Glendullan is situated in Dufftown, the whisky capital of the world. As one of the busiest whisky epicenters, it is home to some of the greatest Scotch whiskies ever created. Founded in 1898, by William Williams & Sons from Aberdeen, the distillery was actually decreed by King Edward VII in 1902. Like most distilleries, Glendullan has a history of ownership changes and renovations. In 1926, the distillery was bought out by Distillers Company Limited, then switched hands to Scottish Malt Distillers in 1939. By 1962 the distillery was renovated, and only a decade later a new facility was constructed near the original site. In 1985 the original facility was mothballed. Glendullan 2 is also a workhorse, putting out 4 million liters of spirit per year, producing several labels. The distillery itself has official bottlings and has been producing theSingleton brand since 2007. A biolpant, which processes the spent lees, was also opened on-site in 2014. The distillery has three wash stills with an impressive capacity of 33,700 liters, and three spirit stills with 23,800 liters of capacity. They source their unpeated maltings from Diageo's industrial site, and the mashing takes place in a12-ton mash tun. The Singleton brand is actually manufactured in three Scottish whisky distilleries; one of which is Glendullan. This 12 Year expression, along with the other expressions from the singleton lineup (a 15 and a 18 year), was released in the US in 2017. This 12-year-old single malt whisky spends most of its time in American oak casks as well as a small portion of European oak casks to create a more harmonized spirit. The result is a bright, young single malt bursting with fresh fruit aromas, a sweet honeyed palate, and a creamy lingering finish. 

The Singleton of Glen Ord stands out with its exceptional offering - an exclusive release of their highly coveted 1987 vintage, painstakingly created from the very last remaining casks. Meticulous attention was given to the slow distillation process and patient maturation, resulting in a whisky of unparalleled elegance, characterized by a captivatingly aromatic nose and a luxuriously smooth, creamy texture. This extraordinary bottling proudly showcases a delightful amalgamation of sweet, fruity flavors, intertwined with nuanced hints of ginger, creating a truly remarkable and sought-after experience for whisky connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.

As our legend goes, a bewitching enchantress once lived deep within the emerald caverns of the River Ord. Powerful and beguiling, she could make the water dance at her command. As each solstice approached, she would fix her diamond-bright gaze on the river, and weave its currents into rich, and indulgent ruby-red wine. As they flowed through The Singleton’s water source, these charmed currents imparted The Singleton with a luscious and alluring character, as spellbinding as the ritual of the ruby solstice.

Chasing the river’s edge beside The Singleton of Glen Ord, the story of singular enchantment carries weight. The only remaining Single Malt distillery on the Black Isle, this whisky’s magic lies in its decadently layered flavours. Masterly slow crafting has long been the key; letting each stage of making from malt to maturation take its time, so that the liquid is balanced, smooth and enticing.

This rare expression mesmerizes with a sumptuous character, refined through eight years in wine casks. The glass gleams with glimpses of deep amber. Aromas of red wine, oak spice and fruits create an equal allure, while barley-sugar sweetness balanced by salt and crisp gooseberry sings with a rich, velvety voice. Ultra-smooth throughout, the palate seduces with a final peppery note, like a bewitching kiss of silken spice.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep, lustrous amber.

Body: Medium.

Nose: Dry overall, the gentle nose gives a vinous first impression, backed by spicy, woody notes of oak shavings and beech. Alluring aromas of tart red berry fruit and creamy vanilla spread among them, and a hint of wax appears in the development. A little water softens the nose and relaxes the aroma, without great alteration.

Palate: An ultra-smooth, mouth-filling texture prefaces a lively, intense taste; barley-sugar sweet, with a pinch of salt. That sweetness becomes pleasantly tart, with suggestions of gooseberry and crisp grape. At reduced strength, it is not as tart, but still spicy; the sweetness is highlighted yet the appetising spicy heat remains.

Finish: Lengthy and palate-drying, as pepper-heat lingers in a last kiss of silken spice. With water sweeter, now with a trace of fondant in the aftertaste.

In 2006, the Singleton collection of whiskies was launched with the aim of highlighting the unique single malts produced by three distinguished Scottish distilleries: Dufftown, Glen Ord, and Glendullan. Each whisky in the range provides an insight into the history and tradition of its respective distillery, while also showcasing its distinct flavor profile. From the spicy and nutty notes of Dufftown's single malts to the fruity and grassy character of Glendullan and the lively freshness of Glen Ord, the Singleton collection offers a diverse range of flavors and styles to discover.

The Singleton Glen Ord 40 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a truly exceptional and rare whisky that has been crafted with precision and care. This limited-edition release is the result of almost half a century of aging in American oak ex-bourbon casks, followed by a second maturation period of almost three decades in ex-rum casks. The whisky was then further matured in Ron Zacapa XO solera casks to create a complex and luxurious expression.

At the heart of the Singleton Glen Ord 40 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the character of the Glen Ord distillery, which is renowned for its fruity and grassy style. This is evident in the whisky's aroma, which is rich with notes of sweet tropical fruits, juicy plums, and delicate florals, with a hint of smoke in the background.

On the palate, the Singleton Glen Ord 40 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is incredibly smooth and rich, with a velvety mouthfeel and a range of complex flavors. The sweetness of the rum cask finish is immediately apparent, with notes of toffee, caramel, and dark chocolate, which are complemented by a subtle spiciness and a hint of oak.

The finish of the Singleton Glen Ord 40 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is long and lingering, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. It is a whisky that is best enjoyed neat, to fully appreciate its complexity and depth of flavor.