Singleton of Dufftown Tailfire

Duffotwn distillery was transformed from a sawmill into a distillery in 1895. At the time of it’s establishment, it was the 6th distillery to operate in Dufftown. These six distilleries compete for water resources initially, with several incidents of overnight diverted water courses and other shennanigans recorded around the turn of the century. The American prohibition of the 20’s hurts Dufftown significantly, but it managed to ride it – and the great depression – out, returning to full production in 1934. This month – the Singleton of Dufftown Tailfire.

Located  in the heart of Speyside with neighbours like Glenfiddich and Balvenie, it is geographically well suited to make fine single malt whisky. Dufftown distillery is the 12th largest distillery in Scotland, being the backbone of the Bells blend.  Unfortunately only 3% of production goes to make single malt whisky.

The Singleton of Dufftown Tailfire brand indicates a single malt which has been finished in sherry barrels.  They red label is meant to suggest a fruit driven style and it does not disappoint.  There is no peat on the nose, but plenty of rich ripe fruits, particularly sultana, bananas and ripe peaches.  On the palate, the whisky alternates between rich sweet flavours of raisins, chocolate, cookies and creamy, swinging back to a dry clean palate, followed by waves of fruit again.