The Singleton series combines whiskies from three of Diageo’s biggest distilleries: Dufftown, Glendullan and Glen Ord (in the past other distilleries as well). They’re relatively big but hardly known as most of their production is used in blends like Johnnie Walker. It’s the first time Dufftown appears in Diageo’s Special Releases.
This expression was distilled in 1985 (one of the oldest expressions ever from this distillery) and matured in refill American oak.
The Singleton of Dufftown 28 yo 1985 (52,3%, OB 2013, 3.816 btl.)
The Singleton of Dufftown 28 yo 1985 (52,3%, OB 2013, 3.816 btl.)Nose: old Speyside the way I like it. Creamy fruits (apples, pears, grapes) are mixed with heather honey and a good dose of beeswax. Golden raisins. Soft herbal notes, dried flowers and hints of dusty books. Hints of leather. Vanilla in the distance.
Mouth: oily and sweet. Garden fruits again, with some oranges, raisins and honey. Quite malty (Frosties). Lots of beeswax again. Then some mint, liquorice and nutmeg comes forward, as well as a new wave of herbal notes.
Finish: long, dry, with tons of yellow apples and some pine resin. Also faint hints of smoke.
I love the kind of dustiness and mustiness that old malts like these can possess. Add some balanced fruits and herbs and you have a very nice dram. But it’s overpriced (again): around € 300.
Score: 89/100