Glendullan 16 Years Old 1999 Cask #94711 (Ian Macleod)

A 16 year old Glendullan from Ian Macleod, distilled in 1999, from cask 94711, at 50%, one of 200 bottles. Glendullan is a Speyside single malt from Dufftown, once supplied to King Edward VII. It sits on the banks of the River Fiddich, in the heart of Speyside. Most of its make has always gone to blends, above all Diageo's Old Parr. It was the last of the Dufftown stills, the town said to stand on seven stills as Rome stands on seven hills. Since 2007 its single malt has been bottled as the Singleton of Glendullan, aimed at the United States.

It was drawn from a long fermentation, giving a fresh, lightly fruity Speyside spirit. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the American oak lending vanilla and a light honey. Through oxidative maturity the esters concentrate, the orchard fruit turning to mango, pineapple and a waxy honey. The fresh, fruity spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out a soft honey. Maturation runs slow and even in the warehouses at Dufftown.

At a hearty 50% it carries real weight. Green apple, pear and a light grass, lifted by a soft oak. A light orchard fruit and a soft spice give it shape. The finish runs fresh, grassy and clean. This is a fresh, grassy Speyside single malt.