Singleton whiskey: history, overview of taste and types

Briefly about the drink

Singleton Scotch belongs to the category of relatively young but promising brands. The drinks of the line are produced at the famous Dufftown distilleries, which can boast not only a centuries-old history, but also consistently high quality whiskey.

The region's large distilleries are part of the alcohol giant Diageo and are known primarily as suppliers of single malt spirits for famous blends such as J&B Rare, Johnnie Walker, Bell’and many other countries.

Recently, Dufftown's enterprises have organized the production of their own collection of molts "Singleton". It is noteworthy that in different regions, the drinks are available in different versions: in Europe, they are known as Dufftown, in Asia - as Glen Ord, in North America - as Glendullan. The sub-brands differ in the specifics of production, aging and taste. The common features are the affordable price and the prefix "Singleton" in the name.

History of Singleton whiskey in brief

The path to success for the famous Dufftown distilleries was by no means easy, but rather complicated and thorny. During its long history, the distilleries have experienced many transformations and difficulties, changed many owners, quarrels over water shortages and were repeatedly on the verge of collapse. This area of Scotland was once called "the city of seven distilleries". But after the closure of several old businesses, the original nickname lost its meaning.

The European line of Singleton whiskey is produced at one of the largest plants in the region, founded in 1895. The sixth Dufftown distillery was built on the site of a mill with the participation of its owner Simon and Liverpool entrepreneurs Mackenzie and Stackpole.

The company specialized in the production of blends for the American market, with the introduction of the "dry law" in the United States, it went bankrupt and passed into the possession of Arthur Bell & Sons".

In the 1930s, the plant was actively developing, but was closed with the onset of the war.

In the 50s and 70s, production was not only fully restored, but also replenished with new facilities: warehouses, distillation cubes, and a malt house.

The American collection of Singleton drinks is produced at the Glendullan distillery, which became the seventh Dufftown facility. The distillery was opened in 1897 by the Aberdeen company "William Williams" & Sons to produce spirits for blends.

During the first 20 years of its existence, the company changed owners several times and in 1926 became part of the Distillers Company Ltd. During the war, the plant did not operate and resumed its activities only in the late 40s. By 1962, the distillery was completely rebuilt, after which it actively developed and increased production volumes.

The plant that produces the Asian version of Singleton is not part of the Dufftown complex. The company is located in Highland, on the Black Isle, and is known as the Glen Ord distillery.

The company was founded in 1838 by Thomas McKenzie, a representative of one of the western Scottish clans. At the dawn of its existence, the plant went through times of bankruptcy and illegal activity, but by the end of the XIX century it began to successfully supply whiskey to South Africa and Singapore.

During the war years, production was halted, by the end of the 60s the company was renewed and expanded, in the 90s it became part of Diageo.

Types of Singleton whiskey

1. The Singleton of Dufftown

   The collection addressed to European consumers was created in honor of Queen Victoria.

   The combination of traditional methods, ancient recipes and water from an ancient spring allows us to embody the true spirit of Dufftown in rich, fresh, delicate bouquets of whiskey.

   Single malt drinks of the line have smoothness, roundness, purity and exceptional flavor. Characteristic tones: vanilla, fruit, berries, honey, hints of oak.

   Aged malt is characterized by a long, warming sweetish aftertaste with notes of nuts, grain and dried fruit.

   Scotches are delicious on their own, in combination with popular snacks and in cocktails.

   

2. Singleton of Glen Ord

   The line, created at the oldest of the Singleton distilleries, belongs to the products of the Scottish Highlands. These drinks do not have the tenderness of Speyside and the smokiness of Aila, but they have their own power and elegance.

   Black Isle whiskeys have a lively character, surprising with tones of dark berries: cherries and black currants.

   Balanced, complex bouquets are born as a result of long fermentation and slow distillation.

   American and European barrels are used for maturation, which give the scotch a richness of flavors, moderate astringency, harmony and bright fruitiness.

   

3. The Singleton Of Glendullan

   The youngest distillery in Dufftown gives drinks lightness, elegance and a delicate aroma of greenery. Thanks to aging in American oak barrels, single malt products develop a softness and flavor of ripe garden fruits.

   European wood gives them balance, smoothness and elegant dryness of spices.

   Characteristic tones: honey, vanilla, apple, pear, strawberry, raisins, spices.

   

Update: 31.03.2019

Category: Whiskey and Bourbon