Professional reviews
Words of Whisky (83)
It’s not often that you find yourself tasting Glendullan. It’s a distillery who’s whisky is mostly used for blending, and since it’s owned by Diageo, my guess it goes towards J&B and Johnnie Walker mostly.
This one then, bottled by James Eadie, a newish bottler with mostly rather young whiskies available. Somehow they managed to get a cask and I got a sample from Longmorn Brother GvB. He really likes this, and rates it 87 points on Whiskybase. Let’s see if I agree!
Sniff:
Young, rather green spirit with honey and vanilla. Youthful sweetness, moss and some minerals.
Sip:
The palate is a bit hot with alcohol heat. Apart from that there’s a lot of honey and vanilla, slate, iron and moss. Quite dry, and foresty, although the vanilla is quite pronounced.
Swallow:
The finish is a bit warmer, a bit darker. More notes of pastry, apple crumble with custard and some cinnamon.
Well, at its price of € 50, it’s not overly expensive and that’s a good thing. This makes it a decent daily drinker, but nothing more than that in my book.
Of course it’s young, but that’s not necessarily a detriment. What pulls this one down a few notches is that it’s so vanilla focused. That also makes it a bit generic, although the minerals and mossy notes work hard to correct that.
BOW (87)
In the heart of Speyside, the Glendullan Distillery has quietly perfected the art of whisky craftsmanship. The Glendullan 9 Years Old Black Swan, a distinguished expression by independent bottler James Eadie, is a ballet of flavors meticulously composed for the Small Batch Spring 2021 series. Distilled in 2011 and bottled on the 24th of March 2021, this release is not just a whisky; it's an experience. Casks 308284, 310477, and 310480, a trio of 1st fill bourbon and refill hogshead casks, contribute to this symphony of taste. Recognizable by the black swan on its label, this release has earned the moniker of the Black Swan, a name that hints at its rare and graceful nature.
The Maturation Ballet:
The Glendullan 9 Years Old Black Swan began its journey in 2011, maturing gracefully in a trio of casks: 308284, 310477, and 310480. These casks, comprising 1st fill bourbon and refill hogshead casks, offered a diverse range of influences, creating a whisky that dances between the sweet and the nuanced. Bottled at a refined 46% ABV, this expression is the result of careful cask selection and the artistry of James Eadie.
Tasting Notes:
As the golden elixir fills the glass, it invites enthusiasts to partake in the ballet of aromas and flavors.
Nose:
The first pirouette is a delicate interplay of vanilla and honey, reminiscent of the 1st fill bourbon casks. The aroma gracefully evolves, revealing the subtleties of the refill hogshead casks with notes of orchard fruits and a hint of oak. The nose of the Glendullan 9 Years Old Black Swan is a symphony of sweet and nuanced scents that set the stage for the tasting experience.
Taste:
On the palate, the ballet continues with a graceful transition from sweetness to complexity. The 1st fill bourbon casks contribute a rich layer of caramel and toffee, while the refill hogshead casks add a touch of citrus and a gentle spiciness. The marriage of these casks creates a harmonious and well-balanced expression that captures the essence of Glendullan's spirit.
Finish:
The grand finale is a lingering and satisfying conclusion. The Glendullan 9 Years Old Black Swan leaves a lasting impression with a smooth finish that combines the sweetness of the bourbon casks with the subtle complexity from the refill hogshead casks. Each sip is a testament to the careful choreography of maturation.
Conclusion:
The Glendullan 9 Years Old Black Swan, affectionately known as the Black Swan, is a whisky ballet that showcases the artistry of James Eadie and the elegance of Glendullan's spirit. With its trio of carefully selected casks, this release is a rare and graceful expression that captivates the senses. As collectors and connoisseurs embrace the Black Swan, they embark on a journey through the nuanced world of Speyside whisky, where each sip is a dance of flavors that leaves a lasting impression.
