Northern Shoveler - Anas clypeata

Both the colouration and the distinctive bill easily identify this handsome bird and in this particular photograph both birds are above water showing their handsome profiles with that compelling bill - most of my shots catch them in the feeding position with heads out of sight beneath the surface of the water.

Waterfowl In The Distance - Wait They Saw me

Druid Tree

Marshy Heaths Attract Me

The Singleton of Glendullan - 12 year old

The Singleton of Glendullan   12 year old,    40% Alc/Vol

The Glendullan Distillery, Dufftown, Keith, Banffshire has the highest volume production among Diageo’s distilleries.  The name refers to the Dullan River on which Dufftown stands.  The whisky has been aged in Sherry and Bourbon casks/

Michael Jackson's Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch comments:

   House Style – Perfumy, fruity, dry, chili like, oily, big.  Put it in a hip flask.

     COLOUR   -  Amber with gold high-lights

     NOSE         -  Fragrant sherry, underlying cereal, apple, and subtle spice.

     BODY        -  Quite full.

     PALATE     -  Sherried, rich, caramel, brittle toffee, hazelnuts.

     FINISH      -   Medium in length. Spice and raisins.                                              

Score 77

Himself's Take:

When I bought this bottle I let my 'mean' Scot brain take over my thinking as it was such a great bargain and I momentarily confused it with another peatier malt that I knew was quite well thought of.  So my first pouring was preceded by a look at Michael Jackson and I thought oh-ho '77' perfumy, no peat, what have I wrought and so of course my first tipple left me agreeing with Michael on the 'put it in a hip flask' and the '77' but I was disappointed to say the least.  But I have the bottle and the nights are still chilly so I tried another night and the oily, sherry, grew on me and indeed it was hip flask easy to roll around my tongue.  And now tonight I am pleased with the buy (and more pleased with my truly bargain price for I would have hated to put out the old true price for this when I prefer the more lightning moment of a deep peaty Laphroaig). Final analysis is in agreement with the fruity, oily put-it-in-a-hip-flask remark.  However it is a truly fine single-malt to share with friends with complete ease and especially if they tend to like 'smooth' whisky, for it is not bland, being complex enough to seek out those strange appellations of things like subtle spice, brittle toffee, underlying cereal, etc that tend to elude my palate completely.  The smoothness that is there is from the 40% Alc/Vol but again the complexity of flavours is hovering in the background.  I would buy a second bottle of this - especially if it were to appeal to my frugality.  Norvellhimself!!