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The Singleton of Dufftown 54-Year-Old is a paragon of time for the Scotch whisky brand
By Michelle Johnson | 17 June 2021 | Food & Drink
The rare whisky is premium spirit brand Diageo’s oldest ever single malt release
The Singleton of Dufftown revealed its second and final bottling of in its acclaimed Paragon of Time Collection: a 54-Year-Old 1966 vintage Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The rare expression is the oldest ever release from the brand, and from its parent company Diageo alike, and limited to just 235 bottles.
Announcing the bottling on the 2 June, The Singleton streamed simultaneously from London’s Royal Greenwich Observatory and its own Highland Distillery, where malt master Maureen Robinson held court over 54 journalists from around the world all eager to taste this ultra-rare dram.
Matured for over 50 years in the original slow-craft tradition of the 1960s before being finished in a single Pedro Ximenez-seasoned cask, Robinson explained the incredible task of caring for and curating this expression.
“Originally filled in 1966, this European oak cask is the closest to the end of the old slow-craft period that we have ever released,” she said. “The old distillers of the past laid down this cask and it is a privilege for me to be able to awaken their crafted spirits over half a century later with a final chapter from today. I see it as a beautiful balance of the old art of craft and using our modern finishing to present a precious whisky of layered, balanced and exceptional richness.”
A rich, deep amber in appearance, on the nose this superlative whisky is mellow and aromatic, with hints of wine, fenugreek atop the slight hint of liquorice. A sense of toffee and bitter coffee emerges with water.
Light on the palate, its taste combines fruits and figs with a quick rush of pepper – described as “Christmas pudding in a glass”. Its long finish is pleasantly warming with a faint memory of pepper.
Retailing at £28,850 per 70cl bottle, the last in the Paragon of Time Collection is presented in a leather-lined wooden cabinet made of 54-year-old wood and with decoration inspired by the Scottish landscape. It also comes with a fine crystal decanter made by Baccarat to The Singleton silhouette, with copper details crafted by Royal Warrant holders Thmoas Fattorini.