Dufftown 31 Years Old 1978 Chairman’s Stock (Cadenhead’s)

From the Campbeltown house Cadenhead, a 31 year old Dufftown, distilled in 1978, bottled at 48.6%, one of 207 bottles. Dufftown is a Speyside single malt, sold as The Singleton of Dufftown since 2006. The town of Dufftown holds the highest concentration of distilleries in Scotland.

Run through the stills on water from Jock's Well in the Conval Hills, giving the smooth, approachable Speyside spirit. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the nutty spirit lead. At a great, fragile age oxidation rules, sotolon lending maple and dried fig as beeswax and a nutty honey linger. Active wood frames the fruit without overwhelming the smooth Speyside spirit. The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation in the Dufftown warehouses. For years it made a rich, nutty, spicy spirit in the Bell's style. In recent years the ferment was lengthened and the wort run clear for a grassier make.

At a hearty 48.6% it carries real weight. A smooth, fruity sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Pear, honey and a creamy malt fill the middle. A smooth, malty finish ends on apple and a soft spice. This is Dufftown's nutty, malty Speyside style.