Part of the 2021 Diageo Special Releases; a cask strength 19-year-old Singleton from Glendullan distillery that was matured in refill American oak casks, finished in cognac casks and bottled at 54.6% abv.
30mL Sample Bottle
The annual Diageo Special Releases have been a hotly anticipated part of the whisky calendar for the past 20 years. The series sees Diageo take full advantage of the dozens of Scotch whisky distilleries in their portfolio. The Special Releases series sees Diageo showcase rare, ghosted and workhorse distilleries, such as Brora, Royal Lochnagar, Teaninich and Benrinnes, that are otherwise never seen as single malt expressions. It also allows for experimentation with the maturation and delivery of some of their classic malts, such as Cragganmore, Lagavulin and Talisker.Â
For this year, each of the eight whiskies in the collection express an individual character, inspired by mythical Scottish creatures that, according to legend, inhabit the lands surrounding the distilleries. This is brought to life with stunning bottle art, that was designed by renowned, Australian, digital illustrator Ken Taylor.Â
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Offical Tasting Notes
Nose:Â The mild nose shines with top notes that hint at dried figs, crystalised angelica and orange peel, above the dry scent of a light fruitcake, iced with notes of vanilla-scented marzipan. More buttery notes emerge with water, which brings up the spiciness.Â
Palate: A soft, smooth texture, oaky-dry at first, introduces layers of rich, fruity flavour in which a lusciously sweet taste of ripe green apple is enriched by exotic hints of grape spirit and sweet coconut. A little water enhances this.Â
Finish:Â Long and both sweet and faintly savoury, with ginger spice and the merest touch of smoke.
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Built in 1897, Glendullan is one of the malts that appears under Diageo’s Singleton range; alongside the Dufftown (the most common), Glen Ord and Auchroisk distilleries. Young spirit is bright and grassy and it develops spices and toffee, caramel notes over time.
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