Dufftown 16 Years Old 2008 (Scyfion)

From the bottler Scyfion, a 16 year old Dufftown, distilled in 2008, bottled at 54.7%, one of 150 bottles. Dufftown, owned by Diageo, is a workhorse Speyside distillery and the home of the Singleton of Dufftown. The Singleton of Dufftown is matured in a mix of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry oak.

It was distilled from unpeated Speyside malt in the distillery's six stills, giving the smooth, approachable Speyside spirit. A bourbon barrel held it, the wood adding a light vanilla and a soft honey. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins add a gentle, drying grip. Built for the blender's art, the spirit ages with grace as a single malt. The malty, nutty spirit takes cask flavour well while keeping its Speyside fruit. It is one of Diageo's largest malt distilleries, making around 5.8 million litres a year. It became the heart of the Bell's blend after Arthur Bell and Sons bought it in 1933.

At cask strength 54.7% it is full bodied. Nutty malt, green apple and a gentle spice, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The texture is smooth and creamy, the fruit lifted by vanilla. Apple, nut and a soft oak see out the finish. This is the Singleton of Dufftown in single malt form.