Dufftown Batch 4 (TBWC)

This Dufftown was bottled by That Boutique-y Whisky Company, a 10 year old, bottled at 47.8%, one of 1670 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.

The spirit was made on Conval Hills water and condensed in shell and tube condensers, building the smooth Dufftown style. A bourbon barrel held it, the wood adding a light vanilla and a soft honey. In integration lactones (coconut) and vanillin (vanilla) knit with the spirit, the green apple 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. Its spirit stills are larger than its wash stills, unusual among Scottish distilleries. For years it made a rich, nutty, spicy spirit in the Bell's style.

At a hearty 47.8% it carries real weight. Baked apple, nut and a creamy malt, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A baked apple and a gentle spice lift it. Apple, nut and a soft oak see out the finish. This is the Singleton of Dufftown in single malt form.