The Singleton of Glendullan Radiant Spring Garden

A Glendullan, a distillery bottling, at 40%. Glendullan is a Speyside single malt from Dufftown, on the banks of the River Fiddich. A second distillery was built alongside the original in 1972, the two running together until the old plant closed in 1985. Since 2007 its single malt has been bottled as the Singleton of Glendullan, aimed at the United States. Its water rises at the Goats Well spring in the Conval Hills above the distillery.

Taken gently through wash and spirit stills, for the green, grassy make Glendullan is known for. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the fresh, fruity character to the fore. Without an age statement, a fresh pear note and vanilla point to good years in cask. The fresh, fruity spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out a soft honey. Because the long fermentation keeps the spirit fresh and grassy, the cask shows clearly with time.

At an approachable 40% it is fresh and clean. Apple, melon and a light honey, lifted by a soft oak. A green apple and a gentle citrus lift the middle. A fresh finish closes on pear and a soft oak. This is a light, grassy Speyside single malt.