The Singleton of Glendullan 14-Year-Old ‘The Silken Gown’ Review (Diageo Special Releases 2023)

For the 2023 Special Releases, Diageo selected a whisky brand that frequently features in the series, but has never before been bottled at 14 years of age. On top of that, this whisky has a finish that takes the Spirited Xchange theme to a new level. In this The Singleton of Glendullan 14 Year Old The Silken Gown Review, you’ll discover how Speyside meets France in this silky expression.

With his first Diageo Special Releases, Master Distiller Dr. Stuart Morrison has delivered several notable firsts. The series includes the first direct bottling from Roseisle and one of the oldest whiskies from Glenkinchie. He also introduces the first whisky from the Speyside distillery to appear in the range with The Singleton of Glendullan 14 Year Old.

For this dram, a finish was chosen in French oak casks that previously held Burgundy Chardonnay. The wine has accentuated the classic Singleton character, resulting in a sweet and richly textured whisky. Thanks to its fruity notes and sweet wine influence, this whisky appeals both to whisky lovers and those new to the category.

You can find The Singleton of Glendullan 14 Year Old The Silken Gown at specialist retailers.

The illustration on the label and tube of The Singleton of Glendullan 14 Year Old The Silken Gown ties perfectly into its French cask finish and was created by a French illustrator. Pierre Mornet draws heavily on Art Deco and Art Nouveau, which here becomes a depiction of a woman in a playful silk gown billowing in the wind. She gazes out over the sea, with small boats and a distant shoreline in the background. Her gown is a yellow hue reminiscent of white wine.

Unsurprising, since Mornet wanted the gown to evoke the Chardonnay wine maturation in French oak. The image doesn’t immediately reveal that you’re looking at a particularly special 14-year-old whisky, but it does hint at an elegant dram. The illustration also conveys the whisky’s gentle character.

Aromas of fresh-cut grass, vanilla, sugary sweetness, and ripe orchard fruits like apples and pears come together in a creamy bouquet that almost reads like the nose of a fine wine. The Glendullan’s wood maturation has clearly had a positive impact on the aroma of this expression.

On the palate, the theme continues: think fresh orchard fruit, syrupy tinned pineapple, vanilla creaminess, and a tiny touch of pepper. Toward the medium-length finish the whisky dries slightly, bringing a note of green apple with a caramel accent. From start to finish, this whisky remains sweet and soft, something that’s only enhanced with a drop of water.

With this expression in the Special Releases 2023, Diageo’s master blender delivers a true crowd-pleaser, though of course it’s impossible to satisfy every whisky drinker. Those who love salt, peat, and smoke aren’t the target here, but the beauty of the series is that Diageo has other drams to suit that audience. This one is for whisky fans who appreciate sweet, fruity, soft, and elegant styles, and it’s ideal for non-whisky drinkers to get acquainted with the water of life. If you’re hunting for a great gift for the upcoming holidays or just because The Silken Gown is a safe yet distinctive choice.

+ A perfect dram for non-whisky drinkers

+ Elegant and gentle

+ Glendullan’s influence shines through beautifully

- Not for peat lovers