Singleton of Dufftown Malt Master's Selection

Smell: Immediately very fruity (apples and pears primarily) with a backdrop of vanilla and caramel, plus a notable grassy, honey scent. There's a character to the aroma that strongly recalls a fine blended whisky. The sweetness grows with time yet stays lively and not overwhelming. [The aroma from the dry glass is mostly light ashy smoke]. Taste: A lightly oily and sweet start with fruity notes (apple and pear again). As it develops, some vanilla and honey become evident, followed by a wave of very potent esters like fruit-flavored cordial syrup. A bit of orange essence and chocolate, caramel malted milk, and a hint of peppery spice. There's a slight metallic quality that slightly disrupts the palate. Finish: Medium/short. Fruity and caramel notes that fade into a somewhat bittersweet aftertaste with the metallic characteristic persisting. This is clearly a young single malt. It's very estery and spirit-forward, and the casks were good but not first-fill. The aroma lacks the depth and complexity of a superior single malt, but it is nonetheless pleasing and refreshing. The overall profile strongly resembles that of a quality blended scotch, and the whisky works well as a mixer with soda and ice. Dilution slightly moderates the fruity characteristics on both the aroma and taste and is suggested. Indeed, with just a splash of plain water, it becomes a very enjoyable quaffing malt on a warm day, and I'm certain it would be well-suited in a highball. Considering the price, it offers good value and would be perfectly acceptable as an occasional substitute for one's regular mixing blend. "Average": 79/100 (2.75 stars)

I am conducting a side-by-side comparison of this with the Singleton of Dufftown 12 years old. Nose: The fruitiness and apple notes are immediately apparent. Vanilla and some lime are present, with a hint of honey. Taste: A light tannic bitterness, quite oily. Still plenty of apple and pear fruitiness, complemented by caramel, hay, and peppercorn. Finish: Short and somewhat unpleasant. It most strongly reminds me of orange pith and very dark chocolate, which lingers in the mouth. While I preferred the nose of this whisky over the Singleton of Dufftown 12 YO, the bitterness in this version actually resulted in a lower score.

A respectable and memorable inexpensive single malt scotch. It is not as smooth and mild as one might expect. The young malt has a pleasant intensity, which I always appreciate in a whiskey. The overall profile is reminiscent of some good blended whiskies. It's fruity, sweet, and spicy, with a long finish that includes some woody notes. The sherry influence is clearly noticeable throughout. I would suggest this to individuals who enjoy blends and wish to explore single malts.

N14, P13, F13, B13 A rather unremarkable no-age-statement spirit. The aroma is direct, malty, with a touch of wood, and the spirit stings the nostrils. The taste is simple, forgettable, with mild fruitiness and spice. The alcohol is noticeable. On the third or fourth day of tasting, an unpleasant flavor emerged, reminiscent of fusel oil or kerosene. I will pass on this one.

December 15th, 2021 Smell: subtle oak, honey Taste: rich texture; spice, vanilla, toffee Finish: pepper, caramel I have enjoyed it straight, with ice, and mixed with Coca Cola No Sugar in various proportions. I prefer a 50mL: 50mL mix of Coke No Sugar with two ice cubes.

Three barrel types were used: refill, seasoned, and ex-bourbon. It has 'fresh fruit, rich honey, and mellow vanilla, followed by juicy pear, sweet spice and the tingling warmth of white pepper'. Quite smooth with understated complexity. I will try it again.