The Singleton of Glen Ord 39 Year Old Whisky 46.2%

The Singleton of Glen Ord 39 Year Old 46.2%

Official Tasting Notes

Nose: The nose-feel is mellow, and the aroma is profoundly complex. Mild at first and vinous, with fruity top notes suggesting a rich fruit cake with wine-soaked raisins, candied orange peel and toasted almonds. Later, some butterscotch emerges, with a slightly burnt edge to the cake. Water dials back the fruit and introduces a cooling effect.

Palate: At natural strength, light yet creamy-smooth; a very slightly waxy texture and a mouth-watering, sweet start with a notably fruity clove-studded spiciness. Then gently drying, with more spice towards the end yielding a light peppery warmth. Richly flavoured and perfectly balanced, it drinks well neat. With just a dash of water, the texture is thinner, and the sweetness comes forward slightly; there is a shake of salt now at the expense of spicier warmth, which returns in the finish.

Finish: Very long, fruity, and warming, with a lingering spicy warmth and a hint of salted plums in the aftertaste. The latter is increased by a drop of water, when the whole aftertaste becomes unusually menthol-cool, with perhaps a suggestion of cherry liqueur chocolates.

The Singleton brand is made up of delicious easy drinking single malts from three distilleries. These are Glen Ord, Glendullan and Dufftown all owned by whisky industry giant’s Diageo. Glen Ord in the Highlands, north west of Inverness is where you will find the new Singleton whisky visitors experience. The Singleton of Glen Ord 12,15 and 18 year old are the core expressions. 

Glendullan and Dufftown are both located in Speyside. Glendullan was founded in 1896 by blenders from Aberdeen named William William’s and Sons. The distillery has enjoyed a long working history with one halt in production due to barley shortages in World War II. The style is grassy and fruity and is the most delicate of the three Singletons.

Dufftown founded in 1895 was built in a former mill. The character of the Singleton produced here can be described as nutty and spicy. The core range is made up of the Singleton of Dufftown 12,15 and 18 year olds plus the Malt Master’s Selection. 

All the Singletons are available globally and are designed to entice people into enjoying the delights of drinking whisky. The brand has benefitted from huge success, so much so in 2015 Singleton became 5th in the top list of single malts.