Dufftown 7yo, 2009-2016, C&S Dram Collection
ABV: 59.8%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: C&S Dram
Cask type: Hogshead + Wine Finish (#702215, 260 btl.)
Colour: Dark straw.
Nose: The nose starts off with a filigree fruitiness of apricots, tangerines and ripe pears. With time, hints of oranges, bananas and toffee emerge. Very appealing and
creamy. Tender vanilla sweetness and subtle spiced oak in the back.
Palate: Strong and intense on the palate due to the high alcohol load. Behind that, filigree notes of sweet vanilla and creamy toffee arrive, accompanied by oranges,
tangerines and bananas. Very warm with hints of spiced oak, pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Finish: The finish is medium long and warm with slightly prickling oak on the tongue. Creamy vanilla sweetness lingers with yellow fruit and subtle bitter orange peel on the
tail.
With water: A decent splash of water significantly tames the alcoholic bite bringing more vanilla and oaky spiciness to the fore. The filigree yellow fruitiness, however, is
almost gone. Vibrant and lively on the palate with lots of warming spices - pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and oak. Again the fruitiness is almost tamed with water. The finish is medium to long,
warm and vibrant with prickling oak. Very dry with bitter notes of orange peel on the tail.
Comments: This is a young, pleasant, and straightforward Speyside whisky. A massive attack to one's taste buds when enjoyed neat. Behind the alcoholic curtain, however, a
lovely and delicate restrained fruitiness of yellow fruits comes to the fore. Together with the high alcoholic content, the spiciness of the cask is quite dominant but, with time, gives room
to the filigree sweet flavours. Definitely a bold one which needs time to open up. Unfortunately, less fruity and very dry when diluted.
I thank Caminneci - Wine & Spirit Partner for sample and photograph!