Whisky Review/Tasting: The Singleton of Glendullan 15 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Speyside, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: The whisky undergoes a long fermentation process, slow distillation, and balanced maturation. The water used for whisky production comes from a source in the high wooded Conval Hills above the distillery glen, while the River Fiddich is mentioned for cooling purposes.
Age Statement: 15 years.
ABV: 40%.
Color and Clarity: Artificially colored.
Bottle Design: Presented in a huge liter bottle, offering 30% more whisky. The design follows the typical Singleton marketing, emphasizing balance, richness, and smoothness.

Balance of Flavors: Described as perfectly balanced, naturally rich, and smooth.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its absence of intense burning, showcasing a profile that includes vibrant juicy citrus freshness, rich fruit cake flavors, mature peppery spice, dark and full notes, a little cinnamon, and beeswax.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its unique spice blend and absence of bitterness set it apart.

Anecdotes: Horst Luening humorously comments on the distillery's claim of handcrafting whisky "as long as there's a mouse on this computer," and shares a personal story about the smell of beeswax candles from his childhood.
Trivia: The distillery has been operating in the heart of Speyside since 1897 and once had the custom of King Edward VII.

Historical Context: The Singleton of Glendullan's production process and ingredients emphasize traditional skills and locally sourced barley, reflecting the distillery's long-standing heritage in Speyside.
Geographical Context: The use of water from the Conval Hills and the proximity to the River Fiddich highlight the distillery's connection to its natural surroundings.

Opinions: Horst Luening appreciates the whisky's complexity, richness, and smoothness, particularly noting the absence of bitterness and the rewarding nature of the whisky despite its 40% ABV.
Quotes: "Whenever I smell cinnamon, this is one of my very favorite spices... my brain says this is good."

The Singleton of Glendullan 15 years is a single malt Scotch whisky from Speyside, characterized by its balanced, rich, and smooth flavor profile.
It undergoes a meticulous production process, using water from the Conval Hills and emphasizing traditional distillation and maturation techniques.
The flavor profile includes citrus freshness, fruit cake, mature peppery spice, cinnamon, and beeswax, with a notable absence of bitterness.
Horst Luening shares personal anecdotes and emphasizes the whisky's quality and heritage, recommending early acquisition of older expressions due to potential quality variations over time.

For the Whisky Connoisseur: The complexity and traditional production process, coupled with the unique flavor profile, make this a must-try.
For the Speyside Enthusiast: Those who appreciate the rich and smooth characteristics typical of Speyside whiskies will find this expression particularly enjoyable.
For the Whisky Collector: Given the potential for quality variation over time, collectors might consider acquiring this whisky sooner rather than later.
For the Casual Drinker: The smoothness and balanced flavor profile make it accessible, even for those new to whisky or those who prefer a less intense drinking experience.