Dufftown Batch 3 (TBWC)

From the bottler That Boutique-y Whisky Company, a 16 year old Dufftown, bottled at 50.9%, one of 237 bottles. Dufftown is a nutty, spicy Speyside malt, for decades the heart of the Bell's blend. It runs a full lauter mash tun, twelve washbacks and six stills, and works around the clock.

It was made on Conval Hills water and condensed in shell and tube condensers, the long ferment building a grassy, fruity character. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the nutty, malty character to the fore. Through oxidative maturity esters concentrate, apple and pear turning honeyed over the malty body. Years in oak round the spirit, the green apple and malt deepening to honey. Active wood frames the fruit without overwhelming the smooth Speyside spirit. It became the heart of the Bell's blend after Arthur Bell and Sons bought it in 1933. The Singleton of Dufftown is matured in a mix of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry oak.

At a hearty 50.9% it carries real weight. Baked apple, nut and a creamy malt, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Pear, honey and a creamy malt fill the middle. Apple, nut and a soft oak see out the finish. This is a Speyside single malt of real character.