Review: Game of Thrones House Tully – The Singleton of Glendullan Select
In celebration of the eighth and final season of the Game of Thrones television series, Diageo has teamed up with HBO to release the Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection, a set of eight whiskies released to “honor the great houses and the Night’s Watch” with single malts from Cardhu, Clynelish, Dalwhinnie, Glendullan, Lagavulin, Oban, Royal Lochnagar, and Talisker. These single malts were launched in the United States in late 2018, followed by an international release in early 2019.
I’ll be reviewing each of the expressions from the Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection over the course of season eight, which premiered last night. Up first is Game of Thrones House Tully – The Singleton of Glendullan Select, an NAS (No Age Statement) single malt Scotch whisky from Glendullan, one of the lesser known distilleries in Diageo’s portfolio.
Game of Thrones House Tully – The Singleton of Glendullan Select Specifications:
- Spirit: Scotch.
- Classification: Single Malt.
- Region: Speyside.
- Age: NAS (No Age Statement).
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof).
- Cask Type: Matured in refill and rejuvenated ex-bourbon casks.
- NCF (Non-Chill Filtered)? No.
- Natural Color? No.
- Price Paid: $25.49 for 750 mL.
Tasting Notes:
- Color: Amber.
- Nose: Sweet, fruity, green apples, vanilla, and a hint of spice.
- Palate: Moderate mouthfeel. Sweet, fruity (apricot, green apples, a hint of sweet orange), honey, vanilla, floral notes, and cracked black pepper.
- Finish: Short-medium length and slightly drying. The fruit, honey, and vanilla notes transition to a syrupy, nondescript sweetness. More black pepper and floral notes. Tobacco, a hint of toffee, and oak.
I’ve had the pleasure of sampling The Singleton of Glendullan 12, 15, and 18 year olds in the past and enjoyed them for what they were. I don’t remember them well enough to compare The Singleton of Glendullan Select directly against them, but compared to other entry level single malts in its class with which I’m more familiar – Glenlivet 12 Year Old, Glenfiddich 12 Year Old, and Glenmorangie The Original – The Singleton of Glendullan Select more than holds its own.
Rating: B- (80-82%).
A Second Opinion:
My cousin Jayson and I frequently participate in bottle splits and share samples of new releases. When possible, I’ll share his tasting notes alongside mine.
Jayson’s Notes:
- Color: Amber.
- Nose: Sweet. Fruit. Vanilla. Mild cinnamon. Wild flowers – chamomile, grass. Not crazy robust but very nice.
- Palate: Watery mouthfeel. Straightforward Speyside whisky – apples, cinnamon, some baking spices. On the sweeter side. I swear there’s some ex-sherry in the vatting. Another pleasant surprise.
- Finish: Somewhat short. Sweet spices. Vanilla. Faint pepper.
I’d have a hard time telling this apart from other entry level Speyside single malts in a blind tasting. You give me this blind alongside Glenlivet 12 Year Old and Macallan 10 Year Fine Oak and I might not go 3 for 3. It’s well balanced and simple, but with a touch more complexity than originally expected. The nose is my favorite part. For a $30-35 bottle, this is a really good value for the money and punches a little above its weight. I’d put it one point above old reliable, Glenfiddich 12 Year Old.
Jayson’s Rating: C+ (77-79%).