconut and vanilla knit with the malt, the pear softening towards a creamy honey. Because the long fermentation keeps the spirit fresh and grassy, the cask shows clearly with time. Long ageing turns the fresh green notes towards orchard fruit, honey and a gentle spice.

Bottled at 46%, it is light and creamy. A fresh orchard fruit and a malty sweetness, lifted by a soft oak. A green apple and a gentle citrus lift the middle. The finish is rounded, fruity and clean. This is a light, grassy Speyside single malt.