The Singleton of Dufftown 12 Years Old (40%, OB, 2020)

• ABV: 40%
• Age: 12 Years Old
• Bottling: OB, Diageo
• Category: Speyside single malt scotch whisky
• Cost: £37.95 from The Whisky Exchange
• Origin: Dufftown distillery
• Vintage: Undeclared

What they say

This smooth, naturally rich Single Malt Scotch Whisky has sweet fruity notes and a lingering, pleasurable warmth.

Official tasting notes:

• Nose: First polished wood and toasted nuts, then baked apples and soft brown sugar take over, giving way to a mossy note, too.
• Palate: Sweetness and crunchy nuts, then smooth fruity richness: hints of brown sugar and espresso coffee.
• Finish: Medium to long, elegantly drying and crisp, completed by a pleasant, sweetly nutty chew-ability.

What I say

Always a pleasure to revisit some “standard” bottlings, The Singleton of Dufftown 12 was one of those whiskies I chanced upon early in my whisky journey and found immensely easy-going and drinkable. I like the tactile “vintage” bottle shape. I noticed the packaging and labels have been updated and since I last tried this a plethora of so-so NAS bottlings have flooded the market as Diageo attempt to make “The Singleton” brand the biggest seller worldwide, despite being the output of three separate distilleries (namely, Dufftown, Glen Ord and Glendullan). The new labels states this was matured in European and American oak casks.

My tasting notes:

• Appearance: Full amber gold* (10/20), medium-fine tears, long fine legs. *caramel colouring added
• Nose: Sweet and fruity, citric orange, lime, dusty cereal barley flour and malt, syrup, honey, toffee, caramel, cloying.
• Taste: Smooth, plenty of gentle cereal character, vanilla cream, biscuit, barely, soft fudge, runny honey, orange zest, baked apple & pear compote, buttery shortcrust pastry.
• Finish: Medium, drying, spice and zesty, orange blossom honey.

Overall

Smooth and cereal rich with a good fruity sweetness. Still on of my favourite introductory whiskies, a pleasure to revisit.

Score 82/100

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