Glendullan 12 Years Old 2011 Cask #310542 (BB&R)

Chosen by Berry Bros and Rudd, the London house at No.3 St James's Street, merchants since 1698, this a 12 year old Glendullan, distilled in 2011, from cask 310542, at 59.8%, one of 292 bottles. 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. It was the last of the Dufftown stills, the town said to stand on seven stills as Rome stands on seven hills.

It was worked unhurried through the stillhouse, giving a fresh, lightly fruity Speyside spirit. A bourbon barrel held it, the wood adding a soft honey over the orchard fruit. Through integration spirit and wood marry, vanillin rounding out as esters lend a riper orchard and tropical fruit. Years in oak deepen the spirit to gold, the body growing rounder with time. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit.

At its natural 59.8% it is full and fruity. A grassy, malty sweetness, lifted by a soft oak. Melon, pear and a soft honey fill the middle. The finish is rounded, fruity and clean. This is a fresh, grassy Speyside single malt.