The Singleton of Dufftown – Tailfire

About The Singleton of Dufftown

The Dufftown Distillery

The Dufftown distillery can be found at the centre of the Speyside region.  In 1895, Peter MacKenzie and Richard Stackpole relocated to Scotland during the whisky boom. Over the next year, the pair converted a sawmill and a mealmill into Dufftown’s sixth distillery. There were many conflicts over the region’s water source, with several recorded attempts to divert the course of Jock’s Well water in the Conval Hills. In 1933, the distillery was taken over by Arthur K. Bell and after surviving the war and doubling its production, it was finally bought by Guinness PLC in 1985. Dufftown is currently the largest producer owned by Diageo, producing over 4 million litres and contributing to blends such as Johnnie Walker and Bells.

The Singleton of Dufftown – Tailfire

Price: £31.27 Master of Malt; £36.95 The Whisky Exchange

Released in 2014, this 40% AVB Speyside single malt has won three awards. This whisky is matured in a high proportion of European Oak ex-sherry casks, as well as American Oak, and has no age statement. The longer fermentation and slower distillation process are responsible for the smoothness of this malt and its depth of flavour. Uniquely rich and fruity, we think this is the perfect malt to use in whisky cocktails, especially a Rob Roy.

Appearance: A deep amber, the drops lack any sort of definition and the legs are thin. However, it is viscous.

Nose: The initial nose reveals orange zest, caramel and red grapes, leaning towards wine, with just a hint of ground pepper. Further exploration reveals biscuit, possibly hobnobs, and an abundance of red fruits. This is a rather subtle nose.

Madyson: 3/5 | Rami: 3/5

Palate: The palate is packed with flavour. Herbs, parsley, grapes, raspberry and ground white pepper are all plentiful, with further notes of butter and a hint of salt. Fresh and powerful.

Madyson: 5/5 | Rami: 4/5

Finish: The spice of this appropriately named Tailfire reveals itself in the finish. Chilli flakes, cardamom pods and a fresh sprig of coriander can all be found. There are lingering notes of red-berry cheesecake. Dry and flavoursome.

Madyson: 4/5 | Rami 4/5.

Overall: This is a surprisingly simple malt. Different and enjoyable.

7.5/10