The Singleton of Dufftown 15 Years Old

Singleton of Dufftown from the distillery, a 15 year old, at 40%. Dufftown is a Speyside single malt distilled in the town of Dufftown, the heart of Scotland's malt whisky country. Its spirit stills are larger than its wash stills, unusual among Scottish distilleries.

Mashed in the full lauter tun and fermented long for a clean, grassy make, for a soft, nutty, fruit driven make. Finished in a Pedro Ximenez cask, the wood building over the malty, fruity spirit. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins add a gentle, drying grip. Active wood frames the fruit without overwhelming the smooth Speyside spirit. 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. Its water is drawn from Jock's Well, an artesian spring in the Conval Hills.

At 40% it is clean and soft. Nutty malt, green apple and a gentle spice, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. The mouthfeel is smooth, the fruit carried on a malty body. Apple, nut and a soft oak see out the finish. This is an approachable Speyside single malt.