The Singleton of Glendullan 12-year-old single malt Scotch released in July 2008 is designed and marketed specifically toward first time Scotch consumers, but who are discerning individuals yet mystified by the immense selection within the Scotch whisky section.  The bottle has been designed in a traditionally distinctive 19^th century-style blue glass flask with typography that captures the essence of whisky packaged within the same era.  The aim is to help consumers more easily recognize “The Singleton” as an indication that it is a single malt Scotch whisky with the distillery prominently identifiable to depict heritage and tradition; individual and distinctive among many.  Then again, so are The Singleton of Glen Ord released in Asia in June 2006 and The Singleton of Dufftown released in Europe in August 2006.  Each of the other two were released in nearly identical bottling save for the names “Glen Ord” and “Dufftown” to depict the specific distillery.

Each of “The Singletons” recently released assert their newness to the Scotch community, but in reality they seem more of a reinvention.  Take for instance the Glen Ord.  The Glen Ord has won International recognition as one of the great single malt scotch whiskies being the winner of the prestigious IWSC (International Wine & Spirit Competition) Gold medal for two consecutive years and awarded the overall trophy for best single malt up to 15 years old.  Michael Jackson gave it a rating of 78 in his Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch 5^th Edition.  Of course that was when Glen Ord’s packaging was a little different.  Perhaps Glen Ord’s original packaging did not speak “authenticity” or “heritage”.  After all, winning awards does not always translate into sales if the public does not pick the bottle up from the shelf and walk it to the counter for purchase.  However the quality within the Scotch remains the same, thus the reincarnation in the “Singleton” may only be new in marketing and less of anything else.

Nevertheless, each of the three “Singletons” deserves sampling.  They are each similar in character, yet still unique.  Tasting notes on each of the three follow.

Singleton of Glendullan

Appearance:  Golden, amber

Nose:  Toffee, roasted nut and spice aromas.  Some soft fragrant notes too; scented leather, sandalwood and vanilla.

Finish:  Creamy smooth and slightly drying with a long peppery fade.

Body:  Light to medium.

Palate:  Fresh, spicy then soft and pleasantly sweet throughout.  Fruity with citrus and raisins, then vanilla and a hint of honey with just a trace of wood.  Round, elegant and beautifully balanced.

Singleton of Glen Ord

Appearance: Amber-gold.

Nose: At full strength, distant burning heather; dry peat; sweet pollen; sealing wax; dry orange skins. With water, softer notes of scented candle wax, dried flowers and brown sugar appear.

Body: Soft, medium

Palate: Well balanced, pleasant mouth feel; very sweet, then dries slightly. Easy to drink.

Finish: Medium length. Some spice and ginger in the drying aftertaste.

Singleton of Dufftown

Colour: Deep gold with polished mahogany highlights

Nose: Approachable and rich. Initially toasted hazelnut then rich fruits- baked apples & dates. Water brings out a sweeter, more direct Speyside character of citrus fruits & pear drops.

Body: Smooth-Medium

Taste: Sweetness and crunchy nuts impress then a smooth fruity Speyside sweetness. Hints of blackcurrant, brown sugar & espresso coffee.

Finish: Medium to long. Elegantly dry & crisp- then a sweet, nutty, delayed warmth which lingers pleasantly.

I cannot conclude without mentioning the Beverage Tasting Institute’s rating of 92 points on the Singleton of Glendullan 12-Year-Old while scoring The Macallan 12-Year-Old at 90 points.  Diageo proudly mentions a quote by Michael Jackson in a press release praising The Singleton of Glen Ord…

“…plenty of flavour and a fragrant finish…very skilfully composed. Beautifully balanced, very complex. A sophisticated all-rounder, at its best after dinner.” Michael Jackson, world-renowned whisky expert, author and columnist.

This tells me Diageo has great respect for Michael Jackson’s opinion and authority in the realm of Scotch whisky.  Interestingly enough, Michael Jackson rated The Macallan 12-Year-Old at 91 points.  While these new “Singleton” releases cannot be specifically looked up in Michael Jackson’s book mentioned earlier, nor be currently rated by him since he is now deceased, the specific distilleries can be referenced.  At the time of publication, Glen Ord 12-Year-Old was rated 78, Dufftown 15-Year-Old was rated 71 and Glendullan 12-Year-Old was rated 75.  Clearly there is a discernable difference between The Macallan and the other three distilleries.  The distinction is not a mere one point rating spread as the marketing on these “Singletons” would have the consumer believe.

My point in all of this is as a consumer be informed rather than persuaded by packaging and marketing alone.  Go to tastings to find what you like, read reviews and pick up a book such as Michael Jackson’s to cross reference and compare in relation to what you have tasted.  Never take a marketing company’s word for it and don’t just take my word for it either.  Taste for yourself.

All content ©2008 Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist. All Rights Reserved. Chat with Cheri @Intoxicologist on Twitter and facebook.com/Intoxicologist or str8upcocktails@gmail.com