The SIngleton Epicurean Series
Photo, courtesy The Singleton
The Singleton is a Diageo-owned single malt Scotch whisky brand encompassing three distilleries: Dufftown, Glen Ord, and Glendullan. Each distillery produces a unique expression of The Singleton, even though they are bottled under the same brand. Over the last several years, The Singleton of Glen Ord launched a series of 38 YO, 39 YO, and 40 YO whiskies as part of their Epicurean Odyssey Series. Below is a brief history of The Singleton Distilleries and tasting notes on the three expressions. The Epicurean Odyssey Series is the latest addition to our ongoing Whiskies of Distinction Series.
The Singleton of Dufftown is earmarked for sales in Europe, The Singleton of Glendullan is designated for sales in the Americas, and The Singleton of Glen Ord is sold in Asian markets. Although they have similarities, all three whiskies are unique expressions.
The Singleton of Glen Ord is in the Muir of Ord, Highlands, Scotland. It was established in 1838 by Thomas Mackenzie. It’s the only remaining single malt distillery on the Black Isle and uses a slow fermentation process along with traditional floor malting, imparting a distinctive character to its whiskies. It’s the largest of the three distilleries that produce The Singleton. Its annual capacity is 11.5 million liters of pure alcohol (LPA), roughly 40 million bottles equivalent.
The Singleton of Dufftown is in Dufftown, Scotland, in the heart of Speyside. It was established in 1896 by Dufftown-Glenlivet Distillery Company. Dufftown is known for producing smooth, mellow whiskies with rich, fruity flavors. It is one of Speyside’s largest and busiest distilleries, with an annual capacity of 5.9 million LPA. The area is considered the heart of Speyside whisky production.
The Singleton of Glendullan is also located in Dufftown. It was established in 1897 by William Williams & Sons. The distillery sits on the banks of the River Fiddich, utilizing the pure water to create a delicate, balanced whisky profile. Its annual capacity is 3.6 million LPA.
The Singleton Epicurean Odyssey Series is a trilogy of whiskies designed to pair with intricate cuisine. Less than 2,000 bottles were bottled for each release, and only a few hundred bottles were available in North America.
All three releases were matured in ex-bourbon and a mix of American and European oak casks seasoned with either Pedro Ximenez or Oloroso Sherry. The 40 YO expression also received some aging in rum casks that previously held Zapata rum. The result is a series of whiskies with layered complexity and a distinctive range of flavors, from vanilla and caramel to rich, dried fruits and spices.
The Singleton Single Malt Scotch Whisky 38 YO, 49.6% ABV, 700 ml
The nose offers a complex bouquet of dried fruits, sweet honey, and dark chocolate, with subtle rancio notes of leather, tobacco, and a hint of smokiness.
The whisky is robust and luxuriously smooth on the palate, featuring flavors of ripe figs, dates, and apricots, along with creamy toffee, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon spice. The oak influence is well-integrated, providing a backbone of gentle tannins and a hint of earthy nuttiness.
The finish is exceptionally long, with lingering notes of cooked cereal, seasoned oak, and a delicate, lingering smokiness.
The Singleton, Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 39 YO, 46.2% ABV, 750 ml
The whisky offers a complex and layered nose with pronounced notes of dark chocolate, rich sherry, and roasted nuts. Additional hints of dried cherries, orange peel, and a touch of well-seasoned oak are present. The distinctive rancio note of old leather provides a sophisticated aroma.
It’s aromatic and incredibly smooth on the palate, with a velvety texture and distinctive mouth weight featuring burnt caramel, blackberries, and plum pudding flavors. Spicy cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg notes intertwine with the dried fruit sweetness, balanced by a pronounced oak presence and hints of espresso and dark cocoa.
The finish is long and complex, with lingering layers of dried fruits, sweet spices, and a gentle cold smoke. The oak influence is pervasive but refined, producing an enduring and complex aftertaste.
The Singleton, Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 40 YO, 750 ml
The nose offers a complex and inviting aroma with layers of rich fruitcake, dark chocolate, and treacle. Notes of dried apricots, figs, and a hint of spiced oak emerge, alongside subtle hints of leather and tobacco.
The whisky is full-bodied and exceptionally smooth, with an evident Sherry influence. It offers a rich tapestry of flavors, including toffee, caramel, blackberries, figs, date, plum pudding/Christmas cake, and clover honey, balanced by a distinctive backbone of well-seasoned oak and wood spices of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and black pepper.
The finish is incredibly long, with lingering notes of cooked cereal, dried fruit, and gentle wood spices. The oak influence is pronounced but well-integrated, adding to the whisky’s complexity.
The Singleton Epicurean Odyssey Series of single-malt Scotch whiskies represent the pinnacle of long-aged whisky production. The extended maturation in a combination of casks and meticulous craftsmanship results in whiskies of extraordinary depth, complexity, and smoothness. These rare expressions testify to The Singleton’s commitment to quality and tradition, offering whisky connoisseurs a luxurious and memorable tasting experience. These are genuinely Whiskies of Distinction!
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