Editor’s Note: This whisky was provided to us as a review sample by Diageo. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
The annual Diageo Special Releases always has a theme. However, the 2020 Special Releases marks the first time a theme repeats itself. Due to the popularity of the 2019 Rare By Nature collection, Diageo has released a part two. This gives Master Blender, Dr. Craig Wilson the ability to showcase whiskies as an encore from these distilleries that would possibly not get bottled on their own.
The 2020 Rare by Nature has the same whiskies as the 2019 Special Releases for whisky lovers to compare. Each whisky is meticulously hand-selected by Dr. Wilson to show another side of the distilleries chosen. The eighth and final whisky in the Rare by Nature editions comes from the Singleton Distillery. The 2020 edition is younger by one year than the 2019 edition. It comes in at 17-years-old this year.
The Singleton Distillery is not the only Dufftown distillery in the 2020 Rare by Nature Special Releases. Rome may have been built on seven hills, but “Dufftown stands on seven stills.” The salmon on the Rare by Nature bottles is not a coincidence, it is also Singleton’s logo because they go their own way.
The distillery started its journey upstream in 1897 at the edge of the River Fiddich. You will also see the distillery go by its full name The Singleton of the Glendullan. During the past ten years, the Mortlach Distillery neighbor has been updating. For example, a state of the art biodiversity plant opened at Glendullan in 2013.
I ranked the 2019 Rare by Nature The Singleton as my third favourite in the collection. Let’s see how it goes for the 2020 edition.
Tasting Notes: Rare by Nature 2020 Special Release The Singleton 17 Year
Vital Stats: 55.1% ABV. Speyside single malt distilled in 2002. Matured in refill American oak hogsheads. 750ml $146.
Appearance: Chardonnay
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Nose: Buttery rich popcorn greets the nose instantly. It has sweet touches of honey and caramel. It’s reminiscent of a traditional candy shoppe. Marshmallow and fudge also seem to stand out. In the midst of all the sweet notes is candied ginger and orange peel.
Palate: This one burns at its natural cask strength. The mouthfeel is soft. Candied orange peel and ginger come out in droves. It has a touch of vanilla fudge that lingers on the finish, however, the oak dries out the mouth. Finally, the aftertaste is full of acetone.
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