Singleton of Glendullan 15 Year

A few months back, I reviewed the Singleton 12. Many know this distillery primarily for its use as Johnny Walker fodder. And while the juice isn’t remarkable, based on my experience with the 12, it’s certainly good enough to merit independent production. This is from the old, green packaging days. Let’s check it out. Nose: Heavy on the butterscotch and caramel. Apple, pear, and apricot. The apple is both gala and Granny Smith. Vanilla and toffee. Brown sugar. Marshmallow. Grassy. Cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Palate: 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 formula for a passing grade. But it’s not the description of a standout. It’s much more interesting than some of the other blend fodder distillery products (looking at some of those distilleries under the Dewars umbrella.) The profile itself is enjoyable. There’s just a lack of depth and a the missing presence of a defining quality. At 46%—or maybe even 43%—this one could shine. But 40% is, as always, a significant limiting factor. It’s extremely rare that a sipping whisky can withstand a watering down to that extent. Still, what can you expect when you’re getting a $52 15 single malt? The value if undeniable. 3/5.

Tried at Miami Whiskey Mash 2018, alongside its 12-year old younger brother. The greatest thing about the 15-year rendition of this single malt is that it's stunningly affordable at around $40, which makes it the least expensive 15-year old scotch on the market. The generically sweet and fruity profile of the 12-year old improves here, and I got a nice, crisp apple flavor that combined well with the slightly drier malt. This one may become my house single malt, as I think it's one that could be enjoyed by the broadest variety of palates.

Nose: green orchard fruits, pear, apple, sweet hay or straw, vanilla, light malt, not a ton of depth but still pleasant. Palate: fruit, vanilla, light toffee, short to medium finish with a peppery note and a touch of barrel char. A quality 15yr old at the price that will service well enough when you want a dram that’s a little on the lighter side but not too sharp.

Unimpressive, yet drinkable. It’s not that it’s a bad scotch, it’s just too flat across the flavor profile; like it is trying to be the “everything” scotch. I’m finding it better mixing it with a splash of Glenmorangie, Macallan, or even monkey shoulder greatly improves the taste profile. I probably wouldn’t buy it again.

A little light on the nose and the palate, but for me, it has a long lasting bite on the backend. It reminds me a little of an Irish whiskey. I got it on sale for under $35, so I figure why not. $35 for a 15 years Scotch. I would have scored it higher if it had a little more flavor.

Sharp floral notes on the initial sip, second sip showcases a smoother fruity and floral flavor. Still a little sharp on the finish, not as smooth as I would expect for 15 year scotch but still good.