Glendullan 26 Years old Rare Malts Selection 56.6% 1978

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (88)

From the final batch of the Rare Malts series.

Colour: straw.

Nose: as hot but grainier and maybe simpler at first nosing… But it’s soon to adopt more or less the same profile. Mashed potatoes and porridge, boiled cereals, fresh butter, fresh herbs (chive, watercress). It gets then fruitier than the Scott, on peaches… Some rather bold notes of mint tea, verbena, a little bergamot… Certainly cleaner, although there are some meaty notes as well.

Mouth: it’s very different this time, much more explosive, with a ‘punchy’ mix of liquorice and fruits (ripe apricots and melons). Hot caramel, grains, maybe a little lavender crème and something pleasantly prickly (icing sugar, pear drops). Let’s add a little water now (… while the nose gets a little farmier as usual, but also mintier)… Yes, it gets more drinkable, more playful (lots of acidic fruits like lemons, fresh pineapples, apricots, kiwis) and sweeter and more rounded, as expected (light caramel and honey).

It’s good and the finish is rather long, sweet and bitter in a nice way, with something waxy in the background.

Probably not a total winner but certainly one of the very best Glendullans I ever had. Not ‘dull’ at all!

BOW (88)

In the realm of rare and vintage whiskies, Glendullan 26 Years Old, part of the Rare Malts Selection Series, stands as a testament to the distillery's enduring legacy and the artistry of time. Distilled in 1978 and bottled on the 24th of June 2005, this expression is a captivating journey through the decades, offering enthusiasts a glimpse into the rich history and craftsmanship of Glendullan. With an impressive ABV of 56.6%, this rare gem beckons those with a taste for the extraordinary.

The Maturation Odyssey:
The Glendullan 26 Years Old Rare Malts Selection spent over a quarter of a century maturing in the hallowed confines of the distillery's warehouses. Bottled in 2005 as part of the Rare Malts Selection Series, this expression represents a carefully chosen cask that has weathered the passage of time, gaining depth and complexity with each passing year. It is a rare vintage bottle, and it's worth noting that due to the age, the closure may have deteriorated. Caution is advised when opening, as this relic from the past is sold as described.

Tasting Notes:
As the golden elixir graces the glass, it unveils a symphony of aromas and flavors that speak to the richness of Glendullan's heritage.

Nose:
The nose of the Glendullan 26 Years Old is a nuanced tapestry where fruitiness takes a backseat to a captivating array of notes. Yellow fruits and citrus provide a subtle backdrop to dominant elements of potato skins, barley sugars, and leather. Breakfast cereals intermingle with wild flowers, while unexpected delights of pineapple cubes, peach in its own juices, and watercress add an intriguing complexity. It's a pleasantly surprising olfactory experience that hints at the depth within.

Taste:
On the palate, the whisky unveils its true character with an oily, mouth-coating texture that announces its presence with a punch. The emphasis shifts to a burst of fruitiness—apricots, peach, bergamot, kiwi, and melon—all dancing in harmony. Honey and licorice emerge, accompanied by the subtle influence of vanilla and wood spice. The taste buds are awakened with a delightful prickle, creating a sweet and fruity profile that carries the unmistakable charm of an old-school whisky.

Finish:
In the long and evolving finish, the Glendullan 26 Years Old transitions from sweet to mildly bitter, leaving the mouth with a dry sensation. This final act is a testament to the whisky's journey through time, with lingering notes that beckon reflection on the rich and storied history encapsulated in every drop.

Conclusion:
The Glendullan 26 Years Old Rare Malts Selection is more than a whisky; it is a time capsule that encapsulates the essence of a bygone era. As the cork is carefully removed from this vintage relic, enthusiasts are invited to savor the complexities and nuances that have evolved over 26 years of maturation. Sold with the caution that the closure may have aged, this rare gem is a piece of whisky history, inviting those who dare to explore the flavors and stories locked within its golden depths.