Review: The Singleton of Glendullan Scotch
New Scotch expressions are legion. But Scotch producers making it to the U.S. are pretty rare, considering this country’s love of the smoky stuff.
Glendullan distillery presents its first American offering this fall, The Singleton, a 12-year single malt that most Scotch enthusiasts will likely find perfectly pleasant, if a bit entry-level.
Produced in the crowded Speyside region, Glendullan’s 40-proof Singleton is a darker 12-year than most, but the taste is fairly light. Buttery smoke is first on the nose, and in the quaff. Floral notes are secondary, followed by light apple, nutty almond, and faint grassy tones. It’s very approachable for a Scotch pro, but I probably wouldn’t unleash it as a first-time whisky on a newcomer to the spirit. The more I drink it the more I like it, though I do prefer more honey/vanilla sweetness in my whisky.
On a secondary note: The bottle is an oblong number that resembles an (oversized) flask, a design that’s really growing in popularity these days.
Not a terrible price for a Scotch that is likely to be hard to come by for the immediate future. Give it a try if you’re a single malt enthusiast.
B+ / $36 / malts.com
November 13th, 2008 at 8:52 am
THUMBS UP! I JUST OPENED MY FIRST, BUT CERTAINLY NOT LAST, BOTTLE OF ‘THE SINGLETON’. GREAT FROM START TO FINISH. VERY ENJOYABLE. QUESTION: SEVERAL YEARS AGO THERE WAS A ‘SINGLETON OF AUCHROISK’. ANY CONNECTION? IF SO, WHAT IS THE HISTORY? THANKS, DOUG
November 13th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Doug – No relation at all. Auchroisk dropped the “Singleton” part of its name in 2001. That whisky is now known as “Auchroisk 10 Year Old Flore & Fauna.”
November 26th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Was introduced to The Singleton at a upscale restaurant a couple of weeks ago. Excellent! Bought my first bottle today, was very surprised at the price, expected it to be more. Highly recommend this scotch!
January 2nd, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Just got my first bottle of Walker Blue and The Singleton 12 Yr is hands down better than any of the higher priced drams.
January 11th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Got this as a change from 12yr McAllen. Very nice change. Much mellower and a bit salty. A great everyday scotch for those who can’t afford the really good stuff (um…like 18 yr McAllen)
February 11th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Got my first bottle as a gift from a sister in law. I married into the right family, that’s for sure. I’m used to single malts with a more prominent peat smoke and sea salt flavor, and the subtlety of this malt is refreshing. I’m sure the sherry casks they use play a part in the fruit notes. This could be the smoothest scotch I can afford right now. Definitely smoother and mellower than some 15 yrs I’ve tried. The trick will be to make this bottle last!
May 6th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Picked it up due to it being my namesake and it was a awesome surprise, the taste was right up my alley.
June 5th, 2009 at 5:11 am
I usually enjoy Glenmorangie or similar, but I had this at a scotch bar in Chicago last night on a suggestion from the bartender. It has been a long time since i was so pleasantly surprised. Very smooth, with a rovust flavor and none of the alcohol burn you often find in the price range. Definitely worthwhile!
June 11th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Bought my first bottle of Singleton last night. Have been a bourbon drinker guy for years but ventured into the scotch arena a few times. Tried Johnny Walker Red, Chevis Regal and others in the past but after recently trying some Glenlivet a few weeks ago, I decided to buy a bottle. Singleton was seated right next to it so I gave it a try instead. Generally smooth but Glenlivet was slightly smoother. Like them both and the price-point is close enough between the two of them.
June 14th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Got my first bottle as well. Had a Johny Walker black and liked it so I figure I’d give scotch a try and my first impression was buttery and I like it!
July 12th, 2009 at 3:56 am
Living in South Korea it’s hard to find a decent affordable bottle of Scotch. Just picked up a bottle of The Singleton at one of the largest supermarket chains in the country. It was on sale, 30% off from the 59.00 it usually sells for). Back home I’d usually keep a bottle of Dalwhinnie 15 or the Trader Joe’s sponsored 18 yr. McAllen. The Singleton is alright.
August 17th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Having tried several different scotch brands, I find myself coming back to this time and time again. It doesn’t have too strong a peat flavor, yet still distinguishes itself from some of the more common brands with a subtly sweet, yet smooth finish that’s nice and not harsh. I would definitely recommend this if you are looking for a lesser expensive single malt.
August 17th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Two years ago my wife and I were touring distilleries in the Speyside region and at one of them (the Glen Ord I think) I think we sampled The Singleton. We were told that you could only buy it at their distelleries because it was distributed in the asian market only. We enjoyed it but it didn’t make the cut over some of the others that we bought to bring home.
I was wondering if this is the same one and finally making it’s way to the US market?
November 15th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Saw it in the duty free,
Not a Scotch drinker but the name ment something special.
December 20th, 2009 at 4:00 am
Just bought a bottle in South FL it was recommended and on sale in the liquor store for $19 ! It’s excellent, smooth well balanced what value.
December 29th, 2009 at 10:55 am
bought a couple of bottles in my local pub on christmas eve (promotional prices on 2 bottles) and was pleasently surprised with the slight smokey n light flavour of the whiskey. me n a couple of friends managed to finish 1.5 bottles b4 the clock stuck 12.00. my half a bottle is still stored safe in the pub for my return on new years eve.
pros: good scotch at a reasonable price
great looking label n packaging
smooth n light finish
cons: not as peaty as i expected…personal opinion (my wee dram is usually more smoky n strong)
good for get togethers but i would sitting down with whisky connoisseurs i would prefer another of my regular brands
January 12th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
Just bought my first bottle! Got home and tried it and was pleasantly surprised, especially after paying only $19. Very smooth and would definitely recommend.
January 12th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
I bet you bought it at Big Daddy’s. That’s the only place i saw it on sale for 19.99/liter size.
Best scotch at that pricepoint i’ve ever had. Know any places that still have it in stock for the same price?
January 15th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
I agree with the seeming consensus here. I found The Singleton to be quite nice. I originally stopped by the site to inquire about the Auchroisk/Glendullan thing, but I see that has been dealt with already. Now I see that some of you have been buying the whisky for $20. Wow! I think I paid around $35. Next bottle I will shop a little harder.
January 27th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
I like to try different single malts and thats the way I drink them, one shot of one, then one of another, etc…I, too, was surprised at how tasty Singleton is. Yes, it’s a single malt for beginners as it’s not overpowering, but is a pleassure to have in my liquor cabinet line up. Here, in Minnesota, it’s been going for 33 a pop. If I could get it for 19 bucks a bottle, I’d buy a case, just to have on hand. Drink up!!!!!
February 1st, 2010 at 11:06 pm
that was a one-shot sale to get people hooked on it. the liquor store i bought them no longer carries singleton liters at all. they have the 750ml for 35.99 now