Glendullan 12 Years Old 2011 Cask #367833 (James Eadie)

A Glendullan of a 12 year old chosen by James Eadie, distilled in 2011, from cask 367833, at 55.8%, one of 293 bottles. Glendullan is a Speyside single malt from Dufftown, once supplied to King Edward VII. It runs long fermentations and a slow distillation for a green, grassy, lightly fruity spirit. Its water rises at the Goats Well spring in the Conval Hills above the distillery. Most of its make has always gone to blends, above all Diageo's Old Parr.

The spirit was worked unhurried through the stillhouse, giving a fresh, lightly fruity Speyside spirit. Maturation came in an Amontillado cask, layered over the green Glendullan make. By the integrating teens the raw notes fade and esters build, the fruity spirit growing rounder and creamier. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. Maturation runs slow and even in the warehouses at Dufftown.

At 55.8%, undiluted, it is rich and fruity. A fresh orchard fruit and a malty sweetness, with a dry, nutty, almond edge from the cask. It is fruity and clean, the grassy spirit shining through. Green apple, citrus and a soft oak see it out. This is a green, malty Speyside single malt.