The Singleton of Glen Ord 38 yo

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 49.6%

Special Features:

A 26-year secondary maturation makes this Glen Ord the opening release in the Epicurean Odyssey Series. Maureen Robinson initially matured the whisky for twelve years in refill casks previously used for whisky maturation. It then spent another 26 years in considerably more active wood. The selection included ex-bourbon casks, casks previously seasoned with Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso, and new American oak casks. The second maturation therefore lasted more than twice as long as the first.

Whisky from eight casks was selected for the worldwide release of 1,689 bottles. This official bottling has a cask strength of 49.6% and comes in a wooden box containing a bottle with 0.7 litres of whisky. In the glass, it displays a deep amber colour with copper highlights. Alongside baked apple and caramel sweetness, a delicate trace of salt and a hint of Sichuan pepper complement its fruity, spicy profile.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose opens with sweet, pronounced fruit aromas of red apple, mango, pineapple and candied citrus. Almond oil and vanilla pod follow, with vanilla fudge appearing later; sandalwood forms the background. A little water opens up the aromas without changing their essential character.
• Palate: The whisky is full-bodied, dense and creamy on the palate. A lively, sweet opening with fudge flows into intense fruit and gentle spice reminiscent of baked apple with cinnamon. The flavour then becomes gently drier and develops a peppery warmth. Throughout, the whisky remains smooth and balanced.
• Finish: The very long finish spreads a sweet warmth across the entire palate. A delicate ginger spice lingers, leaving a slight tingling sensation. With water, the finish becomes lighter and even longer, while its pronounced warmth remains memorable.

Distillery/Bottler:

Glen Ord stands near Muir of Ord, close to Inverness in the Northern Highlands. Founded in 1838, the distillery uses long fermentation and slow distillation. Its facilities also include the malting of its own barley; Glen Ord supplies malt to other distilleries as well.

For the Epicurean Odyssey Series, Malt Master Maureen Robinson focused on prolonged further maturation in experimentally selected casks. Her work on the series draws on more than four decades of experience at Diageo. For the 38-year-old whisky, the use of new American oak in particular was an unusual step at the time. Robinson followed the development of the whisky in its casks over decades rather than restricting secondary maturation to a short final stage.

Facts: