Singleton of Glendullan 12 Year

The Glendullan distillery currently seems to primarily supply its spirits for various blends, likely contributing a significant amount to Johnny Walker. However, the remainder forms their single malt range, which can be acquired at the price point of a blend. This arrangement is agreeable to me. It's worth noting this is from the older green packaging; your experience may differ. Nose: Exhibits notes of honey, vanilla, toffee, butterscotch, and caramel, alongside almond and walnut. Characteristic of Speyside, with Gala apple, pear, apricot, and golden raisin. A very faint hint of plum. Also, sun-dried tomato and light barrel smoke. Palate: Displays caramel, vanilla, and toffee. Gala apple, pear, apricot, and golden raisin. Green grape. Honey with some floral notes. Almond and walnut. Butterscotch. Floral notes again. Malt and cereal grain. Milk chocolate. Barrel smoke. Butterscotch once more. Finish: Gala apple, pear, apricot, and golden raisin. Almond and walnut. Caramel, vanilla, and toffee. Oak. A very brief experience. The finish is short. I previously reviewed this approximately 7-8 years ago, assigning it a score of 3.75. This review suggests my palate has evolved, or perhaps become more discerning. It's understandable that this isn't a complex powerhouse; not every distillery that produces blend components can rival Caol Ila. It's perfectly acceptable for what it is. I don't find anything to dislike about it. I believe bottling it at 46% ABV, or perhaps even 43%, would be sufficient to elevate it to the mid-three-star range. It represents good value at $34, but it simply lacks sufficient intensity. The flavor profile is pleasant, though. Score: 3.0 stars.

I'm really glad I tasted this on two separate occasions. My initial purchase was several months ago. The aroma and middle taste were characteristic of a Speyside: malt, honey, nuts, some light floral hints, and a smooth texture. However, there was a distinct medicinal note, not like iodine, on the finish. When I saw it on sale again, I decided to give it another try, especially since my second bottle of Dewar's 12 yo was significantly better than the first. I'm so pleased I did. This is genuinely quite good. It lacks any medicinal undertones, presenting all the pleasant flavors from start to finish. While it's not as intricate as some other whiskies I adore, it costs about half as much, or even less. An excellent choice for a daily drink. Update: I found an opened bottle of this from months ago. Amazing! With some air in the bottle and time to rest, it has become wonderfully smooth and full of flavor, with no bitterness at all. It strongly resembles the incredible Darwhipple 15. When I open my next bottle, I will definitely let it sit for several minutes before sampling.

Nose: Sweet and fruity, with pleasant oak and dominant plum notes. Palate: Caramel and oak lead, with less fruit than the nose but still a sweet, full-bodied, pleasantly thick taste. Finish: More wood notes and a touch of bitterness, but lingering honey and vanilla appear. Overall: A very enjoyable scotch, particularly for its cost. I'll revisit it.

This is a reliable, functional scotch. It won't amaze you but offers decent value. Poured neat, the aroma is of Speyside fruit, malt, and wood, with a subtle floral note. The mouthfeel is thin yet soft. The palate presents flavors of chewed juicy fruit gum, light malt, and green wood. It lacks depth but has no significant off-notes. The finish is a quick fade of fruity malt alongside some bitter tannins. Overall, it's acceptable as an introductory scotch, but I prefer Speyburn 10 for less money. It's a good, mild beginner malt that won't offend anyone... Score: 75/100... However, I can identify 10 or more options at this price point or lower that I would favor.

Amazing vanilla cream, caramelized sugar, and baked custard. The texture is incredibly smooth and velvety. A faint trace of ocean salt remains at the end. The strong heat softens wonderfully with a single drop. Rich and smooth. Some of that roasted oak shows through; it has a bite on the way down that might be the sherry or perhaps some scorched wood. A mild solvent heat on the finish that enhances the tastes. It is the initial Scotch I have encountered so far where I can clearly detect the sweet notes. A remarkably satisfying (dessert?) Scotch.

Nose: Light to medium gentle fruit, fresh fruits, honey, light caramel, a sugary and creamy quality, sweetness, a hint of lemon zest and citrus, vanilla, grain or cereal notes, holiday baking spices, simple yet sufficiently rich, an easy, relaxed overall impression. Taste: Similar to the nose, featuring fruits, light citrus, creaminess, some sea salt air character, light char, cinnamon or nutmeg spice, resembling a dessert scotch. The finish is short and smooth. I genuinely enjoy this for its easy-going nature.