Origin: Highlands (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 55.5%ABV
Ageing casks: Finished in ex-sherry and ex-mezcal
Chillfiltered: No
Added colouring: No
Owner: Diageo
Average price: € 180.00
Official website: www.thesingleton.com
In the second round of Diageo’s Special Releases for 2025, let’s have another of the now-standard bottlings from the (probably) discontinued special series, featuring Glen Ord once again donning the guise of the one and only Singleton.
If for the Oban tasted a few days ago, the maturation is quite classic, here a new version is proposed for Glen Ord: the liquid aged in second-fill sherry casks (reportedly for five years) has been combined with another finish in ex-mezcal casks (reportedly for three years), a first for this label.
The initial maturation is not specified; some talk about unspecified refill casks, it is legitimate to assume they are ex-bourbon.
Tasting Notes
The nose is peculiar, with a pronounced mineral and vegetal component, slightly sulfurous, that stands out against the white (apple, peach, pear, dried apricot) and tropical (pineapple, mango) fruity notes, with a consistent background of honey and beeswax. The aging in ex-sherry is almost muted, allowing space for candied citrus pastries, sugar paste, marzipan, and spice (cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg). On the palate, a note of red fruits (currants, raspberries, raisins) emerges in the length. Curious.
In the mouth it is peppery and slightly spicy, with abundant black pepper, ginger, and chili supported by a nonetheless unobtrusive strength. The impressions of white fruit and citrus return, always accompanied by a clear mineral vein with sulfurous traits, with salty hints especially along the sides of the palate. The pastry is less incisive, relegated to the background, while a smoky and herbal part makes its way along the tasting.
The finish is long, with salty and mineral notes that expand on the palate, prompting salivation (and more drinking), accompanied by spices, white fruit, lemon, and a whiff of smoke.
Review: The decision to leave space for the finish in ex mezcal proves to be successful, a convincing variation on the classic profile of the label that highlights the characteristics of the cask without overshadowing the distillate. Notable.
Vote: 87/100