Singleton of Glendullan 15 Year

A few months ago, I evaluated the Singleton 12. Many are aware this distillery is primarily used for Johnny Walker components. And while the spirit isn't exceptional, based on my experience with the 12, it's certainly good enough to warrant its own release. This is from the older, green packaging era. Let's take a look. Smell: Heavy on the butterscotch and caramel. Apple, pear, and apricot. The apple is both gala and Granny Smith varieties. Vanilla and toffee. Brown sugar. Marshmallow. Grassy. Cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Taste: More of the very prominent apple. Green grape, golden raisin, apricot, and pear. Caramel, vanilla, toffee, and butterscotch. Apple cider. Almond and macadamia. Floral. Finish: Apple, pear, apricot, green grape, and golden raisin. Very consistent. Sugar cookie. Caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch. Barrel smoke and oak. Clove, nutmeg, white pepper. Pleasant and inoffensive. That's a recipe for a satisfactory grade. But it doesn't describe a standout. It's significantly more interesting than some other blend components from distilleries (considering some of those distilleries under the Dewars group.) The flavor profile itself is enjoyable. There's simply a lack of depth and the absence of a defining characteristic. At 46% ABV -- or perhaps even 43% -- this could excel. But 40% is, as always, a considerable limitation. It's exceedingly rare that a sipping whisky can handle dilution to that degree. Still, what can one expect when obtaining a 15-year single malt for $52? The value is undeniable. 3 out of 5.

At the Miami Whiskey Mash in 2018, I sampled this expression alongside its 12-year-old sibling. What's exceptional about the 15-year-old version of this single malt is its surprisingly low price, about $40, positioning it as the most budget-friendly 15-year-old scotch available. The generally sweet and fruity character from the 12-year-old is enhanced here, revealing a pleasant, sharp apple note that harmonized with the somewhat drier malt. I might make this my regular single malt choice, as it appeals to a wide range of tastes.

Nose: orchard fruits, pear, apple, sweet grass, vanilla, mild malt, lacks significant complexity but is still enjoyable. Palate: fruit, vanilla, mild caramel, a brief to moderate finish with a spicy kick and a hint of charred barrel. A good value 15 year old that is perfectly suitable when a lighter but not overly assertive dram is desired.

Disappointing, but still drinkable. It's not a bad scotch, it just lacks character across the flavor spectrum; as if it's aiming to be the universal scotch. I'm finding it improves significantly when mixed with a bit of Glenmorangie, Macallan, or even Monkey Shoulder. I likely won't purchase it again.

The nose and palate are a bit subdued, but it has a persistent finish for me. It bears some resemblance to an Irish whiskey. I purchased it on sale for less than $35, so I decided to try it. I would have rated it higher if it had more pronounced flavors.

Initial taste offers bright floral notes, followed by a mellower fruit and flower taste on the second round. The conclusion retains a slight sharpness, not quite as velvety as anticipated for a 15-year scotch, yet still enjoyable.