Singleton 12 Year Old Luscious Nectar Glendullan Distillery

The Singleton of Glendullan 12 is the easy-going face of Speyside — an approachable single malt for people who find some malts too fierce. Glendullan sits in Dufftown, the whisky capital of Speyside, and this is the expression Diageo sends to the Americas under the Singleton name.

It's matured in a mix of ex-bourbon and European oak casks, which is where that mellow, faintly sherried sweetness comes from. Bottled at 40%, it's made to be smooth rather than challenging — no rough edges, nothing to intimidate.

The nose is sweet and inviting: honey, blackcurrant and a little toffee. The palate follows with red berries, malt, a touch of coffee and gentle oak spice. The finish is soft, warming and clean. Water isn't necessary, though a drop rounds it off.

A gentle, sippable Speyside — a good gateway malt and an easy pour for a quiet evening.

How to Serve

Neat in a tulip glass, or over a little ice if you prefer it cool. Very approachable for newcomers.

Where to Drink It

The Connaught Bar for a relaxed Mayfair evening. Boisdale of Belgravia. Black Rock in Shoreditch.

Food Pairings

Try it with shortbread or a slice of malt loaf. It's also nice with milder hard cheeses.