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

4 Responses to “Review: The Singleton of Glendullan Scotch”

  1. DOUG ATKIN Says:

    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

  2. Christopher Null Says:

    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.”

  3. Marshall Jeffus Says:

    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!

  4. Ryan of Melbourne Says:

    Just got my first bottle of Walker Blue and The Singleton 12 Yr is hands down better than any of the higher priced drams.

Leave a Reply