We commence this month’s outturn review with a trip over to Dufftown for a 10 year old drawn from a 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel.
Nose: Sweetshop indeed – an array of saccharine-led treats is delivered in the form of candy canes, foam strawberries and nougat. Supporting this – berry packed Eaton Mess, Jammy Dodger biscuits and evaporated milk. In the background – a dusting of icing sugar and a touch of grainy chalk. The addition of water offers a different complexion – hessian sack cloth and pressed laundry alongside pink marshmallow and cherry blossom.
Taste: Bolder, more forthright – and hotter. Quince jelly and strawberry cordial sit with peeled clementines and red apples. Alcoholic prickle follows delivering an assortment of red and yellow jelly babies, steeped fruit teas and pepperiness. Reduction is soothing, quickly reducing the boozy hostility. It adds strawberry bootlaces, redcurrant cordial and a selection of Haribo gummies.
Finish: Medium with Pink strawberry cream mushrooms, white chocolate mice and textural sunflower oil.
A well-named Dufftown that offers plenty of confectionary with just a touch of unsolicited antagonism on the palate. Nothing that a touch of dilution can’t fix – the resulting presentation is vivid, bright, fruity and reminiscent of an assortment of 70s retro indulgences.