The Singleton of Dufftown 12 years

Score: 56

The Singleton of Dufftown, bottled at 40%, was designed with approachability in mind, a gateway dram for those new to single malts. And in that role, it performs admirably. Rich amber in the glass, it opens with aromas of brown sugar, espresso, dried fruit, and roasted nuts. The palate is polished and smooth, echoing those notes with a gentle sweetness and a touch of spice. The finish is drying and medium in length, with a pleasant crispness that keeps things clean. But in the club tasting, it came fifth, and the reason was clear. It was just too weak. That 40% bottling left it lacking the weight and presence needed to stand out among more robust contenders. While the flavors were pleasant, they felt diluted, and the texture, though smooth, bordered on watery. It’s a whisky that plays it safe, ideal for casual sipping or introducing someone to the category, but under the scrutiny of seasoned palates, it simply didn’t have the muscle. A solid starter, yes, but not one to rally behind when the stakes are high.