Dufftown 1997 The Managers' Choice

Dufftown 1997 The Managers' Choice, 12 YO, 59,5 %

Dufftown Distillery is located in the Speyside region. The distillery has was initially known as the Dufftown-Glenlivet Distillery. Today they sell their single malt under the brand The Singleton of Dufftown. Dufftown is owned by Diageo.

I have tested the Dufftown 1997 The Manager's Choice. This expression is part of a series of single cask editions Diageo released back in 2009/2010, where all their Scotch distilleries were represented. Here's a snippet from the press release back then:

Labelled The Managers’ Choice, the rare limited-edition series is aimed at collectors and connoisseurs who will enjoy owning and exploring an unusual expression of their favourite single malt or even a whole anthology of highly individual single malts, chosen to represent each of 27 distilleries’ distinctive but authentic whisky signature.

The releases are being staged in batches over the next year. September 2009 sees the first release of six malts.

Nose (22/25): I believe we have been transported to a candy store, the kind they had back when I was a kid. Row upon row with candy of all kinds, where you could pick individual pieces in a paper bag. A paper bag that usually filled up way too quickly! Sugar, candy, honey, sweet fruits, and dessert wine (I'm thinking a Tokaji wine).

Taste (22/25): Smooth, delicious, sugary. I find chili, dark chocolate, and some fruits. It is somewhat dry.

Finish (19/25): I wish this could have had more development and a longer finish. All sweetness falls off very quickly ("Drop it like it's hot!"). Right at the end it turns slightly vegetal.

Balance (20/25): This started off as a very positive experience, then it kind of lost it's footing (and thus it's balance) along the way. Still a decent dram, by all means.

Score (83/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas