Dufftown 13 Years Old 2008 Cask #700203 (Artful Dodger Whisky Collective)

From the bottler Artful Dodger Whisky Collective, a 13 year old Dufftown, distilled in 2008, from cask 700203, bottled at 57.6%. Dufftown, owned by Diageo, is a workhorse Speyside distillery and the home of the Singleton of Dufftown. In recent years the ferment was lengthened and the wort run clear for a grassier make.

Distilled for the nutty, malty character Dufftown is known for, the long ferment building a grassy, fruity character. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the nutty, malty character to the fore. In integration lactones (coconut) and vanillin (vanilla) knit with the spirit, the green apple deepening to honey. The Singleton style leans on a mix of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry oak. Long ageing turns the fresh apple towards honey, dried fruit and a soft spice. Its spirit stills are larger than its wash stills, unusual among Scottish distilleries. Water from Jock's Well and a long ferment give the clean Dufftown make.

At a hearty 57.6% it carries real weight. A malty, nutty sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A dried fruit and a soft oak give it depth. The close is smooth, fruit over a gentle, spicy oak. This is Dufftown, a heart malt of the Bell's blend.