The Singleton of Glen Ord 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Distillery Background and History

Glen Ord Distillery, founded in 1838, is the sole active Highland distillery on Scotland’s Black Isle and is owned by Diageo. It draws spring water from Loch nam Bonnach and has earned awards at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in the 1990s  .

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

The Singleton range is guided by Diageo’s in-house blending team rather than a single master distiller. Their philosophy emphasizes gentle distillation, natural color, and no chill filtration to deliver consistent, smooth, globally appealing whiskies ().

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

A classic Speyside single malt made from 100 % malted barley. The water is sourced from Glen Ord’s Loch nam Bonnach spring and proprietary yeast strains are used to maintain house consistency  .

Distillation Process

Glen Ord uses traditional copper pot stills, distilled slowly to retain fruity and floral notes. The distillery houses seven wash and seven spirit stills in a slow batch process  .

Maturation & Cask Information

Primarily matured in a combination of European Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, followed by finishing in refill American oak casks. This process brings together rich dried fruit sweetness with balanced oak character  .

Tasting Notes

Golden amber color

Nose: Rich dried fruit, dark chocolate, nutty malt, and subtle oak spice 

Palate: Creamy and balanced with raisins, caramel, coffee, hazelnuts, and warm spice ()

Finish: Medium-length with oak tannins, cocoa, and lingering dried fruit 

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with dark chocolate desserts, Latin spice nuts, mature cheeses, dried fruit cakes, and rich stews.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Serve neat or with a few drops of spring water at 18–20 °C in a Glencairn or nosing glass to concentrate aromas. Allow rest time for optimal character development.

Storage and Aging Potential

Maintainable for years in a sealed, cool, dark storage. Further aging in the bottle won’t enhance flavors, but it retains balance and freshness over time.

Grain Type & Mash Bill

Single malt Scotch whisky made exclusively from locally sourced barley  .

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

40 % ABV.