The Singleton Sublimely Smooth 18 yo Dufftown Distillery

 

 

 

40°

Distillery : Dufftown - Speyside

Refill American Bourbon and European Sherry Casks

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2011

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The Singleton of Dufftown 18yo was released just three years after the 15yo, which leads me to believe that it is exactly the same juice, but a little older. This product, initially reserved for Europe, is now available all over the world. It is the distillery's oldest expression in the regular range. Initially, it was subtitled Traditionally Batch Distilled, then Perfectly Balanced and Smooth, and finally, as from 2020, Sublimely Smooth.

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is at last complex, with crème caramel, white chocolate ganache, a variety of pulpy fruits, apples, apricots, pears, bananas, pineapple, with a hint of vanilla and a zest of lemon. On the palate, it's still a little light, but it comes through: woody, floral, white grapes and rosewater, a pinch of icing sugar, very light spices. The finish is interesting, with toasted cereals, young wood, tannins, hazelnuts, almonds, cola, cloves and a very slight touch of bitterness.

In Short, 

You have to wait until it's 18 years old before you get something complex, a real profile. It's still a little too light in alcohol, and the cold filtration erases the flavours, but there's something appreciable nevertheless. I wouldn't go so far as to buy it, but it gives you a good time. Fans beware, the price varies considerably.

Score : 86

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Feist - Forever Before