The Singleton Epicurean Odyssey series

The Singleton is a single malt Scotch whisky brand owned by Diageo, comprising three distilleries: Dufftown, Glen Ord and Glendullan. Each distillery produces a unique variant of The Singleton, even when bottled under the same brand. In recent years, The Singleton of Glen Ord has released a range of 38 year old, 39 year old and 40 year old whiskies as part of their Epicurean Odyssey Series. Below is a brief history of the Singleton Distilleries and tasting notes on the three variants. The Epicurean Odyssey Series is the latest addition to our ongoing Whiskies of the Distinction series.

The Singleton of Dufftown is intended for sale in Europe, the Singleton of Glendullan for sale in America and the Singleton of Glen Ord for sale in Asia. Although they share similarities, all three whiskies are unique expressions.

The Singleton of Glen Ord is located in Muir of Ord, Highlands, Scotland. It was founded in 1838 by Thomas Mackenzie. It is the only remaining single malt distillery on the Black Isle and uses a slow fermentation process along with traditional floor malting, giving its whiskies a distinctive character. It is the largest of the three distilleries that produce The Singleton. Its annual capacity is 11.5 million litres of pure alcohol (LPA), which equates to approximately 40 million bottles.

The Singleton of Dufftown is located in Dufftown, Scotland, in the heart of Speyside. It was founded in 1896 by the Dufftown-Glenlivet Distillery Company. Dufftown is known for producing smooth, mellow whiskies with rich, fruity flavours. It is one of the largest and busiest distilleries in Speyside, 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 founded in 1897 by William Williams & Sons. The distillery is located on the banks of the River Fiddich and uses the pure water to produce a fine, 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 sophisticated cuisine. Fewer than 2,000 bottles of each edition were produced, and only a few hundred bottles were available in North America.

All three bottlings have been aged in ex-bourbon casks and a mix of American and European oak casks seasoned with either Pedro Ximenez or Oloroso sherry. The 40-year-old bottling has also been aged in rum casks that previously held Zapata rum. The result is a range of whiskies with layered complexity and a distinctive range of flavours, from vanilla and caramel to rich dried fruit and spice.

The Singleton Single Malt Scotch Whisky 38 years old, 49.6% alcohol, 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 smoke.

The whisky is robust and luxuriously smooth on the palate, with flavours of ripe figs, dates and apricots, along with creamy toffee, vanilla and a hint of cinnamon. The oak influence is well integrated, providing a base of soft tannins and a hint of earthy nuttiness.

The finish is exceptionally long, with lingering notes of cooked grain, seasoned oak and a delicate, lingering smoky note.

The Singleton, Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 39 years old, 46.2% vol., 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 pronounced rancio note of old leather makes for a sophisticated aroma.

It is aromatic and incredibly smooth on the palate, with a velvety texture and distinctive mouthweight with aromas of burnt caramel, blackberries and plum pudding. Spicy cinnamon, clove and nutmeg notes intertwine with the sweetness of dried fruit, balanced by a distinct oak presence and hints of espresso and dark cocoa.

The finish is long and complex, with lingering notes of dried fruit, sweet spices and a light cold smoke. The oak influence is penetrating but refined, creating a persistent and complex aftertaste.

The Singleton, Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 40 years old, 750 ml

The nose offers a complex and inviting aroma with layers of rich fruitcake, dark chocolate and molasses. Notes of dried apricots, figs and a hint of spiced oak emerge, alongside subtle hints of leather and tobacco.

Full-bodied and exceptionally smooth, with a clear sherry influence, the whisky offers a rich variety of flavours including toffee, caramel, blackberries, figs, dates, plum pudding/Christmas cake and clover honey, rounded off by a distinctive base of well-seasoned oak and wood spices such as cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and black pepper.

The finish is incredibly long, with lingering notes of cooked grain, dried fruit and gentle wood spices. The oak influence is pronounced but well integrated, adding to the complexity of the whisky.

The Singleton Epicurean Odyssey range of single malt Scotch whiskies represents the pinnacle of long-aged whisky production. Extended maturation in a combination of casks and meticulous craftsmanship results in whiskies of exceptional depth, complexity and smoothness. These rare bottlings testify to The Singleton’s commitment to quality and tradition and offer whisky connoisseurs a luxurious and unforgettable tasting experience. These are truly Whisky of the highest class!