The Singleton of Glendullan 1976

A distillery release of Glendullan, a 38 year old, from 1976, at 59.8%, 3756 bottles in all. Glendullan is a Speyside single malt known for a green, grassy, lightly fruity style. Within a few years it was supplied to King Edward VII by royal request, from 1902. It sits on the banks of the River Fiddich, in the heart of Speyside.

Run slowly off the spirit still, for a fresh, fruity spirit with a light body. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the fresh, fruity character to the fore. In its ethereal years the malt turns waxy and oxidative, faded esters and a whisper of sotolon. Years in oak deepen the spirit to gold, the body growing rounder with time. A light, clean texture from the spirit carries through the maturation. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the light Speyside spirit. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit.

At a hearty 59.8% it carries real weight. A fresh orchard fruit and a malty sweetness, lifted by a soft oak. Soft pear and a light vanilla sit behind the cask. It finishes light, fresh and grassy. This is a light, grassy Speyside single malt.