Singleton of Dufftown 12 Year

Singletons are a group of expressions from different distilleries belonging to Diageo, whose labels are aimed at beginners in this heady world of single malts. In addition to Dufftown, they are part of the Glen Ord and Glendullan complex. As the name suggests, Singleton of Dufftown is produced at the Dufftown distillery in the city of the same name. Like that Adam Driver movie, where everything has the same name, but with less poetry and more alcohol. In that city, there are also well-known distilleries, such as Glenfiddich, Mortlach, Balvenie, Glendullan and Kininvie. The Dufftown distillery is one of the largest in production volume in Diageo's portfolio – second only to Caol Ila and the giant Roseisle. Despite this, less than 5% of its production is bottled as single malt. The remainder is used for blends, especially the well-known Bell’s. Sensorially, Singleton of Dufftown is a very simple, sweet single malt that appears under-aged. He is not aggressive – in fact, far from it. But also, there's not a lot of depth. Its flavor profile is designed to please, not surprise. The maturation of Singleton of Dufftown takes place in American oak ex-bourbon whiskey barrels, “with a high proportion of European oak barrels”. That last sentence is from the distillery itself – as exciting as it is vague. After all, what is the proportion? And what was inside these barrels before receiving the new-make or whiskey? In any case, if you are starting out in the world of single malts, and are looking for a safe and inexpensive bet, Singleton of Dufftown is your whiskey. Just don't look for anything new – it's a malt that offers an experience very similar to a standard premium blended scotch whiskey. But maybe that's not even a bad thing. SINGLETON OF DUFFTOWN 12 YEARS Type: Single Malt Whiskey with defined age (12 years) Distillery: Dufftown Region: Speyside ABV: 40% Test results: Aroma: sweet, with honey, sugar, vanilla. Flavor: honey, almonds, malt, grains. Medium and sweet finish With water: Water highlights the grain base Source: Cão Engarrafado.

Nose: Apples, pears, vanilla, honey, butter, diluted malt extract. Palate: Sweet arrival, again all on orchard fruits and honey. The development and later palate sees a lot of strong, hot flavours appearing. Initially white pepper, then chili, then finally hot ginger, and all these facets are sitting above a raw alcohol prickle. The texture is silky but there is also a harsh edge. Finish: Short. Barley sugar fading to … nothing. I bought this about 6 months ago but have only just opened it. The code is L2324DM003 so this is almost certainly a 2022 bottling. I have rarely tasted a Singleton whisky that I’ve liked, and I don’t think I’ve ever tasted a good whisky from the Dufftown Distillery. Their distillate is hard, industrial and rough – all characteristics showcased in this expression. It starts off very well on the nose, with a profile that is narrow and simple, but good. Orchard fruits, malted cereal and pleasant ex-bourbon barrel vanilla and butter. It’s a crisp summery sort of nose that draws you back for more. The palate begins in the same manner but then a good deal of hot tannic spice intrudes and derails the experience. The finish is very short, with barely any aftertaste at all apart from a little sourness. The bottle information says ex-PX sherry seasoned barrels were partly used for the maturation, and I’m guessing that is where some of the heat derives. They must have been either the lowest grade of seasoned casks or else old multi-refill because all they contributed was tannin. The best way to consume this is with lots of cola soft drink and ice, which highlights the ginger notes on the palate in a very positive way. I would not recommend it as a neat dram – there are affordable blends that are better than this. “Adequate” : 73/100 (2.25 stars)

Absolutely wild whisky to be honest. Honey and sweet apricot and dark cherry jam could be caught on the nose. It is simply too wild on the palate. Too sweet, too nutty and also there is a burn, although it a low ABV whisky. To be more concrete, there is cherry and apricot jam, brown sugar, peeled almonds and walnuts. It may sounds good, but is truly too wild and lacks of malt, wood and balance. Would not buy a second bottle, may try it after some decades, lol.

* Nariz: Tenue y muy bien equilibrada. No se nota el alcohol. Pan horneado, mermelada de grosellas, frutas probablemente rojas, algo de tonel al final, que se va acrecentando. * Boca: Sabroso y delicado. Chocolate dulce, tonos herbales perfectamente equilibrados. Discreto amargor muy bien estructurado en el Background. Cremoso en lengua. También posee cierto carácter frutal con algo de licorice y escasa pimienta. * Final: medio

A- amber -1, high viscosity N- sweet (honey, vanilla) fruity ( sultanas, orange peels, green apples), wet oak P- mild spicy sweet-fruity arrival, half full, half rich, sweet (honey, vanilla), fruity ( orange peels, sultanas, apples, pears) wet oak F- short finish, sweet- fruity aftertaste C- entry level dram, pretty straightforward

Color is very mild. Aroma is sweet with fruit and honey. The first taste is surprisingly mild, just a hint of sweetness. Some hints of nuttiness come in followed by hints of smoke. Overall one of the mildest Scotches I’ve tasted. Perhaps a bit to mild as it leans towards bland. Nothing offensive, but not that interesting either.