Glendullan 15 Years Old 2010 Cask #303309 (G&M)

This Glendullan was bottled by Gordon and MacPhail, a 15 year old, distilled in 2010, from cask 303309, at 58.1%, one of 192 bottles. Glendullan is a Speyside single malt known for a green, grassy, lightly fruity style. Its founder also struck an exclusive supply deal with neighbouring Glenfiddich. Most of its make has always gone to blends, above all Diageo's Old Parr. A second distillery was built alongside the original in 1972, the two running together until the old plant closed in 1985.

The spirit was distilled in onion shaped copper pot stills, building a clean malt of orchard fruit and a grassy edge. A bourbon barrel held it, the wood adding a soft honey over the orchard fruit. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins draw a gentle, drying grip across the fruit. First fill wood drives the maturation, the cask clear in the light spirit. Because the long fermentation keeps the spirit fresh and grassy, the cask shows clearly with time.

Bottled at a cask strength 58.1%, it is concentrated. Green apple, pear and a light grass, lifted by a soft oak. Soft pear and a light vanilla sit behind the cask. A medium finish carries a soft honey. This is the lightly fruity malt of Dufftown.